Interstate bag lids vs tourer

[luftkoph]

Just what is the difference? I’m making a rack and would like to put some kind of a box on, but I know I’ll have clearance issues with my 99 tourer,

There’s only about 13” wide before  the lids would hit when opening them.

Any input will be appreciated

[Valker]

No difference in the bags or lids. The difference is in the hinges and retaining cables.

[luftkoph]

How are they different in operation

[The emperor has no clothes]

There is no hinge on the interstate bags. The lids just unlatch and hang by cables.

[da prez]

Tourer bags are hinged at the front. Interstate bags open outward.

        da prez

[luftkoph]

Thanks all

[John Schmidt]

But....the Tourer bags don't have the attachment points built into the lids like the I/S unless they're later models. That's when the factory started making only one type of bag instead of two. Then all they had to do was install the correct cables and hinge or latch....depending on the model. What year is your bike and does it have unused cable attachment points under the lid.

[luftkoph]

It’s a 99

[Jess from VA]

The new (internal bag lid) attachment points for cables obviously came on the 99 Interstates, but I am not sure if 99 Tourers got those lids the same year, or the next in 2000 (this is true of a number of part changes made with the 99 (first year) interstates, that later got added to Standards and Tourers).

Careful comparison study of part numbers (for lids) on 99 interstates and 99 Tourers may answer the question, but don't get hung up on differences based on paint color. (only compare black to black part numbers, the only paint color that is used on both interstates and tourers)

Note that the 99 interstate bag lids not only got cable attachments, but rubber tipped standoffs (which also had new internal attachment points), so when the bags were unclipped in front (instead of the permanently connected Tourer hinges) they did not lay on the paint of the saddlebags.  These standoffs do not have to be used if you are careful not to bang them on the bag paint, and if you happen to have the (OE or aftermarket) bag rails, cable connected bag lids cannot touch the paint, but just lay on the rails.  I took the standoffs off both my interstates bag lids because both have bag rails, and removing the standoffs makes it easier to cram the bags completely full of stuff, and still get the lids snapped down on them (the standoffs interfere with that).

The parts schematics for 99 interstate bags and lids (with cables, screws, and clips and standoffs) is one of the hardest to follow with all the tiny parts needed for the complete assembly.  And assembling a list of all the tiny parts needed is a challenge (times 2 or 4 of each).  

Here you go.  https://www.procaliber.com/oem-parts?aribrand=HOM&arian=MOTORCYCLE#/Honda_Powersports/GL1500CFA_(99)_VALKYRIE_INTERSTATE%2c_USA%2c_VIN%23_1HFSC410-XA000001/SADDLEBAG/61347acc-638e-40e4-aa4f-0fceb839ab88/34557c9a-e4ac-4516-a4eb-207841eaa5d4/y

Now here's the deal...  If you find that your 99 Tourer lids do not have all the internal attachment points necessary for 99 interstate cable tied lids (you need cables, but not the standoffs), it is still possible for you to cobble together a cable system that will work for you.  You still need to replace the Tourer front hinges with interstate front mount clips (which will mount up on all model years), but instead of using the OE cables and clips (to mount points you don't have), you can fabricate (somewhat) longer cables that attach to the screws used to mount the front clips and rear latches (wrapping thin wires around the screw heads, like electrical work).

I don't think the interstate lids are still available new, but new or used, they get very expensive to buy (and maybe paint), just to gain the internal lid cable attachment points.

And you can just replace the front hinge with the interstate clip attachment and use no cables at all, but I'm here to tell you that you can have a lid fly off the bike after hitting a bump hard enough to jar that front clip loose.  

I did away with the cables on one interstate for a while, and once the front clip got jarred off, the wind got under the lid and it flew away like a sailboat, and one lid got run over by a thoughtful driver behind me.  And replacing that lid (used, with body shop repair and paint), and new hardware, and a single OE Honda bag rack (to match the other side), cost me upwards of $600.  You must at least run one front cable to stop a lid from flying away on you, though only that single cable will allow the lid to flop all the way over the side of the bag when loading and unloading.



