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Chiefy
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« on: April 27, 2011, 04:23:36 PM » |
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Finally broke down and replaced my soft bags with LeatherLykes classic. Not crazy about them, but wanted something that locked, and the LL price already was making my rear end pucker, no way was I going to spend more......
Anyway, the LL looked like they would work well with the OEM Saddlebag bracket. The bolts weren't long enough, so I took them off and put on the LL. Just wondering if anyone has ever come up with a quick and easy way to use the OEM brackets? The grommets in the LL allow it to wiggle around too much for my taste. Figured the brackets would take some of that out, and give it more support.
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 1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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BF
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« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2011, 06:06:35 PM » |
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Don't have an answer for you.........but, can you direct bolt the Leatherlykes to the OEM leather bag mounts? I assume those are the mounts you're talking about. Those mounts are rock solid and should be a fine mount for the LL's.
I've got a set of the Mustang hard bags on order (should be here the 24th or so, at least that's what the latest est shipping date is from the dealer) and I'm planning on using those mounts for bolt them up to.
I've heard that the LL have issues with that wiggling around those gromments.....cracking and such.......that and the locks arn't all that secure.
I think Daniel Meyer posted a write-up about a patch or something to shore up the weak points/mounting holes of the LL's.
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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Chiefy
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« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2011, 07:08:39 PM » |
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Don't have an answer for you.........but, can you direct bolt the Leatherlykes to the OEM leather bag mounts? I assume those are the mounts you're talking about. Those mounts are rock solid and should be a fine mount for the LL's.
I've got a set of the Mustang hard bags on order (should be here the 24th or so, at least that's what the latest est shipping date is from the dealer) and I'm planning on using those mounts for bolt them up to.
I've heard that the LL have issues with that wiggling around those gromments.....cracking and such.......that and the locks arn't all that secure.
I think Daniel Meyer posted a write-up about a patch or something to shore up the weak points/mounting holes of the LL's.
The leather bag brackets/mounts bolt through the fender, as do the LL bags. There is nothing to bolt onto on the OEM bag brackets. I'd have to install longer bolts that would go through the LL hole, through the bracket and into the receiver in the fender. The LL uses a special head on their bolt so that you use a clip to take the bags loose. The bolt stays on the bike if you remove the bags. I could just buy longer standard bolts, but then the bags wouldn't come off without a wrench. I know about the cracking. I didn't do the mod right off the bat because the LL's look even worse on the bike then I thought. They're just ugly........  And they feel like you could rip them open with a good pull. Have 14 days to return them, I know they won't take them back if I start drilling them, so I'll wait a bit and see if they look better in a few days.  God almighty. A buck or two worth of plastic, some foam and cheesy locks. 500 bucks.  |
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1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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keepinon
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« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2011, 08:07:07 PM » |
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God almighty. A buck or two worth of plastic, some foam and cheesy locks. 500 bucks. Crap... I hate to hear that.. the wife just ordered me a set of the LL cross country bags for my birthday. But, I wanted something that would be easy on/off, to use mostly on road trips. I'll go back and re-read DM's write up on stiffening the mounts. Appreciate the review. Forewarned & all that  |
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1998 GL1500 CT Trike
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BF
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« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2011, 06:37:31 AM » |
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Chiefy...... You talking about this kind of mount......  or this kind of mount?  The second kind are used to mount the OEM Valkyrie leather bags.......  .......and are the mounts I was referring to. You can get 'em new at DirectLine. You might can find a used set for cheap. I've got a spare set, but they're not for sale. http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=251&str=2They have four mounting points that you can bolt to......and are indeed a rock solid mount. |
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« Last Edit: April 28, 2011, 06:58:22 AM by BF »
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
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BF
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« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2011, 06:49:04 AM » |
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keepinon..... If you want a easy on, easy off mounting system, look up the Easy Brackets and Edge Brackets. They're a universal type of mount that you can use to mount most any aftermarket bag too. The only thing I don't like about them is that they make the bags stick out/wider from the bikes fender than usual. This Valk has Mustang bags mounted using the Easy brackets.......you can see they work pretty well, but the bags stick out a little........  In fact, the guy that owns that Valk was planning on using the OEM leather Valk bag mounts to re-mount his Mustang bags instead of the Easy brackets. He didn't like the Easy brackets because they make the bags stick out too far. I've got a set of Mustangs on order and I'm going to use the OEM leather Valk bag mounts to mount 'em on. Easy Brackets......
Edge Brackets (about the same thing as Easy Brackets)......
The OEM leather Valk bag mount on my bike........   |
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« Last Edit: April 28, 2011, 06:52:59 AM by BF »
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
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Chiefy
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« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2011, 07:01:32 AM » |
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Chiefy......
You talking about this kind of mount......
or this kind of mount?
The second kind are used to mount the OEM Valkyrie leather bags.......
.......and are the mounts I was referring to.
They have four mounting points that you can bolt to......and are indeed a rock solid mount.
The black one with the bottom support. I didn't consider popping holes in the LL and mounting to those 4 points. I just hate voiding the warranty by doing that. They look a little better this morning having slept on it. My real problem is that I just don't like after-market hard bags and fairings. My loss I guess. At some point I was going to modify the bags anyway because of the cracking problem. Since I have the brackets, maybe I can mount to those four points instead. Could probably devise a quick release too, even if it's only wing-nuts. |
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1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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Monkey Boy
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« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2011, 07:30:44 AM » |
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I used the stock black saddlebag mounts with little fabrication (my new hard bags bags couldn't use the stock hole placement of the soft bags) and they work great. I am very happy with how the stock soft bag mounts work. They give support under the bag and don't allow the bag to move around when going down the road. I would highly recommend using them if possible.
