Flag mount

[guzzihack]

Last November I semi-retired. (Doing a little truckin' a day or two a week) In December I did something I've wanted to do but never had the time, I joined the Patriot Guard Riders. I've added the small 6X9 flags to my bikes, but I've been slow making mounts for the full size 3X5 flags for funeral escorts.

Both my Spyder RT and Guzzi have hitches, so I made use of those. The Guzzi already had a flat plate on it, but the BRP hitch on the Spyder does not. I acquired some 1/8" flat steel plate and four 1 3/8" ID pipe 11" long, cut at a 15o angle on one end. I then welded a heavy 5/8 washer on the angled end. The plate was cut to the shape of the inside curvature of the BRP hitch, then welded in place. The plates on both bikes were then drilled for 5/8 holes and the pipes were bolted in place to the same pitch. The pipes were drilled to pin a HD shower rod I got at Lowes.

Haven't had any PGR missions yet to test them out. I have noticed the BRP hitch flexes more than the one on my Goose. Maybe should have used a 1/4" plate? Time will tell too if the extra bouncing from the swing arm type hitch will cause problems.
IMG_3218.jpgIMG_3214.jpgIMG_3216.jpgIMG_3197.jpg

[Desert Spyder]

I have a 1/4 x 2 x 4-1/2 plate bent about 15 degrees secured with the hitch ball. I use a Rivco flag holder which has a 5/8 stainless steel bolt welded to the bottom and secured to the plate. The keeper pin is an absolutely must because of the swing arm motion. I only use one flag, a special US flag for high winds. I’m 90 miles from the nearest National Cemetery, Riverside. We have been very busy.

Last November I semi-retired. (Doing a little truckin' a day or two a week) In December I did something I've wanted to do but never had the time, I joined the Patriot Guard Riders. I've added the small 6X9 flags to my bikes, but I've been slow making mounts for the full size 3X5 flags for funeral escorts.

Both my Spyder RT and Guzzi have hitches, so I made use of those. The Guzzi already had a flat plate on it, but the BRP hitch on the Spyder does not. I acquired some 1/8" flat steel plate and four 1 3/8" ID pipe 11" long, cut at a 15o angle on one end. I then welded a heavy 5/8 washer on the angled end. The plate was cut to the shape of the inside curvature of the BRP hitch, then welded in place. The plates on both bikes were then drilled for 5/8 holes and the pipes were bolted in place to the same pitch. The pipes were drilled to pin a HD shower rod I got at Lowes.

Haven't had any PGR missions yet to test them out. I have noticed the BRP hitch flexes more than the one on my Goose. Maybe should have used a 1/4" plate? Time will tell too if the extra bouncing from the swing arm type hitch will cause problems.
IMG_3218.jpgIMG_3214.jpgIMG_3216.jpgIMG_3197.jpg

[pegasus1300]

Last November I semi-retired. (Doing a little truckin' a day or two a week) In December I did something I've wanted to do but never had the time, I joined the Patriot Guard Riders. I've added the small 6X9 flags to my bikes, but I've been slow making mounts for the full size 3X5 flags for funeral escorts.

Both my Spyder RT and Guzzi have hitches, so I made use of those. The Guzzi already had a flat plate on it, but the BRP hitch on the Spyder does not. I acquired some 1/8" flat steel plate and four 1 3/8" ID pipe 11" long, cut at a 15o angle on one end. I then welded a heavy 5/8 washer on the angled end. The plate was cut to the shape of the inside curvature of the BRP hitch, then welded in place. The plates on both bikes were then drilled for 5/8 holes and the pipes were bolted in place to the same pitch. The pipes were drilled to pin a HD shower rod I got at Lowes.

Haven't had any PGR missions yet to test them out. I have noticed the BRP hitch flexes more than the one on my Goose. Maybe should have used a 1/4" plate? Time will tell too if the extra bouncing from the swing arm type hitch will cause problems.
IMG_3218.jpgIMG_3214.jpgIMG_3216.jpgIMG_3197.jpg

The pictures may be deceiving but it appears as if your current poles may allow your flags to drag under some circumstances. If you can, you might want to add 3 or 4 inches to their length. Nice looking installation. I have been riding with the Patriot Guard for many years. I enjoy it very much and the family members for whom we perform the service are very appreciative. I'm sure you will get much satisfaction from your service.

[Little Blue]

Looks like a great job for showing the flags. I know people will enjoy the display. RYDE on my Spyder friend.

[guzzihack]

The pictures may be deceiving but it appears as if your current poles may allow your flags to drag under some circumstances. If you can, you might want to add 3 or 4 inches to their length. Nice looking installation. I have been riding with the Patriot Guard for many years. I enjoy it very much and the family members for whom we perform the service are very appreciative. I'm sure you will get much satisfaction from your service.

It's the pictures. They clear the ground by almost a half foot now. I had to add 6" to get them high enough. When I have them on my Guzzi, the PGR flag touches when on the sidestand, but as long as the Star & Stripes don't touch the ground, I'm happy. Most of my missions have been in the Quad Cities with a few near Peoria. This volunteer work is so humbling and very rewarding. A RC once told me that sometimes those dark sunglasses may leak. And he's right. Bag pipes and the taps always get my attention. Keep up the good work.

Coke