Rear saddle bags....wanted

[ripchord11]

I took my bike to work one night when it was warm in the day. but cold at night.........left home when it was still warm.........after work, preparing to go home, it was cold!!! so I went to get my gear out of my saddle bags, and one of them would not open!! It had my sweatshirts, jacket, gloves, and goggles inside......I had locked them both, and never had a problem before.....but I think I had stuffed it with too much stuff, and now they were pressing up against the locking mechanism, of course, I am the only one there, it is two in the morning, and I could not get it to budge.....for 1 hour!!! Finally I just pushed too hard on the key and the lock and the plastic around it, just broke through!! a perfect hole where the lock had been............the other saddlebag is ok, but it has a crack in the bottom, probably from the previous owner. Should I replace them, or is there somewhere to have them restored?????? I just don't know where to start

[TopCatGr58]

Old bags vs. new!

Hey there Ripchord/Rob,

IF your bags are hard side which they sound like they are, then you should be able to get them repaired by a place that handles fiberglass, like a boat shop or even body shop! Also, you should be able to get the replacement latches, or even just the one you broke fixed once they get the body of the bag repaired, might be able to just reinstall the old latch!?

New ones are a bit pricey depending on what style you find, I've seen some nice generic ones on Ebay for much cheaper than custom ones by several hundreds of $$! You've already got the mounting hardware, so it might not be as difficult to mount the new generic ones on!? Your choice, your $$.
T.C.

[ripchord11]

Hey TopKat!! I was wondering if I could get that done, because they are basically ok, except I hate those type latches!! (I liked the latch on the harley baggers) You are correct though about hard cases though, sorry I did not specify........The hole left around the latch is the size of a 50 cent piece, and I am more worried about stuff getting wet or dusty through the hole.....They also need to be repainted.......Thanks "T"

[TopCatGr58]

New bags!

Hey Rip,

Here's a link to one of those nice cheap <$100.00 a pair NEW Hard Side bags, complete with a tail/running light built in!!

Ebay Bags

He has them in Silver, Wine, I think a few other colors!


Ebay Seller "fivestaronline"
Item #4612144049
T.C.

[ripchord11]

Topcat, THESE ARE PERFECT!!!!! , Especially the maroon ones....since that is the color of my bike, wouldn't have to paint them!!! Ordered my Clymers today, 19.00 dollars!! THANKS DUDE!!!

[chevy45412001]

bags

take a good look at the measurements of the bags before ordering. They are selling a few different ones,and some if i recall were on the small side. Just something to think about. But they do look very nice was kicking them around in my small space between my ears also...i like that they have lights in them too.

[ripchord11]

Bags...................

I did not think of that chevy, but what I would be concerned about also, is the limited amount of energy that the XS has to put out, if the additional lights would put a strain on the battery....would this be a concern?

[Parr8hed]

I keep wanting to do the same thing just have not done it yet. I really like the look of the harley bags, and think that they would look great on an xs, but talk about pricey!!!! I may try to adapt some generic ones in the future as well, good point about size though.

[chevy45412001]

rip

i thinl if it was me i would lose the stock lights (turn sig anyways) so as not to tax the electrical system.

[TopCatGr58]

Give me a light, a Bag Lite!

I don't know how those lights are rigged, but would imagine they take a bulb, just replace it with an LED bulb!? Problem solved!
T.C.