Back in the day, motorcycle sissy bars were a popular aftermarket part used to improve the style and aesthetic appeal of chopper motorcycles. These versatile steel bars are now a form of self-expression, help mount rear fenders to the bike, improve pillion comfort, and help mount motorcycle luggage bags.
For long-distance interstate rides and motorcycle camping trips, motorcyclists can attach their luggage to sissy bars to make room for the side panniers. When riding with another motorcyclist, sissy bars can be used to help tow a broken motorcycle to the nearest repair shop or gas station. In case your motorcycle falls over, you can use sissy bars to pull your bike back upright. Due to its versatility, a motorcycle sissy bar has become an essential motorcycle accessory for owners of cruisers.
However, choosing a motorcycle sissy bar can be a time-consuming and difficult decision. This article discusses the features to look for when choosing a motorcycle sissy bar.
Related: Motorcycle Sissy Bars - 101 Guide
- Table of Contents
1. Sissy Bar Materials
Sissy bars can be made from many different materials available on the market. The most common materials motorcycle sissy bars are made of include stainless steel, rod iron, welded chain, and aluminum. Chromium plating or chrome finish help make sissy bars wear-resistant, weather-resistant, rustproof, and aesthetically pleasing. Your sissy bar must be made of a high-quality sturdy material to support luggage and passengers, prevent corrosion, and withstand the impact of a collision.
| Best Sissy Bar Materials | ||
|---|---|---|
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Stainless Steel Round Bar | Highly Durable Can Withstand High Stress Offers Maximum Storage Capacity Highly Finished Look Budget-Friendly Less Rust Susceptibility |
Difficult to Maintain Requires Frequent Cleaning Prone to Scratching |
| Rod Iron Bars | Durable Adequate Weight Capacity Budget-Friendly |
High Rust Susceptibility Less Stress Tolerance |
| Aluminum | Lightweight Rust-Resistant Easy to Install Aesthetic Appeal High Corrosion Resistance Easy to Maintain |
Bends Easily Can Not Carry Heavy Luggage Not Readily Available Low Wear Resistance |
The most popular sissy bar materials are rod iron and stainless steel. While both are durable materials, stainless steel is the sturdier of the two. Hence, it is the better option.
2. Dimensions & Weight Capacity of Sissy Bars
To ensure you get a sissy bar that fits your vehicle, you need accurate measurements. Before you make your purchase, here are a few measurements to pay attention to:
Height
On average, sissy bars can be 8.5’’- 30’’ tall; however, the height of the sissy bar must suit the heights of the rider and/or passenger.
Riders who want to improve their motorcycle’s aesthetics and style prefer sissy bars that are 25’’- 30’’ tall. Taller sissy bars are also suited for riders who frequently travel with a passenger and carry luggage.
Meanwhile, riders who prefer solo rides should get medium sissy bars for optimal comfort. Medium sissy bars are about 16”-24” tall.
Shorter sissy bars are 8.5’’-15’’ tall and help keep the luggage or the passenger secure, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride.
Thickness
For maximum weight capacity and sturdiness, the sissy bars should be 9/16 or 5/8’’ thick. 5/8’’ (15.8 mm) sissy bars tend to be more expensive. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with adequate strength and durability, choose a set of 9/16’’ (14.2 mm) sissy bars. However, they would not be as durable as 5/8” thick sissy bars.
Width
The width between the sissy bar side plates is called the spread distance. Ideally, the spread distance should be about 12’’-16’’ wide. When ordering a custom motorcycle sissy bar, measure the width of your motorcycle’s rear fender to ensure the right fit. If you do not know how to get the right measurements to buy the right fit for your motorcycle sissy bar, you can have it measured from a mechanic to order the right side plates for your sissy bars.
Bolt Size
Usually, the hardware kit comes with the sissy bars, so you don’t have to order them separately. The most common sissy bar bolt sizes are ¼-28, 3/8-16, and 5/16-18. Bolt size depends strictly on the size of the fender and the holes in the sissy bar.
You need at least four bolts. The fractions ¼, 3/8, and 5/16 indicate the outer diameter of the bolt shank. Meanwhile, the numbers 28, 16, and 18 are the number of threads present on the length of the bolt. To avoid confusion, it is best to get your sissy bar’s sizes to ensure you buy the right bolts.
Remember, bolt sizes will be different depending on the motorcycle and should match the size of the specific fender.
