Modern Vespa

I recently joined the Patriot Guard and will be riding some of their missions. I wanted to be able to equip my MP with a flag mount that would accommodate a full size flag for mostly low speed escort missions - 40-50 mph max and mostly 30-40 mph, not highway speeds.

My objective was something removable, but relatively easy to put back on. The PG web site has a number of examples, but most aren't really applicable to our bike.

So my first solution seems to work, but is a little clunky. Pictures to follow.

I attached a 2x4 to side rails using U-bolts. Seems pretty function and solid, but I don't love the idea of a piece of wood strapped on.



I used rubber spacers to try to protect the side rail. Again, don't love because I will likely be scratching the rail. Of course - prior events have somewhat scratched them already, sooo.

Simply PVC pipe - 1 " by 2 feet, attached to the 2 x 4 with pipe hangers. I used 3 - probably overkill

I also drilled (added after the pix below was taken) thru the pipe hanger, through the center of PVC and into the wood - and inserted a screw - just added strength and provide a "base" inside the PVC for the flag pole.

So here is the final rig.

No useful suggestions on this issue since I am not mechanically inclined but just wanted to say thanks for volunteering with the Patriot Guard. They are a great organization that has made the difference for many military families coping with the burden of a military funeral for a loved one. As a military member myself, I have seen them in action on a number of times and it is always a welcome site.

Great idea. I have rode with the Patriot Guard in the past as well, and always wanted to get a flag mount. I might try this.

I assume that cotton flags would be better because they don't whip around so much right? Let me know what you've experienced.

Deleted double post.

I'm using an old wooden pole and the while PVC with red letters looks crappy, so I'm painting all silver. I expect I'll go to alluminum pole, which is why I chose silver. Black might look better, but figured easier to cover silver with black than black with silver, so went silver first.

I would like to construct something off the rear rails down by the license plate, and ultimately a plate with a female pipe welded to receive/hold the flag pole. However, this probably is probably beyond my capabilities. So, I thought I would tweak the MP3 brain trust for ideas.

Things to think about:

I carry a 55L Givi top case, so that pretty well eliminates the luggage mount as a receiver for the mount. Also, the pole has to stay clear of the top case.

Have to keep the flag off the ground obviously, but also a cushion above the muffler.

I welcome any ideas and any welders out there that want to think about this, bring it on.

Paint the 2x4 and PVC pipe black, and it will be less obvious. If the rig is easy to work with, you're doing good in my book.

My sons are in the military. Thank you for volunteering for Patriot Guard, but I hope you never have to escort them home.

I was editing a post about painting when you replied - see above. I went silver, but I think you're right, black would be better for the wood, but I still lean silver for the PVC to match the aluminum pole I will eventually get.

Ft Campbell is near by and the PG does lots of "send offs" and "welcome homes". I wish those were our only missions!

I'm not sure, but I think a cotton flag will fray quickly, even on slow escorts. I think nylon is going to be better. The flag is pretty much straight out once you hit 20 mph or so - not much "whipping".

My dad used this to mount a flag on his Norton sidecar rig. He had a friend cut and extend the pole to accommodate a 'full size' flag. YMMV, but AFAIK it's worked very well for him. I'll search around to see if I have a pic, or I'll try to remember to take one when I'm up his way again.

I'm with the people who say paint it black - in my opinion the mount should blend with the bike not the pole. But what I really posted to say was that I think doing the patriot guard thing is awesome. When Stacey Stapleton (a fellow Cannonballer from Atlanta who rode the race with terminal brain cancer) passed away a few months later the Patriot Guard was at his funeral, and it was a lovely addition, and I know how much it meant to Maria and the rest of his family. Thanks for doing it .

Burton, that's a great idea for a smaller flag, but it doesn't look like it accommodates the full-size flags. When the husband of a co-worker came home from Iraq, the Patriot Guard was there to greet him, and they invited us to carry flags with them. These are rather large, which is why TN_Sooner needs a carrier with a little more heft.

I use two smaller flags on my top case. Works well for me. I've been riding with the PGR for two years now, and it works just great for me.

Is this an idea?

http://www.piaggiomp3club.nl/dotnetnuke/Forum/tabid/58/forumid/28/threadid/34688/scope/posts/language/nl-NL/Default.aspx

I also ride with the Patriot Guard. Call the people who send you the ride info and discuss the flags with them. Much experience!!

http://www.united-states-flag.com/fixed-motorcycle-flag-mounts.html

Go to here for flags made in USA>

Is this flag mount going to be on your bike full time? If not, do you have to use the top case those times when you're going to be riding with the flag?

