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Message started by Jbmoo on 06/21/10 at 07:39:50

Title: Best saddlebags?
Post by Jbmoo on 06/21/10 at 07:39:50

I just bought my 1997 LS650 savage a couple of weeks ago. I'm wanting to add some saddlebags, but have had trouble finding some made to fit the bike specifically. I am considering the Saddlemen drifter teardrop saddlebags with shock cutaway from Dennis Kirk (item #50-7445) for $212.99. Any thoughts? Any help and opinions on these bags or others that will work would be much appreciated!

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by WD on 06/21/10 at 08:01:32

I have the studded version Drifters (I think they are Desperadoes) without shock cut outs. Hardmounted to the sides of my fender. HOWEVER, I run an HD rear fender and lowered rear signals.

With the stock fender and signal location it is tricky to get a bag set to fit. Drifters are too long. If you relocate your turn signals to the back of your license plate they will then fit fine. Any competent parts guy can look them up and order them if they aren't stocked. Parts Unlimited should still list them, the things have been around for decades (literally).

Any small slant to medium slant bag can work. You may need to space them out a couple inches for clearance, that stock muffler will melt synthetic bags. Some airflow behind them helps, a lot.

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by babyhog on 06/21/10 at 08:01:50

I have Saddlemen's from Dennis Kirk too. I modified the buckles -- changed them to a quick release buckle.

Here is also a thread with several pictures, brands, where from, etc.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1268525945/0

Here's a recent pic of mine.
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx211/babyhog/S40/PIC-0795.jpg

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by Jbmoo on 06/21/10 at 09:30:40

How long are your drifter bags? Thanks

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by WD on 06/21/10 at 10:45:24

http://ravenscroftart.net/watchtower/pokeydone1.jpg

http://ravenscroftart.net/watchtower/pokeydone2.jpg
That big. Can't find my tape measure.

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/21/10 at 11:50:21

If you wanted to go another way, you could get hard bags.

http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2008/05/13/bikepics-1287678-800.jpg

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by babyhog on 06/21/10 at 11:53:57

Had those exhaust tips (like WD's) on my '65 Mustang. The boys (my husband and teenage sons) said they looked like pu$$y lips... LOL

My Large Drifters are 5-3/4" x 10-1/2" x 15".... according to DennisKirk. WD's are mounted higher, but they look about the same length overall.

Title: Re: Best saddlebags?
Post by WD on 06/21/10 at 13:39:07

Mine are hard mounted on mahogany 2X3s. Don't like the yoke they came with. Looks cheap on a solo seat bike. And covers the stainless fender top rub rails.