Saddlebag Solutions

[knewsom]

Hey all, I've been thinking about recasting a lid for the right hand stock saddlebag for the baboon, and I'm wondering what kind of other solutions there are out there for saddlebags. I REALLY like the chrome surrounding the bags I have now, and no matter what, I want to keep the chrome on there. I've been searching for saddlebags here, but haven't found a whole lot...

Here's the question: What types of saddlebags out there approximate the look of the originals? If there's really nothign good in hard bags, what's the best leather to go with? Does it work with the chrome, or would that have to be removed? Does anyone already cast lids for the Yamaha stock bags like Merriam does for the side panels? And lastly, what do YOU have on your bike? What's it look like?

thanks all, just thought it'd be good to get some more saddlebag info up.

[andreashweiss]

I use no luggage rack,no sissybar,just throw an old set of leather saddle bags over seat . One side carries rain gear,tools,oil,etc. Other side some clothes. shaving kit, Rest you can buy on the road with your mastercard. priceless. If you need to carry alot of shi*t they invented something called a car.... saddlebags I have are at least 25yrs old. Kind you would use on a horse. Not to big. Less stuff the better for a road trip. Less for those to steal,less to carry into motel etc... . You have to get used to wearing the riding gear as no place to pack away. It is safer that way you must wear the leather no place to store it.

[motoman]

Patience there Knewsom.............some always end up showing up on ebay.

[knewsom]

Originally posted by motoman
Patience there Knewsom.............some always end up showing up on ebay.

yeaaaahhhh, but almost always as a whole set, and durnit, I just need one stinkin' lid!

The hard bags aren't a whole lot bigger than leather saddlebags, and I think they look a bit nicer - as for road trips, I like to travel light anyways, even when I'm driving a cage. It's just nice to have two nice big red cheeks on the back end of the baboon than one.

[DiverRay]

knewsom,
It's been 25 years, but I think on my old '78 the lids were the same. You should be able to make a mold off the lid you have, and build new fiberglass lids. You may even be able to sell on or two on ebay, and pay for yours.
Just a thought...
Ray

[desert1]

concrete

For lack of imagination or lack of another solution I made a replacement lid by casting the one lid in concrete and used it for a mold......lined the concrete mold with wax ( hard floor wax) and poured fiberglass and layed in matting.....made two this way.....but it was a lot of sanding etc
bruce

[xs650mike]

Plaster of Paris would be a little easier and quicker than concrete but the same process.

[knewsom]

Thankee folks, I think that may be exactly what I need to do.

I actually have a friend who is quite experienced at moulding and casting fiberglass and carbon fibre (he's a UC Davis Engineering grad). I've already voulnteered him to help me with the job.

As for the latches, any idea where I can find new ones for the lid?

Cheers,
Kris

[DiverRay]

Try a locksmith for the latches. As they have keys, he may be able to help.
I would also put a slim cable on each lid, to connect it to the base. This will keep the lids from "going away" while riding.

[planedick]

Latches...

You can get just about any kind of latches you want at McMaster.com

[desert1]

LEE Valley tools

Lee Valley Tools sells hinges of chrome, nickle brass etc. I bought mine there and were a very close match, all you need of course are the latch plates for the lid........
bruce

[scalded dog]

I think I have an extra lid for the right side if you still need it. Later 'Dog

[knewsom]

Sent you a PM, 'dog - we'll definitely have to talk about that!!!