Pros & Cons of Straight Motorcycle Sissy Bars

Sissy bars are a great motorcycle add-on that provides extra support and security when on the road. They are typically made of stainless steel and come in different types, such as straight sissy bars.

This article will discuss the pros and cons of straight sissy bars.

• Table of Contents
• 1. What is a Straight Sissy Bar?
• 2. Pros and Cons of Straight Sissy Bars
• 2.1 Pros
• 2.2 Cons
• 3. Last Words

1. What is a Straight Sissy Bar?

Straight sissy bars are the most common and simplest of motorcycle sissy bars. They are typically made of steel and attached to the motorcycle’s rear. Straight sissy bars can be permanent or removable.

The main function of a straight sissy bar is to provide a backrest so the rider or passenger can sit comfortably at the motorcycle’s rear end Sissy bars can also reduce the risk of the rider and passenger being injured during a crash as they help absorb the impact.

2. Pros and Cons of Straight Sissy Bars

2.1 Pros

Suitable for Tall Riders

Most straight sissy bars stand at least 25 inches tall. Tall sissy bars are safer for tall riders than shorter ones. These sissy bars also improve comfort and confidence for tall riders and passengers.

Additionally, the backrest on the straight sissy bars increases long-distance comfort and support while giving the tall passenger a sense of security and control.

More Storage Capacity

A sissy bar has more storage capacity the greater its length. If you are planning a long motorcycle trip and need more space to secure your luggage, consider adding a straight sissy bar. A straight sissy bar keeps your bike balanced and offers a stable place to mount your baggage.

Straight sissy bars can help you pack all the essentials needed for a long tour, including camping supplies, clothes, food, toiletries, and motorbike tools.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning straight sissy bars is easier than other types of sissy bars Grease, filth, grime, or other debris that builds up on the surface can be removed by wiping it down with a moist cloth.

Easy to Install

Installation of Straight Sissy Bars Without Side Plates

Straight sissy bars can be attached to the axle plates using the following methods:

Method 1

• Locate the third and fourth notches from the rear on each side of the axle plates
• Position each plate approximately 1/2" over the notches. Make sure the lower rung does not hit the adjustment notches or the curved area of the axle plates.
• Drill a 5/16" hole.
• Lay a length of chain over the tire’s center line, tape it down, and place the fender on top at the correct height.
• Position your sissy bar at the desired angle and mark the locations where the fender bolts will be attached to the top fender supports.
• Pull the fender and drill the holes. Drill 3/8" holes on the back of the fender to attach the sissy bar fender supports.

Method 2

• Drill a 3/8" hole and use a nut to secure the bolt on the back side of the axle plate.
• Lay a length of chain over the tire’s center line, tape it down, then place the fender on top at the correct height.
• Position the sissy bar at the desired angle and mark the locations where the fender bolts will be attached to the top fender supports.
• Pull the fender and drill the holes. Drill 3/8" holes on the back of the fender to attach the sissy bar fender support.

Installation of Straight Sissy Bars With Side Plates

• Clean the fenders to prevent debris from getting stuck between the sissy bar mounts and the fender struts.
• Take out the four rear fender bolts.
• Hold the straight sissy bar in a way that its mount holes align with the fender holes on the motorcycle.
• Maintaining alignment, insert the mounting bolts through the straight sissy bar mounting holes, then through the rear fender holes.
• Fasten the bolts.

Looks More Stylish

Straight sissy bars are more visible, able to make your motorcycle look more stylish. They have a distinct design that helps them stand out and provides several benefits for the passenger.

More Comfortable

Straight sissy bars ensure more comfortable rides than other types of sissy bars due to their height and storage capacity. The backrests help improve riding comfort by keeping the rider's back relaxed.

Furthermore, their increased storage capacity allows riders to carry more bags in their vehicles.

2.2 Cons

Not Suited for Shorter Riders

Due to their tall height, straight sissy bars are not suited for short riders. Although short riders can use them to carry additional luggage, straight sissy bars don't offer comfortable back support.

More Vibrations

Straight sissy bars are attached to the swingarm which itself is connected to the suspension. When riding a motorcycle at high speed, the suspension spring constantly moves up and down and hits the swingarm. The swingarm pushes the suspension back which causes vibrations that travel up the straight sissy bar attached. The longer the sissy bar, the more vibrations it will be subjected to. Constant vibrations can make your ride unpleasant as it could cause unsecured luggage to fall off or cause you to lose your balance.

Bolts Can Become Unfastened

Due to the straight sissy bars being tall in height, they are exposed to stronger incoming wind. When riding at high speeds, the incoming wind can sometimes be strong enough to cause the bolts to become unfastened. Strong winds and vibrations can cause the bolts keeping the sissy bar secured to become unfastened.

3. Last Words

A straight sissy bar is a stainless steel bar attached to the motorbike’s rear end and rises over behind the passenger seat. It has plenty of pros and cons. Being tall, straight sissy bars are better suited for taller riders, offer more storage space, and look stylish. They are also easy to clean and install. However, straight sissy bars have many drawbacks since they are not suited for shorter riders, are more vulnerable to vibrations, and can have their bolts unfastened.