I installed a pair of saddlebag supports, 99950-70145, on my 97 Savage. I removed the rear and middle fender rail bolts, put the supports under the fender, and reistalled the bolts. The supports are next to the bolt head.  That is, the bolt went through the support, the fender, and then into the fender rail.  Is that the correct order?  

The left rail is really close to the left side of the rear tire, but the right side appears to be well away from the tire.  I'm concerned that the tire may rub on the bracket when I hit bumps.  

Should the bracket be between the fender and the side rail?  Do I need to center the tire or the fender in the frame?

Steve

they are correct, for some reason some Savages have the rear wheel/tire very close to the LH fender bolts. I've not been able to determine or have anyone report if it is the way the wheel is laced (offset to the left) or if it is a spacer concern. They spacer will not switch so unless they are wrong from the factory. that is the way some are. The 87 my B-i-L has is that way and my 96 is. I used button head bolts to provide the clearance and stayed with the stock tire size. It really will rub on the 150/80 version. A good fasterner store will have the bolts you need. Max

Rear tire: 140/80-15 IRC

Thanks Max, Jim, & 911radioman.  

I sat on the bike and bounced up and down.  I think the bracket just barely clears the tire.  I should probably look for a bolt with a lower profile head.

I think Max is right about the spacers. They just seem to be wrong.

Steve530 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:

The tire size is stock but I am almost positive the left should extend further from the fender than the right.  I'll measure mine tomorrow and post.

Okay, I held up a tape measure and measured horizontally from the outer edge of the fender to the outside of the support.  Looks like the right side extends about 2.5 inches while the left side extends roughly 3 inches.

Steve530 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:

Oh!  Yeah, that does get very close!  Of course, I thought it was basically because I put the 140/90B15 Dunlop on the back.  Try changing the preload on your shocks' up a notch or two.  It's also helpful to do as Max suggested above and use the button/mushroom head bolts.  Since I changed shocks from the the 10.5" stockers to the 12.5" Progressive 412's, I have a large amount of clearance.

Actually, the button/mushroom head bolts are very low profile,  keyed for an allen wrench and really easy to use.  So far as accessing them, I scraped my hands up something fierce because I simply wasn't thinking.  Just lift the bike and the swingarm will drop the rear wheel a bit - probably far enough to allow you easy enough access.  If not, disconnect one end of each shock and it definitely will.  Either way, it's not necessary to remove the wheel.