I picked up a set of new Saddlemen Bags on closeout for $85 bucks. I bought the bike used and it came with a set of saddle bag brackets. The bags came with a throw over harness but even set up as short as it would allow, the bags hung too low and the right one would be right on top of the muffler. Also, the brackets did not line up well with the bags and and I wanted a semi-permanent mount.

I ended up drilling the side rails and used 3/8 by 1 inch bolts to capture thread rod couplers. I made some backers from 1/16" aluminum diamond plate and secured them to the back of the bag for extra stiffness. I put a bead of sealer around the inside edge to prevent water from wicking behind the plate. I then used 3/8 by 3/4 inch bolts from the inside of the bags and into the thread rod couplers. Permatex blue thread lock or washers with split ring lock washers were used at each point. All the hardware is Grade 8.

So far, so good. They survived a shakedown run with a standard load (tools, oil, flashlight, etc.) and will be subject to a longer run tomorrow. I don't plan on hauling concrete mix in them but hope they will do for a grocery run and other errands.

For what it is worth.