I think your solution will work, as long as the mount is tight enough that it won't fall or be pulled over to one side or the other. I just wonder if it might be better to make a removable mount that can be attached in place of your top case just for the occasions that you ride with it...

Mark

Lots of good ideas and I appreciate the thoughts. Also appreciate the support for Patriot Guards - I'm really digging what we do and look forward to more missions. I just attended a welcome home yesterday in Crossville for a double amputee marine - his first trip home since the injury and it was awesome experience.

Yes, I am mounting a full size flag (3' x 5'), for example. I already have a boat flag mount on my side rails - takes a 18" x 3' flag.

In most instances, I think that I probably can do the PG functions without my top case, but I envision some times that won't be the case. Plus, because of the Givi mounting system, I'm not sure a luggage mount would be that efficient and I really don't want to drill into the givi mount.

Ponydrvr pointed me to a better solution for attaching a mount to my hand rails that I might consider. Also, Old as dirt is working on something that might attach to the left side shock mounts. This would allow me to get the flag out of the "passenger" area completely.

Stay tuned for version 3 (version 1 was scrapped prior to completion).

Is there any way to mount it to the Givi mounting plate? I was at my parents house today and they have a flag mount on their siding of the house that has an adjustable angle. I thought that would work well if you could figure out a base plate to attach to the Givi mount.

But that won't work if you are using your top box...

TN Sooner---- thank you for your service to a great cause.
Regarding your flag mount....
It can work with the current top box mounted, out of the range of the rear pax. I made extensions from 1/4" x 1 1/2" to move my top box back 4 inches in order to be able to open my seat without hitting the open top box lid... It it's a very strong mounting location.

Check out this Fred Flintstone drawing.
Between the Givi mounting plate and its brackets, install steel plates. Use 1/4" x 2" . A 36" piece should do it. Bend one side into a #7 shape with enough length to clear the back of the top box. Drill two holes. One for your 1" PVC flagstick holder, and a 3/8" for the bolt (1/4" longer than stock) that holds the plate to the bracket... The very tip of your long piece acts as a stop for your PVC pipe. Heck, if you angle your hole well, you could forgo the PVC altogether, but I wouldn't trust a wood stick in the wind with a load. (Especially Old Glory)
Use a short (+/- 6") piece of your remaining stock to be a spacer on the opposite side of the Givi mounting plate. Drilled with a 3/8" for that sides bolt.
Paint it all black.

You would have a cool mount, able to be installed or removed completely in 10 minutes. Your top box will be 1/4" higher, so no big deal...

Forgive the quick sketch...

HB - love the drawing! Thanks for the idea.

Great idea, HoneyBadger! (I think your scale is a little off on the flag, though. Either that, or that's a ridiculously large top box!)

You had it just mounted under one side of the top box bolts, right? It could be taken a step further and have a flag holder on each side, too. That way you could have an American flag and one for the service branch of the person being recognized...

Does the Givi have just 1 bolt per side? The OEM top box bracket has 2. If the Givi also has 2, you could bolt the piece under the bracket through both spots and make it so it won't torque and turn, too...

Mark

Good add CubsKing! I hadn't thought of one on each side for a pair of mounts.

Yes, the Givi has one central bolt on each side holding the plate to the bracket. (At least my v46 model does) Anywhoo, once tightened down, it shouldn't have much ability to torque around.

The bending of the steel plate into the #7 shape can be done with a hammer and vise for crisp angle breaks.

I guess it DOES take a village.......!

Steve H/B

great idea, I probably would go to the bottom 2 bracket bolts to prevent twisting action. then the bracket would extend under the very back handrail piece.

*** A little Different Approach ***

Walmart, and other Retail stores sell these "ClingOn" Jelly like Flags, with Stars, etc... They are made for Windows I believe.

I have purchased a few packs of these as they are very cheap...
I put them all over the bike and they cling well to the ABS and Windshield.
Then just pull them off, put them in a ZipLoc bag for next year.

Have used this in the Local Parade with Great Success...
They disappear off the shelves real fast, so you better hurry to find them.
Amazon.com may have them too.

I have used mine 3 years in a row so far.
I will see if I have any pictures I can post, but they look pretty cool.

Keith,
Marietta, GA

OAD,

Been there, thought that. But the two bottom bracket bolts line up pretty close to going through the rear bar, and the flag mount would need to be notched. Going above is a clear shot, and if kept in closely enough to the top box, there is little chance for rotation. Check the shot...

good point, thanks for the pics