Mounting Phantom black contoured Rear Carrier on a Shadow Spirit!

[Cage SC]

Has ANY Spirit owner, prior to myself, ever attempted to put a Phantom Rear Carrier on the Shadow Spirit?

My wife has thrown out her pelion seat, saddle bags and mounts. She wants to show off her big fender. The Spirit looks pretty sexy with a small cute gal riding her own in a solo seat configuration.

She will NEVER ride someone 2Up or go over 120 miles away on her own (long day rides or overnight trips and she's happy in my VTX B-Seat). Too finish off the look she wants she really would like a contoured solo rack for the fender.

Unfortunately, as many may already know, finding ANYTHING to customize a Spirit as a solo look is pretty difficult to find. (You'd think differently since the number of women riding their own small-medium sized cruisers is increasing exponentially every year!)

After doing several months of research (off and on) I've finally tripped the trigger and ordered the Phantom Rear Carrier (Powdered Black) to compliment her bike's whole look.

I've talked to the Honda Reps at the International Bike Show and several Honda mechanics across the country and all surprisingly agree that it should work since the measurements and molding are supposedly identical.

The only way I can know for sure is to order it, so today, I did!

My main concern at this point are that, even if it does "fit" are the seat bolts long/deep enough (8x16mm) to keep it secure?

IF that turns out to be the only issue, is there a longer seat bolt out there that can be used?

Lastly...I know that, technically, you can only put 6.5 lbs on the rack, but that's always the CYA view...so, what's the "real world" weight limit for the carrier...and why? She would like to throw her purse, lunch cooler and office clothes on the back when she commutes to work.

So...any constructive thoughts on this matter?


Thanks for any input! I post like an addict on the VTX Cafe' forums, but am only on this site when I need tech info for my wife's ride. I suppose you could consider me that pesky visiting In-Law...

[rkforrest]

You can get any Metric Bolt in any Length if you search for it.When I put the Backrest on my 03 Spirit I had to add spacers to it and use Longer Bolts to make it work.Several came in the Kit and it was Trial and Error to figure out what worked

[Cage SC]

Originally Posted by rkforrest

You can get any Metric Bolt in any Length if you search for it.When I put the Backrest on my 03 Spirit I had to add spacers to it and use Longer Bolts to make it work.Several came in the Kit and it was Trial and Error to figure out what worked

Yeah, I sorta figured that. Would be nice if someone has actually attempted this before and already has the answer.

I'm a little surprised, since the bikes are all but indentical from the tank back, that no one hasn't tried more parts interchanging.

[Cage SC]

Still nothin,' guys?