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Message started by MC on 01/01/09 at 15:36:26

Title: Help securing saddlebags
Post by MC on 01/01/09 at 15:36:26

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by marine5317 on 01/01/09 at 17:52:12

7C72310 wrote:

Hi everyone and Happy New Year.

I just installed the support brackets for my bike (2006 S40) and I haven't a clue how to install/mount the actual saddlebags.

They're part # 990A0-77014 (Classic).

Any help walking through the installation process is appreciated.

If they are throw-over bags and you don't want to put over top of the seat or under the seat over fender you can loosen the fender rails and slide the flaps in behind them and get the bags straight and tighten up the fender rails.

MC

http://w4.bikepics.com/pics/2008/12/11/bikepics-1507209-200.jpg

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by Bear on 01/01/09 at 18:59:42

I mounted mine over the top of the seat and tried tying them down with the loops provided. I was not satisfied with them flopping around. These bags are not leather, but some synthetic stuff. I placed them where I thought they looked good and balanced and then marked three spots around the mounting bracket loop to put tie wraps. I then heated a nail, held with a vice grip, with a propane torch until it was red hot. I used that to punch holes through the saddlebags where I wanted tie wraps to go. Do NOT use a drill, there is some lining material that will just get wrapped up in the bit. A red hot poker just melts it was through cleanly. Three tie wraps on each side and they are very secure. (You have to punch a pair of holes for each tie wrap. one on either side of the mounting bar.)
You do not have to remove the bags to remove the seat for service. Just open up the VelCro joint and lift the seat up and out. Let the bags hang from the tie wraps.

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by MC on 01/01/09 at 19:16:46

Thanks for the responses so far.

I gotta say, these saddlebags obviously suck in design that that much work has to be done to "get them right". It didn't seem that simple or secure when I first looked at them. Now, I'm slighly depressed :-( but I'll survive.

Question about the webbing that's under the velcro. It goes from one saddle back to the other through slits in the flaps and secures with O or D rings - can't remember the shape right this second. What are you supposed to do with those?

Also, if you have the same model, do you do anything with the small webbing loops at the bottom of each saddlebag? They don't line up - even close, with the support brackets.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by Bear on 01/01/09 at 19:41:04

I took the saddle bag webbing strap and looped it around the seat strap twice, keeping it flat and then to the opposite side. It is not too tight, just a "safety" to keep the bags from sliding backwards. Yes, these bags should have been designed much better, but with the S40 design and the turn signal lights where they are, you are stuck with their tall/narrow shape.

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/09 at 22:18:57

I have some Givi soft bags. Just couldnt keep them from flopping around & rubbing on things that spin, like the wheel & pulley. I put a piece of 1/8th plywood in & secured it, contact cement in a few places, a couple of thin pieces of metal to sandwich the wood & the bag with a few rivets. Havent quite finished but its looking promising.

Title: Re: Help securing saddlebags
Post by thumperclone on 01/02/09 at 08:39:00

i cut luan plywood to fit the inside of each bag(river road slants)and used screws,nyla nuts,fender washers, and 3/8" 2 hole conduit straps
to mount...4 supports per bag,2 on bottom support rail,one on each side,folded the yokes down between the supports and side rails and used cable tyes to secure..
plenty strong enuff over 2 years w/no problems