A real Rubik's Cube (the 99 interstate was rushed to market, and this is not one of the more user friendly setups Honda ever came up with)

And it's real difficult to even find any good pictures of the inside of an interstate bag lid to look at the new attachment points.

Rather than a hard trunk, you may find a big (waterproof) soft-side duffel bag will allow you to keep your Tourer hinges (and your sanity, in the cable tie conversion).  

PS: I've posted on this subject in the past, and it's possible I did a parts list years ago, but I don't have much luck researching old posts on here.

[Skinhead]

When I bought my interstate, the previous owner had lost the rubber get for the standoffs and scratched the crap out of the paint on both bags.  I removed the standoffs and disconnected the cables so that I can completely removed the old and set them on the ground.  You just need to make sure the front latch is engaged correctly when you install the lids so they don't how off going down the road.

[luftkoph]

Thanks Jess

I had an idea that you had to take the lids all the way off, that is a un- Honda way of doing things.

Just looked at my lids, no provision for extra cables, think I’ll come up with a different plan, the front hinge or clips are $68 apiece, like you said all these little pieces add up quick.

Thanks again

[Jess from VA]

Well, you could just change from the hinge to the clip, then make damn sure they are always on tight before ever riding.  

When I had my cables off, I always set the lids on the ground.  The ABS is pretty tough, but they will fall off the bike seat (or anything else you lay them on) and get scratched up easy.  But don't step on them.

I have a permanent supervalk (no trunk and back seat ever), and I should really stick hinges on there since they are way more secure than stupid cables.  But it's an interstate that came with cables.

Here is the good dry bag I use on all trips with the supervalk, instead of a trunk.  It is impervious to weather (even dry in a swimming pool).  It's also rigid, so it doesn't droop over on the ends and rub the lid paint (tied to my solo rack).  It's a bit difficult loading and unloading with the waterproof roll top, but it holds all a trunk will, and unlike a trunk, it comes off the bike and goes with you into the room (or wherever).

Now it would block the lids swinging up on a hinge, but all you'd have to do is lift it up a little and stretch the bungee cords/net I use, and the lids would open past it.

https://twistedthrottle.com/shop/luggage/tail-bags/dryspec-d38-rigid-waterproof-motorcycle-dry-bag-multiple-colors-available-38l-total/





It comes with a nice set of tie down straps, but I just use a big bungee net and two cords over the top. (no scratch plastic hooks, to the fender struts)

 





 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Jess

I had an idea that you had to take the lids all the way off, that is a un- Honda way of doing things.

Just looked at my lids, no provision for extra cables, think I’ll come up with a different plan, the front hinge or clips are $68 apiece, like you said all these little pieces add up quick.

Thanks again

I've never had mine pop off on any bump. I have left mine hanging and took off riding though. I don't think the cables are all that necessary. Replacing the hinges would be fine. Just make it a habit of putting the lid where you won't forget it.

[luftkoph]

Yup I use roll up dry bags, although mine come from Walmart, but they’ve held up for years and where $19.

I’m doing some things to the valk for traveling, last year I took it on a 4K trip, and there’s some things I’ve been working on to improve it, I really don’t care about looks,  this bike was bought as a proof of concept, and that concept is can I be happy with an overweight, underpowered and too long of a bike so that I can be comfortable on multi day trips, so far so good.

What I’m building is using the solo seat with interstate seat rails/ fender struts, and putting a large aluminum flat rack that could accommodate a box and or dry bags. I’ll just find a box that 13” or less wide, that way the lids will clear.

Yes I own and ride my KLR more than the valk

[The emperor has no clothes]

Overweight, underpowered, and too long. Sounds a lot like me. (Well, not the too long part)  These bikes are great for long trips. 

[gordonv]

I don't recall if it was this forum, or on the ACE Tourer site, where someone took the Tourer hinge and cut it, so it will hook on the front, like the IS hinges do.

[luftkoph]

Hmm interesting, I’ve came up with a different plan so I’ll be able to leave my lids alone.

Thanks anyway