Converting throw over saddlebags to bolt on

[TCMJim]

Howdy folks,

Some time ago I posted requesting information/advice on building my own saddlebags and really appreciate the time people took to reply. Despite the helpful replies I have come to the conclusion that with my schedule of working part time, building an acupuncture practice, teaching martial arts classes, trying to fit in the honey-do-list, and making time to be a good and attentive husband and father I simply do not have the time for another large project. I am instead considering purchasing the size bags I want in a throw over style and converting them into bolt-on bags with easy brackets. I believe that if I can support the sides and bottom with a sturdy plastic on the inside to help maintain their form I should be able to come up with a good substitute for bags constructed as rigid mounts.

Has anybody out there tried this or simply have any suggestions? I really need larger bags that can be secured to the bike and also be easily removed for the few times I get to travel.

Thanks

[Eye_m_no_angel]

I've used throw over bags as semi-permanent in the past. I attached some saddle bag supports to the fender struts and laced the webbing between the bags under the rear seat. Worked fine and I could take them off in just a couple of minutes. The supports stayed on the bike.

[LWRider]

Yep, me too. Use a throwover set under the seat with stays attached to the frame and over the rear fender.

Cheers,

Mike

[goalie]

I use throwovers without any additional saddlebag supports. Bags secure easily to points on the frame and remove in 30seconds. No fuss no muss.

[cmonSTART]

Originally Posted by LWRider

Yep, me too. Use a throwover set under the seat with stays attached to the frame and over the rear fender.

Cheers,

Mike

That's exactly what I used to do on one of my past bikes.

[TCMJim]

Howdy Folks,

Thanks for the replies. I currently have saddlebag supports on the bike and use throw overs laced under the seat. It is just that removing the seat to get the bags off is a real pain because I have to remove the luggage rack as well as the seat to remove the saddle bags. Zip off bags might solve the problem however how do you keep someone from zipping off the bags when I am a rest stop answering the call of nature or stopped somewhere to eat? Can the zippers be locked?

Thanks.

[goalie]

When I throw mine over, I have the split yoke with the front under my butt and the back across the luggage rack. The bags are plenty secure.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

I suppose you could sew on two overlapping rings to put a lock through. Or take it to a shoe repair place to have it done if you don't have a leather awl.

[Biker Dash]

My saddlebags were throwover, then I cut holes in the bags to match the fender rail bolts, and just used those with washers. The bags stay secure, and I cut the throw over straps off the bags now.

I would like to make a quick disconnect setup for them, so I can easily take them off when not needed.

[TCMJim]

Thanks Animedevildog,

That is exactly the information I needed. For a quick release setup I have been looking at the edge brackets because they have a piece with a handle you can use essentially making the two bags into one piece by connecting them when off the bike.
thanks for confirming that my idea can be accomplished.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by TCMJim

Thanks Animedevildog,

That is exactly the information I needed. For a quick release setup I have been looking at the edge brackets because they have a piece with a handle you can use essentially making the two bags into one piece by connecting them when off the bike.
thanks for confirming that my idea can be accomplished.

Your welcome. Just understand that the way I did it id kinda perminant right now. As I said, I wanna change that, but that looks to be a more complex job.

[TCMJim]

Animedevildog, did you add anything to the bags such as hard plastic on the inside to give them more structural support?

[Eye_m_no_angel]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Your welcome. Just understand that the way I did it id kinda perminant right now. As I said, I wanna change that, but that looks to be a more complex job.

Hmm.....Maybe take a bolt such as you have holding the bags on now. Cut off the head and drill a hole through that end. Using two nuts together, and red locktite, thread this newly made stud into the hole in the fender strut. Remove the two nuts, let the red dry, and then put the bags back on, putting the washer that held them back on and running a hitch pin or cotter pin through the hole you drilled in the end of the stud.

You'd have to experiment with the length of the stud to get them to fit tightly against the hitch pin, but that might give you an idea of where to start.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

Hmm.....Maybe take a bolt such as you have holding the bags on now. Cut off the head and drill a hole through that end. Using two nuts together, and red locktite, thread this newly made stud into the hole in the fender strut. Remove the two nuts, let the red dry, and then put the bags back on, putting the washer that held them back on and running a hitch pin or cotter pin through the hole you drilled in the end of the stud.

You'd have to experiment with the length of the stud to get them to fit tightly against the hitch pin, but that might give you an idea of where to start.

Sounds similar to what I was thinking of last night. Got an idea running through my head now. Gonna have to work out the details. Where as there are three fender strut bolts, I can make up a bracket that uses studs instead of bolts. And spacers (read "stack of washers") to get it all lined up perfectly, and sheet metal bracing for the bags. If I use the current bags, I am taking them to a place to get them reshaped to be like new. They are starting to crumple in the front a bit.

[cmonSTART]

Originally Posted by TCMJim

Animedevildog, did you add anything to the bags such as hard plastic on the inside to give them more structural support?

I actually did this with mine. I used some galvanized panning and bent up some inserts to make the bags stiffer. Worked great!

[TCMJim]

Animedevildog, Here is a link that might save you some money on reshaping your bags; http://www.ehow.com/how_5887832_stea...addlebags.html

[Biker Dash]

TY Jim, but I lack the steamer, and they are vinal, so I dont think steaming will work. I might get new ones at some point, and make bracing on the inside to keep the shape nicely. Think I have it pretty much worked out in my head how I shall do this. My big issue is how close the front fender strut bolts are to the shocks. I will get it worked out. I could do a two point mount, but I would rather do a 3 point, where as the bolts form a triangle, making for a very non-moving mounting...

How to do this...
I think the big issue will be the mounting plate. I need a pair of 1/16" plate of the appropiate size. Preferrably aluminum because of the weight of steel.