Can't Install Markland Highway Boards

[Bentrider]

I recently bought a pair of Markland highway boards off eBay. According to the seller, they came off an 88 GL1500. My bike is an 89. I tried to put them on my bike and could not do it. I assume, but do not know, my crash bars are stock. If I try to put the plate (3) behind the bars I can not connect the bottom connector (4). If I put plate 3 in front of the crash bars, connectors 1 and 2 are too far forward to attach to the bar. I believe the assembled picture is the right side and the disassembled numbered picture is the left. Anybody out there have these Markland boards installed?

[bluthundr31]

Those don't look right, , to me. My boards were put on 20+ years ago and went on in about 20 minutes without a problem.

It looks like you have two different brands/styles of board.

[Ivan Boring]

As far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.

[Andy Cote]

As far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.
20190525_135800.jpg

You have identified the issue. My 88 had boards that I believe were from Markland. The clamps went on the bottom tube and top tube, not the front tube.

BTW the part of the clamp that goes between the bars and the valve cover has very little room. If your bars are 'tweaked" at all (and most 30 year old bikes have been) you may need to fight the install some. Advance warning to lessen frustration.

[Bentrider]

As far as I can see, your boards will most likely fit a -98 to -00. I might be wrong but the boards looks identical to the Markland boards I had on my -99. The engine crash guards on the newer models looks different from the older ones. You can look at the pic of my bike and you´ll probably notice the difference.
20190525_135800.jpg

I believe you are correct. Your engine guard has no top tube. That's why these boards attach to the bottom and front. Looks like I have a set of nice highway boards for a 98 to 00 GL1500.

[curtm]

Ya they don't look like the one's on my 91

Curt

[kingofvenus]

Get a set of the '98-'00 crash bars. I've got a set on my '88, they bolt right up easy peazy.

[CrystalPistol]

Seen a lot of 1500s with boards since getting into the "Wing Life" in the '90s, but I never seen boards that mount like those that I recall. I do see how they would mount on a '98-'00 GL1500. The newer '98 & up bars would add a modern touch to a '89, the absence of the top loop digging into an ankle or heel might even be another "plus".

Just a thought.

[Bentrider]

Seen a lot of 1500s with boards since getting into the "Wing Life" in the '90s, but I never seen boards that mount like those that I recall. I do see how they would mount on a '98-'00 GL1500. The newer '98 & up bars would add a modern touch to a '89, the absence of the top loop digging into an ankle or heel might even be another "plus".

Just a thought.

That sounds like a good reason to give it a try.

[Andy Cote]

As I said, I had Markland highway boards on my 1500 with the original full loop bars. I could feel the rear loop on my leg when using the boards. But I would sometimes alternatively rest my feet on those loops. Different positions was a nice option.