SEAT BAR:
The Seat Bar looks familiar, does it copy an original T120 one?
No, it is a totally new design but there was a similar accessory
available for the T120 called a "Seat Rail" and the tubing was
smaller and chromed. The mounting was fore & aft but used the
fender brace (standard on all T120's) as a support. We didn't think
the design was really functional and the form would be as awkward
for the New Bonneville as it was for the T120. The Seat Bar is an
original MCR creation.
**(see Modifications below)
Why isn't the pad larger?
Primarily due to the reason we designed the Seat Bar. A few of us are avid bike campers and we
recognized a need for an efficient way to carry our gear. So, the original design of the Seat Bar was as a
cargo carrying accessory. We added the pad to accommodate the occasional passenger. A few have
asked for a larger pad and there are many after-market brands available that can be used with the Seat
Bar. The pad mounting plate can easily be drilled to fasten almost any pad. We decided on a basic pad,
rather than leather or over-sized, to maintain a reasonable price that was determined more by the
stainless steel construction.
GRAB RAIL:
Can the Grab Rail be fitted to the Scrambler?
Yes, it has been successfully mounted on Scramblers.
Since there are slight variances in frame to frame, the
mounting process could require "persuasion" in some
instances. This frame variation can affect any and all
accessories mounted to the Bonneville... even the
Triumph factory accessories.
Shouldn't the Grab Rail tubing be made thicker?
Ideally, a grab rail should fit an average(?) grip and be made of a non-slip material that compresses
under pressure (like rubber). So, a completely functional one could be a rubberized 1 inch (or more)
tubing rising high enough for anyone to grab. In short, it would serve its purpose well --but it would be
ugly. At some point, the size compromises the appearance of the motorcycle.
We studied the many functional uses of a grab rail and found, in day-to-day riding, a support for
passengers is not as important as it used to be. In the days of the T120, it was easy to pick up passengers
anywhere but in these days of helmet laws, this is rarely the case (unless you carry a spare helmet
wherever you go). The Grab Rail tubing diameter is not large because we felt the lines of the New
Bonneville should not be compromised for a part-time function. Besides, unless you're scraping the pegs
(with a passenger?), it will serve the function of a grab rail quite adequately.
- Oh, for the nostalgic crowd, the original T120 grab rails were of a
smaller diameter, screwed to the seat, rusted before your eyes, and
had these metal straps that took skin off many a hand. This picture
is the "deluxe" model. Times have changed... and so have we.
GENERAL:
Why are the tube ends open rather than plugged like the top of the Seat Bar?
Stainless steel gets its anti-corrosion properties from exposure to oxygen (air) and this includes the inside
surface of the tubes. The removable caps allow oxygen to maintain inside protection.
(refer to the information on stainless steel)
MODIFICATIONS:
Any modification will invalidate the warranty but, if necessary, accessories can be customized for
individual needs. Welding is not recommended on grade 8 stainless unless you are very experienced
and use the proper equipment and correct stainless wire (MIG/TIG). Attaching anything with screws or
bolts is possible but avoid aluminum because of galvanic corrosion (a cathodic metal in direct contact
with an anodic metal) --the aluminum will corrode, not the stainless steel.
The Mounting Plate and Luggage Brackets are made with regular steel and can be modified (if needed)
with simple welding techniques. Applying a protective finish (powder-coat or durable paint) is strongly
suggested for any modification.
Modifications made by other riders can provide ideas for possible ways to adapt accessories to your
specific requirements.
Clicking on the buttons below will open drawings of a few of these modifications.
Click for diagrams:
For lowering the height of the Seat Bar pad:
For adding a height extension to the Seat Bar:
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Frequently Asked Questions
