Ok here is the deal... After getting my Givi bags and the wingracks in, i now need to make a bracket to mount them to. I was thinking of the kawasaki bracket, but dont like the thought of always running with bags. So here goes more R&D (i love that abbriviation).

I was thinking of replacing the bolts (u know which ones, the ones that are along the current handbar) that are in the currently on the bike with studs. that way i can make my own bracket and just screw (well bolt it on, same idea) it on when needed, and remove them when not. I will put some nut caps on to keep the bolts from doing harm when the bags arent on.... Any ideas, pluses or minuses?

Also quick question. Can you use a tap and die to put threads on a bare steel rod like you would do a freshly drilled hole, or do threads have to be machined in a rod like that?

Yes you can thread a rod and hole. I will try to post picts of the brackets I made. LAter tonight or tomorrow.

I was thinking of replacing the bolts (u know which ones, the ones that are along the current handbar) that are in the currently on the bike with studs.... Any ideas, pluses or minuses?
I wouldn't think that'd cause any problems. Sounds like a good idea.

Also quick question. Can you use a tap and die to put threads on a bare steel rod like you would do a freshly drilled hole, or do threads have to be machined in a rod like that?

Just be sure you have the die as straight as possible when you start it.
Once the threads start getting cut, if the die isn't straight, they'll end up being really off center. Most likely still useable, but not giving optimum thread engagment.
What about using a bar of all-thread to make the stud?

thanks for the inputs.... i will try and get something done this weekend after the stator.....

And use some kind of oil while doing the threads ! Even WD40 will be better than nothing.

can i just use engine oil? i seem to have plenty of that laying around lol

That'll work. :smiley_th
There are special thread cutting oils, but anything to lube the die as it cuts the threads is better than cutting dry.
Same when tapping threads... using any type of oil will result in better threads and less of a chance of breaking a tap.
Don't rush it either. Go a little ways, then back it off some, then go a little further and back it off etc....

here is a pict of my brackets that I made, moved the helmet locks also
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ccspinner1/detail?.dir=fe73re2&.dnm=57fdre2.jpg&.src=ph

Very nice. Did you have a hard time getting the helmet locks off? The screws holding mine on are really, really tough to loosen. I think it's a combination of loc-tite and road grime on the threads behind the fender. I've got some bags coming, "Real Soon Now" and will have to start thinking about relocating things.

Looks good Chad. :smiley_th
I'm just about to put the set I'm making together.
I just used some 1/4" steel rod. Got everything bent, now just have to weld on some mounting brackets & drill some holes. They'll be mounted similar to yours, but using the helmet lock screw hole..
I'm also moving the helmet locks. So far the left side came off easy enough. Haven't tried the right one yet. I'll probably see about getting them powder coated in satin textured black at work.
I might also try permenantly mounting the nylon bags I have to them, but that's still just a thought.
I don't think I'll relocate the signal lights though.

The right side helmet lock came off with a Hammer and a impact driver, left side got to turn a little and than it was stuck. I used a Dremmil with a cutting wheel and cut the screw off.

Ok here is the deal... After getting my Givi bags and the wingracks in, i now need to make a bracket to mount them to. I was thinking of the kawasaki bracket, but dont like the thought of always running with bags. So here goes more R&D (i love that abbriviation).
I'm confused at this comment. The Givi bags are removable from the wingracks with just a turn of the key and push of the button. You can ride with the bags on or off as you like. There's no other removal system easier. Taking the wingracks on and off is another matter though.

Well, here's the brackets I made.
They still need the helmet lock bracket welded on and some sanding and then painted, but they fit pretty good.
I'm still undecided if I'm going to mount the bags directly to them or not.
If I do, I'll finally be able to use the grab rail for the centerstand, but, I wont be able to remove them easily.

The way it sits in the pic is how they'll be oriented on the bike.
This is the left side.
http://www.vn750.com/photopost/data/500/medium/brackets.JPG
The offset part mounts to the stock helmet lock location, and the other end to the upper shock mount.