burningshadow
04-19-2009, 11:28 AM
I just picked up and installed the National Cycle Paladin backrest and luggage rack.
Here's a vid on it: Click on Tip7: http://www.metrictv.com/NewVideo/video_page.html#video
Reasons:
For the same reasons I got the Switchblade 2up windshield, I picked up this bad boy. I love the clean bobbed look of my SS750 without the clutter of the shield and backrest when I'm riding solo. Here's my write up of the Switchblade review and a couple tips that might help you during inistallation. http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13242
Cost:
$60 bucks for the mounting system on egay (regularly around $220) I just plain lucked out on this one. I was poking around for SS750 shit and saw this. I found that the reason was they lost they key. More on this later. The luggage rack was around $70 and the backrest was around $95. I'm a compulsive researcher for pricing and details and found this place was the lowest (for Switchblade too). I have nothing to do with them, just tryin to help my brothas save a dime too. Found on ebay: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Xtreme-Line-Products__W0QQ_armrsZ1 I saw the mounting system AND backrest for $250 today, good deal!!! Google 'quickset3' and Paladin backrest VT750 and price it out yourself too.
Review:
Details here for product: http://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/Paladin.shtml
The backrest, mounting plates and rack went together easily using metric allen wrenches and ratchet. Since I snagged someone else F-up losing the key, I had to remove the cylinder which was easy enough with a phillips and channel lock. Took this puppy to my locksmitch and he was able to make up new keys for the same cylinder for $15!!! Paying $75 for a $220 piece...NICE!
My saddlebags have a leather loop that goes over the rear turn signal and they also tuck neatly between the spring and signal. so now all I have to do is pull the bags up, unloop from signal on each side, small bungee holds em together at top if I want and slide the front of the plate in and snap em in. A twist of the key on the right side and shes all locked in and secure.
I did have to slightly bend out the locking plate that turns over a fixed plate to lock it. It was having a clearance problem initially. Not a biggie, just a minor bitch.
I am impressed in that I didn't have to pay more for this removal flexibility in the windshield and the backrest over the cost of fixed mount OEM and aftermarket parts. With the rack too, I'm able to get a T-bar bag on there for all the shit I need on a long cruise with my girl.
Installation:
Details and instructions here to make sense tips below
http://www.nationalcycle.com/ispl/10-114803-000.pdf
Installing the mounting points just took removing two bolts from the chromed rear fender side mounts (save the thin washer that is on them!) Read instructions carefully for the order of mount components to slide over each new bolt making note that the large spacer is for the rearmost bolt. Put the washer from original bolts on last. This should prevent the steel spacer from scratching up the chrome on the seat in the stock sidemount cover. Tighten em' up good.
Summary:
I think the mounting system, backrest and locking had to be rock solid. All the components were beefy, well done chromed finish. Even the rack which didn't look all that impressive in pics was a good size even had a couple chrome 'loops' on underside of rack for tie down/bungee points. I'm very impressed and think it's the shit to change to look of your bike in a couple minutes and get the best of both worlds. I've got to give this one 5 outta 5 too. Hoping this helps you out and ask me any questions on it. I've gotten a shitload of great advice from other riders here and even though this is a bolt on, wanted to give something back.
Here's a vid on it: Click on Tip7: http://www.metrictv.com/NewVideo/video_page.html#video
Reasons:
For the same reasons I got the Switchblade 2up windshield, I picked up this bad boy. I love the clean bobbed look of my SS750 without the clutter of the shield and backrest when I'm riding solo. Here's my write up of the Switchblade review and a couple tips that might help you during inistallation. http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13242
Cost:
$60 bucks for the mounting system on egay (regularly around $220) I just plain lucked out on this one. I was poking around for SS750 shit and saw this. I found that the reason was they lost they key. More on this later. The luggage rack was around $70 and the backrest was around $95. I'm a compulsive researcher for pricing and details and found this place was the lowest (for Switchblade too). I have nothing to do with them, just tryin to help my brothas save a dime too. Found on ebay: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Xtreme-Line-Products__W0QQ_armrsZ1 I saw the mounting system AND backrest for $250 today, good deal!!! Google 'quickset3' and Paladin backrest VT750 and price it out yourself too.
Review:
Details here for product: http://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/Paladin.shtml
The backrest, mounting plates and rack went together easily using metric allen wrenches and ratchet. Since I snagged someone else F-up losing the key, I had to remove the cylinder which was easy enough with a phillips and channel lock. Took this puppy to my locksmitch and he was able to make up new keys for the same cylinder for $15!!! Paying $75 for a $220 piece...NICE!
My saddlebags have a leather loop that goes over the rear turn signal and they also tuck neatly between the spring and signal. so now all I have to do is pull the bags up, unloop from signal on each side, small bungee holds em together at top if I want and slide the front of the plate in and snap em in. A twist of the key on the right side and shes all locked in and secure.
I did have to slightly bend out the locking plate that turns over a fixed plate to lock it. It was having a clearance problem initially. Not a biggie, just a minor bitch.
I am impressed in that I didn't have to pay more for this removal flexibility in the windshield and the backrest over the cost of fixed mount OEM and aftermarket parts. With the rack too, I'm able to get a T-bar bag on there for all the shit I need on a long cruise with my girl.
Installation:
Details and instructions here to make sense tips below
http://www.nationalcycle.com/ispl/10-114803-000.pdf
Installing the mounting points just took removing two bolts from the chromed rear fender side mounts (save the thin washer that is on them!) Read instructions carefully for the order of mount components to slide over each new bolt making note that the large spacer is for the rearmost bolt. Put the washer from original bolts on last. This should prevent the steel spacer from scratching up the chrome on the seat in the stock sidemount cover. Tighten em' up good.
Summary:
I think the mounting system, backrest and locking had to be rock solid. All the components were beefy, well done chromed finish. Even the rack which didn't look all that impressive in pics was a good size even had a couple chrome 'loops' on underside of rack for tie down/bungee points. I'm very impressed and think it's the shit to change to look of your bike in a couple minutes and get the best of both worlds. I've got to give this one 5 outta 5 too. Hoping this helps you out and ask me any questions on it. I've gotten a shitload of great advice from other riders here and even though this is a bolt on, wanted to give something back.