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(updated Dec 4th with additional detail and advice from other PGR members)
I'm mimicking and documenting what I've seen working for others and for me so far, in hope that it will save you research time and multiple trips to the hardware store. My extensive search revealed very limited options for a Magna, and I decided on the following combination after seeing it on John McConnell's bike at a recent Patriot Guard mission. This rig appears to be a great alternative to the more expensive and more cumbersome trailer hitch and mount. The luggage rack combination allows for a much shorter flag pole and therefore a lot less torque generated from the flag compared to a trailer hitch rig.
The 3-flag mount was available for only $30 from Oklahoma PGR Ride Captain, David Engelhardt (dwe1956@yahoo.com). When I contacted him in Nov 2012, he had only 2 on hand, one of which was already reserved, so I encouraged him to make more!
A Heavy Duty HDR-1 luggage rack $119.95 from Cycle-istic ( http://www.cycle-istic.com/AboutUs.html ) is said to easily carry 30-40 lbs. or more, compared to some racks rated for only 6 – 10 pounds. The center portion of the rack is machined from solid 1/2" plate 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The side plates, with built-in receptacles for bungees, are machined from 1/4" plate of the same material. Mounts to stock Honda side rails, and a Hondaline sissy bar.
Unfortunately for me, the mount's attachment bracket, a flat bar about 7" long with 6 holes drilled and tapped, is designed for a luggage rack that has bars that run from front to rear, while the above mentioned rack has bars that run across it's width, so David and I arrived at a relatively easy modification.
After carefully measuring that it will work, I cut that bracket in half, then purchased 2 new hardened bolts (about 1 " longer??) than the originals, a second set of flat washers, a set of locking washers, and a set of locking nuts for additional security. I used adhesive furniture pad material (common for bumpers on cupboard doors) on the bottom of the mount as well at the top of the bracket pieces that go on underneath the luggage rack. The 2 brackets (circled in red in the adjacent photo taken from underneath) are then positioned 90 degrees (pointing front to rear) and spaced in the mount's slot as wide as possible. They each contact the first two rungs of the rack behind the seat, while the mount presses down on the first 3 rungs. Dec 2012 update – after seeing several other similar rigs with 3 flags, I opted to move it back by one bar of the luggage rack compared to what is shown in the picture.
I made my flagpole made from 54" (for American flag, 51"for other flags) of ¾" EMT Electrical Conduit (3/4" is the inside diameter, about $4 for 10' at Lowes). Note that on my Magna, the flag almost touches the curb, and unfortunately hangs below the rear fender when parked, like most of the rigs I've seen at events. EMT conduit used instead of the harder to find aluminum conduit requires reinforcement, such as inserting a 30" hardwood ¾" diameter dowel (I couldn't find them any longer than that except 36" non-hardwood that seems too light and flexible) inserted in the bottom 3/5's, or ½" EMT conduit, or, for one of mine, I created an insert using a ¾" pole from a metal tiki torch that was heavier as it runs the full length. I'd be happy to hear any comments from those of you who might be handier or more engineering minded. After these photos were taken, I painted them black as I thought that looked terrific on another PGR member's rig I saw at Snowball Express 2012.
I Used 2 eyelets, 4 mm x 50mm (= 3/16" x 2"), with locking washers and 2 nuts on each eyelet (to lock). 3/16" holes are drilled 37" apart but this proved to be too far apart for one of the cheaper flags I purchased. The tip of the threads are a likely sharp snap to tear the flag, so I added a few washers so that there are just enough threads to catch the 2nd nut. Two 2" long x 5/8" wide Locking snap links / D-rings attach the flag.
A third hole is drilled after placing the pole in the mount, so that a ¼" x 2" locking pin can retain the pole. Be sure to drill all 3 holes in line with each other so that the eyelets face straight back once the retaining pin is inserted.
I ordered the "Nylon Flag Sack for Pole mounted Flag attached to Motorcycle" from Wayne1309 on ebay, $12.50 was half the price and much heavier material than the PGR Store's version.
Before my first mission, I road-tested it at 60 mph with a trailing safety vehicle. The first mission momentarily reached about 45 mph and had a stout 35 mph wind gusting from the side. Flying only 1 flag was a small challenge in tight formation with a bike that weighs only 520 pounds wet.
Disclaimer: Flying a big flag from your bike is meant only for parade speeds, and you do so at your own risk. One a bike this light, I'll probably only fly 2 or 3 flags on non-windy days and after a little more experience.
Marty 'Buster' Metzger December 2012
Good job, Marty. Nice touch adding the furniture pads to prevent marring the aluminum of the rack. Nice idea having it quickly removable as well.
Good job and you have the nice upgraded rack also.
Welcome to the group. I believe we meet November 3rd in Lewisville on a PGR.
The big flag setup looks good.
yes, I was there, met a lot of folks that day, great to see you here too. Heading out now on the flag bike for Snowball Express at DFW airport.
I was the one that told you about MOOT. I was going to try to do the weekend Snowball but missed deadline and may needed to work. We may try to do the Big Tex Toy Run on Saturday the 8th.