saddlebags

[timktm]

I just purchased locally a set of hard bags that were supposed to have come off an 80 1100 special. They don't even come close to fitting my 79 1100 sf. Are these interchangeable or not?
Tim

[kboehringer]

Got pics?

Tim,
Have any pics of the bags you purchased? I've been working on getting bags on my SG for quite a while. I ran into ALL problems anyone could have a nightmare about. I've got two sets of bags and all the brackets from STANDARDS and can tell you they absolutely will NOT NOT NOT fit a SPECIAL without very significant labor & fabrication time.
KURT

[timktm]

Yamaha XS1100 fairing and hard case saddle bags

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mpo/5422527902.html

I am selling a good set of saddle bags and complete fairing. Parts will also fit 1977, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 xs 650, show contact info Special if you already have mounts in place. They are all in good condition, no cracks or holes in fiberglass, small c ...

[kboehringer]

Standard Bags

Yamaha XS1100 fairing and hard case saddle bags

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mpo/5422527902.html

Tim,
Those parts are from a STANDARD 1100. They will NOT fit ANY Special 1100. Honestly, the guy's advertisement says they will fit a 650 but I very seriously doubt that. The "BAGS" themselves are probably the same for the MANY different styles of mountings that were offered but the brackets are all totally different.

The mounting points for the front bracket(s) are very different for the special and they would need to be cut apart and re-welded to fit (done that). BUT the upswept style of the special pipes creates yet another HUGE clearance issue that can NOT be easily resolved.


I've been there, done that.... wasted a bunch of money and a HUGE amount of time! It can NOT be done with the brackets you have there.

Sincerely,
KURT

[timktm]

That stinks. I should have just drove the 300 miles to TallBob in pa for the ones he had for sale. I don't know that I want to spend all that time fab bing this one up. Damn pissed at myself.

[kboehringer]

I'll make you feel better.....

Tim,
I can probably make you feel better....

I bought a complete set (older fiberglass like yours) from a seller in Denver. Just about $150 to the door..... Figured I was a darn good fabricator I can make 'em fit... NOT!

Bought an XS11 motor & carbs in Kentucky for $150.... guys says "toss in another $100 you can have all this other stuff; newer style plastic bags with hinges and the fairing". Figured I could make these work..... NOT!

Just TODAY purchased another full set on evil-bay bags in bad condition but all the CORRECT brackets for a Special. Told the guy to toss the bags and lids in the trash (saves $100 shipping) and send me only the brackets, hardware, and seals $110 to the door...

Total.... about $360 and I still don't have bags on the bike! I should have taken Marty's advice and got a really NICE set of leather bags and tossed 'em over the seat like he does!

P.S. I got a FREEBIE set of soft bags for my #1 XS11. Bought a couple NEW chrome guards to keep 'em out of the wheel for about $20. Used 'em several times and although they are a little small and limited in carry capacity they've been very useful....

KURT

[TallBob]

The set I have for $20.00 dollars are still available. The bags and trunk came with a 79 Special I bought for parts a while back. They look very similar to the ones pictured with the double tubular surround and such.

[kboehringer]

"came with".

TallBob,
Were they actually mounted on the Special? I've found none of that style will work with an SG or SH. I don't know for sure but I assume the different style round pull bar and seat of the SF would probably make it even MORE difficult to mount that style? I don't own an SF so I don't really know...

Heck of a price regardless.... Hope one of the guys here can make some use of them.

Respectfully,
KURT

[timktm]

Good question. And thanks Kurt, glad im not the only one having a hard time getting bags that fit.
Tim

TallBob,
Were they actually mounted on the Special? I've found none of that style will work with an SG or SH. I don't know for sure but I assume the different style round pull bar and seat of the SF would probably make it even MORE difficult to mount that style? I don't own an SF so I don't really know...

Heck of a price regardless.... Hope one of the guys here can make some use of them.

Respectfully,
KURT

[natemoen]

Well, if anyone has a spare cover for the style bags you have pictured here in that add I really need one of them!

[TallBob]

No they were not mounted on the bike when I purchased it. However the bracket/mounts are a little different from what I am seeing in the picture(s) that make me think what I have is for the Special?
Nate, Are you wanting a lid for which style bag? The ones in the Craigslist add or the blue/gray ones that are pictured in this post. If you can email me a pic of the lid you need, I will see if what I have would match? Send your picture to:
rlstallone@comcast.net

[jwhughes3]

Well, if anyone has a spare cover for the style bags you have pictured here in that add I really need one of them!

Maybe. I had one but don't know if I still have it. will look.

John

[timktm]

Well,
Decided since I have them, might as well give it a go. I think I can make them work. I have them mocked up. I have the backing plate that the bags mount to onto the top shock mount. And pushed the hole on the backing plate up past the turn signal hole about an inch. I will have to drill a hole there and remove some material from the backing plate. I mounted the front bracket to the bottom passenger peg bolt, on the rear of it. I think if I cut the bracket tube and remove the correct amount it should line up with the top shock mount.
Re-weld it and it will be hidden behind the mounts for the horizontal tubes.Or cut the top mounting bracket off of the tube and rotate it around to where I need it?
Pics for your viewing pleasure. I won't have much time to work on it so I will check back with progress, hopefully!
Tim

[kboehringer]

SNIP......pushed the hole on the backing plate up past the turn signal hole about an inch. I will have to drill a hole there and remove some material from the backing plate.... SNIP

Tim,
That looks pretty similar to about where I stopped with mine. I did the re-drill and removal of material on the backing plate that you are planning.

In all honestly, and my personal opinion, these older style bags are easier to repair being fiberglass and also the bags themselves look better than the newer hinged variety. Based on the responses to your thread here there is a big problem with lost lids on these. One or two guys have modified them to have a hinge on the front. However, that hinge set-up will dictate where the front chrome bar can be mounted or you won't be able to open them fully.



Also, once I had mine pretty close to where I thought I could get them mounted I realized they were pushing my wife's legs a bit far forward and I started re-adjusting things and I basically gave up on them. If you ever plan on carrying a passenger, double-check everything before you finalize the modifications.

Hey.... that fuse block looks kinda' familiar!

Respectfully,
KURT

[TallBob]

The brackets on the bags I have that are up by the upper shock mount, look to be clocked in the correct orientation compared to the picture posted. The lids I have are the same also. If someone wants the lids,I will sell them for the same money plus what ever the shipping amounts to.