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« Last Edit: April 28, 2011, 10:08:23 AM by Monkey Boy »
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ricoman
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« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2011, 07:45:33 AM » |
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I suggest you use the replacement fender bolts that came with the bags as they allow for easy removal for cleaning behind them. Then, if you are really concerned about the cracking potential, perform the suggested repair by Daniel Myers before you mount the bags. I had a set (bought used and at least 6yrs old-never a problem.
Have seen dozens of bikes with LL bags and never heard of a problem. Maybe over loading is a factor? Actually, the plastic used is pretty hard stuff and if you adjust the locks properly yoiu should not have an issue. You can pry open any any hard bag if you want-these are no different. Also, replacing the grommets every couple years would be cheap insurance. Probably find some at the local hardware.
Using alternate mounting is possible but I'd give the suggested method a chance before you go drilling holes all over the place and still not be happy.
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take personal responsibility and keep your word
98 Tourer, black and chrome, added 8/11/10
98 Std, yellow/cream, totaled 8/3/10
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Chiefy
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« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2011, 12:48:56 PM » |
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I suggest you use the replacement fender bolts that came with the bags as they allow for easy removal for cleaning behind them. Then, if you are really concerned about the cracking potential, perform the suggested repair by Daniel Myers before you mount the bags. I had a set (bought used and at least 6yrs old-never a problem.
Have seen dozens of bikes with LL bags and never heard of a problem. Maybe over loading is a factor? Actually, the plastic used is pretty hard stuff and if you adjust the locks properly yoiu should not have an issue. You can pry open any any hard bag if you want-these are no different. Also, replacing the grommets every couple years would be cheap insurance. Probably find some at the local hardware.
Using alternate mounting is possible but I'd give the suggested method a chance before you go drilling holes all over the place and still not be happy.
Where you been hiding Dave? Well, not cutting any holes in them for the time being. And they are currently mounted as per LeatherLyke instructions. Plus, every time I go out into the garage, the bags and bike look better together. So I'm leaving it be for now. |
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1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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ricoman
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« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2011, 01:59:47 PM » |
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I suggest you use the replacement fender bolts that came with the bags as they allow for easy removal for cleaning behind them. Then, if you are really concerned about the cracking potential, perform the suggested repair by Daniel Myers before you mount the bags. I had a set (bought used and at least 6yrs old-never a problem.
Have seen dozens of bikes with LL bags and never heard of a problem. Maybe over loading is a factor? Actually, the plastic used is pretty hard stuff and if you adjust the locks properly yoiu should not have an issue. You can pry open any any hard bag if you want-these are no different. Also, replacing the grommets every couple years would be cheap insurance. Probably find some at the local hardware.
Using alternate mounting is possible but I'd give the suggested method a chance before you go drilling holes all over the place and still not be happy.
Where you been hiding Dave? Well, not cutting any holes in them for the time being. And they are currently mounted as per LeatherLyke instructions. Plus, every time I go out into the garage, the bags and bike look better together. So I'm leaving it be for now. been working- tough having to do it again-no time to ride or play with the bike they'll grow on you (like you did on all of us!) don't lose the key! zip tie an ignition key and bag key behind a side cover |
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Logged
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take personal responsibility and keep your word
98 Tourer, black and chrome, added 8/11/10
98 Std, yellow/cream, totaled 8/3/10
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Chiefy
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« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2011, 04:44:22 PM » |
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I suggest you use the replacement fender bolts that came with the bags as they allow for easy removal for cleaning behind them. Then, if you are really concerned about the cracking potential, perform the suggested repair by Daniel Myers before you mount the bags. I had a set (bought used and at least 6yrs old-never a problem.
Have seen dozens of bikes with LL bags and never heard of a problem. Maybe over loading is a factor? Actually, the plastic used is pretty hard stuff and if you adjust the locks properly yoiu should not have an issue. You can pry open any any hard bag if you want-these are no different. Also, replacing the grommets every couple years would be cheap insurance. Probably find some at the local hardware.
Using alternate mounting is possible but I'd give the suggested method a chance before you go drilling holes all over the place and still not be happy.
Where you been hiding Dave? Well, not cutting any holes in them for the time being. And they are currently mounted as per LeatherLyke instructions. Plus, every time I go out into the garage, the bags and bike look better together. So I'm leaving it be for now. they'll grow on you (like you did on all of us!) don't lose the key! zip tie an ignition key and bag key behind a side cover And here I thought I pizzed you off. I tend to do that to people.......... |
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1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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keepinon
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« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2011, 05:36:23 PM » |
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BF, thanks for the pics. Makes it look easy. I have a set of leather bags with the OEM leather bag mounts on it now. Looking for something a little easier and faster to get into, and easy to remove when I want the standard look. |
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1998 GL1500 CT Trike
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Sodbuster
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« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2011, 06:41:21 PM » |
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I didn't do the mod right off the bat because the LL's look even worse on the bike then I thought. They're just ugly........ And they feel like you could rip them open with a good pull. Have 14 days to return them, I know they won't take them back if I start drilling them, so I'll wait a bit and see if they look better in a few days. God almighty. A buck or two worth of plastic, some foam and cheesy locks. 500 bucks. Chiefy - Have you looked into the Tsukayu strong bags at all .... for the same price and free shipping ?? http://www.tsukayu.com/Bike_Honda_Valkyrie.html |
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VRCC # 30938 '99 Std. - Black & Silver - "Spirit Horse" Dear God, Seriously .... Thanks for creating beer. You rock !!  |
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