Saddlebags

[CPT353]

Has anyone fit aftermarket hard bags to a 79 XS1100SF lately? Not many catalogs or websites go back that far.

[chicago1010]

If your looking for hard bags I have a set that I would sell you. I'll have to look at them to tell you more. Let me know.
Mike

[Mike Hart]

You might find some used bags that have the right hardware to couple up to the SF.

Or, maybe bags that have the bracket/locking mechanism that attaches to the bag, but without the brackets to fit the bike.

That was my predicament - here are pictures of making brackets to fit my XJ.

[Jerry]

I think Mike's saddlebag installation is just about the cleanest I've seen on an XJ. FWIW, Vetter bags/brackets from any XS will fit most models with modifications...lower "arms" that go to the footpeg brackets are different lenghts. I made up a couple bolt-on extensions to take care of that for the my XJ installation. If to long they would have to be cut and re-welded.

No matter what you do, some customization is inevitable. Yamaha did make a touring package for the XS, (Windshield and bags) but these parts are getting scarce, and ever since Swanee/pacifico had a fire in their shop, replacement parts (paritculrly lids) are getting even harder to find. Everything else is going to be a mating of available parts and your ingenuity....

An option is a 'barrel' bag I first saw at the Colorado rally last year, though I had heard of them before. Designed to mount on a luggage rack, these are a hard shell case covered with fabric or leather and have doors on one or both ends. Quite roomy and waterproof. Will have to go through my old notes to see if I have any other information on them.

[Dragonrider]

The "Barrell Bag" is probably a Lazy Rider. I had one for "Well Oiled Machine". Makes a great back-rest, keeps stuff dry, and is very well made. Pricy, but you do have to pay for quality. The customer service supplied was great (no connection). Check 'em out at http://www.lazyrider.com/

I used that and then a set of leather-like raked throw-over saddle bags and could carry lots of stuff comfortably. I still use the saddle-bags on my Valk shown packed for the Hell and Gone trip here:



Hard bags will hold more, but I like this set-up better since I like to take all the stuff off and "ride naked" (now there is an image you do not want to see!! . ) when I am not actually in route . . .

[Mike Hart]

Originally posted by Jerry
I think Mike's saddlebag installation is just about the cleanest I've seen on an XJ.

Thanks, Jerry, the check is in the mail! Denny and I did some serious brainstorming before any action, it was worth it.