OEM Valk, Leather Bag Inserts

[old man]

Don't intend to misuse this post but I have a question surely one of you can answer.  Just purchesed OEM Leather bags for the 1999 Valkerie.

I've noticed from many pics that they have a tendency to loose their original shape.  The ones I bought are not bad but I suspect they will be over time.

There is a vendor out there that will reinforce them with plactic inserts.  Has anyone had experience with this proceedure and it it a good idea?

leatherlidinserts.com is whom I'm considering using.


Thanks in Advance
Old Man

[Jess from VA]

I have seen spring steel lid inserts (underneath the lids), not just for valk bags but generic for big bags.  If the top stays taught and straight the rest of the bag may keep it's shape.

Sort of like the old dress shirt collar inserts, only bigger.

[blackvalkyrie]

Don't intend to misuse this post but I have a question surely one of you can answer.  Just purchesed OEM Leather bags for the 1999 Valkerie.

I've noticed from many pics that they have a tendency to loose their original shape.  The ones I bought are not bad but I suspect they will be over time.

There is a vendor out there that will reinforce them with plactic inserts.  Has anyone had experience with this proceedure and it it a good idea?

leatherlidinserts.com is whom I'm considering using.

I bought these awhile ago, but have not had the time to install em...look like they will work though...


Thanks in Advance
Old Man

[Attic Rat]

Plastic inserts sounds like a good plan. Every set that I have seen loose there shape. I put big foam blocks in mine when not in sue and that help keep there shape

[Pete]

It is not just the tops, the bottoms where they rest on the supports also deform and the backs curl around the supports especially at the rear.

Gravity and age is a bitch age.

I have not seen the plastic inserts, so I do not know if they work.

I do know that by lightly soaking with alcahol they can be reformed and also will stiffen somewhat and hold their shape for a while. Be sure and treat with a good leather conditioner after as the alcahol dries the leather out.

[Jess from VA]

Check these out.
http://www.gotsaggybags.com/

http://www.bossbags.com/heritage.html

http://www.leatherlidinserts.com/

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=HARLEY+DAVIDSON+LEATHER+SADDLEBAG+STIFFENERS+LID+SUPPORTS+PRO+ONE+BAG+BARS

[Sourdough]

I had leatherlidinserts do my bags about 5 yrs ago. The bags were not in good shape as
the bike had been stored outside under a tarp by the previous owner. I sent the bags to them
and it took a few weeks. I am very happy with the results; and the bags still look good
today. I'll see if I can get a picture for you. If I remember correctly they are located down
south somewhere. (florida?) Any other questions you have PM or email me.....

[BF]

http://www.leatherlidinserts.com/shop/2000-2007-honda-valkyrie-saddlebag-inserts/