Weight Capacity
Sturdy sissy bars can support luggage weighing over 255 lbs/115 kg.
| Sissy Bar Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | Short Sissy Bars: 8.5’’-15’’ Medium Sissy Bars: 16”-24” Tall Sissy Bars: 25”-30’’ Custom Sissy Bars - 30”-35” (Standard Height is Usually 25”) |
| Thickness | 9/16 in - 14.2 mm 5/8 in - 15.8 mm |
| Width/Spread Distance (distance between side plates) | 11’’- 18’’ Depends on the Width of the Motorcycle’s Rear Fender |
| Bolt Size | 1/4-28 3/8-16 5/16-18 |
| Weight Capacity | 55 lbs/115 kg |
3. Sissy Bar Base
3.1 Fender Strut Mounted Sissy Bar
Typically, sissy bars are mounted to the rear fender strut on all motorcycles. The biggest hindrance when installing a strut-mounted sissy bar, especially on Harley Davidson motorcycles, is relocating the rear turn signals. If you choose compatible sissy bars designed specifically for your motorcycle’s model and year, you can easily install the sissy bars without removing the rear turn signals.
3.2 Swingarm Mounted Sissy Bar
Though sissy bars can be mounted to swingarms, it is not recommended if your motorcycle has a live suspension. Mounting sissy bars to a swingarm can run the risk of a broken swing arm, a dysfunctional rear suspension, and the increased likelihood of getting into accidents.
The sissy bar must pivot in the same direction as the swingarm and have enough clearance to avoid colliding with the rear tire. Therefore, a swingarm mounted sissy bar is only practical if your motorcycle features a hardtail frame.
4. Mounting Style
Detachable Sissy Bar
Rigid Sissy Bar
Motorcycle sissy bars are available in the following two mounting styles:
Detachable Sissy Bar - In addition to the docking kit, this type of sissy bar comes with release buttons and rotary latches for convenient installation and removal.
Rigid Sissy Bar - Lacks an easy removal latch assembly. Removal is more time-consuming than a quick-release detachable sissy bar since it may require:
- Removing OEM fender-mounted reflectors using a micro-filament line
- Using of a powerful adhesive remover
- Removing screws and other hardware
5. Sissy Bar Styling
Whether you want a classic or an aggressive blacked-out look, chrome-plated and black powder-coated sissy bars are readily available on the market. To match the look of the sissy bars, sissy bar mounting hardware can come in chrome or black coating as well.
| Sissy Bar & Docking Hardware Styling | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sissy Bar Coating | Pros | Cons |
| Chrome Finish | Shine Conspicuous Look Rustproof Long-Lasting Easy to Clean Durable |
High-Quality Plating is Expensive Low-Quality Plating Quickly Comes Off Prone to Scratching & Smudging |
| Black Finish | Modern Aggressive Styling Easy to Clean Easy to Maintain Can Be Glossy or Matte Adequate Corrosion Resistance |
Coating Chips Off |
6. Sissy Bar Compatibility & Fitment
Not all sissy bars are universal fits. It is recommended you purchase sissy bars from the same brand as your motorcycle or from businesses that off motorcycle parts like Viking Bags.
These brands provide premium-quality sissy bars and can help you find products compatible with your motorcycle. Before making a purchase, make sure to scan the fitment lists available on the brand websites. Do not purchase a sissy bar if your motorcycle’s model year is not on the list.
You can also use an aftermarket sissy bar’s model number as a reference when commissioning a custom-made sissy bar.
7. Integrated Luggage Rack & Luggage Capacity
Buying a motorcycle sissy bar with a built-in luggage rack can improve comfort on tours and also provides a ledge to place your luggage.
Having your backpack safely mounted on the luggage rack will help put your mind at ease. When riding solo, you would not have to worry about keeping your luggage secured. Sissy bars with a foldable luggage rack help prevent loose straps from getting caught in the rear wheel, chain, or sprockets. If you are an avid tourer or motocamper, a sissy bar with a foldable luggage rack is the best choice.
8. Takeaway
Motorcycle sissy bars are no longer just decorative accessories. This aftermarket motorcycle part has many functions that contribute to riding comfort, storage capacity, safety, and touring capability.
To buy the right motorcycle sissy bar, conduct thorough research, find sissy bars, and check compatibility based on the model and year of your motorcycle. Most motorcycle sissy bar brands provide a list of motorcycle models and years compatible with a specific sissy bar. If your search for a sissy bar becomes unsuccessful, you can have one custom-made to fit your motorbike.
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