Re. the Hondaline Valkyrie leather bags.

[John Schmidt]

Has anyone come up with a method of stiffening the top/lids on those bags. They always seem to cave in and I don't like the looks of it. Wondering if I could cut a piece of black plastic to fit underneath the top and use some nice chrome rivets to hold it in place. Do you think that would work? Looking for ideas!

[Jess from VA]

Few links:  (maybe DIY)

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

http://www.saddlebags.net/repairsformotorcylesaddlebags.html

http://www.gotsaggybags.com/

Someone used to sell simple thin, flat, metal supports that went across the center inside of the softbag lids, but I can't find them.

[greggh]

I have the same problem and gave thought to the very same idea.
I already have some sort of insert on the top insides and the side insides but it does not help with the top caving in, it has still caved in.

Let me know if you find a viable solution.
Gregg

[keepinon]

The leather bags that came with my '97 had the same problem. My solution was to purchase a couple of the thick plastic kitchen cutting boards at WallyWorld, and trim to fit inside the top of the bag. I used something like Liquid Nails to glue them in, placed bricks on them to hold them flat 'till the glue dried.

Worked 'till I sold them...

[Sourdough]

I used the guy linked below for my bags... did a real nice job and the bags are nice and
stiff now

http://www.leatherlidinserts.com/

[Roadman]

Took my bags to a local sheetmetal shop who played with a few different guages of sheet and came up with just the right one, put it through some type of roller/bender and i installed some stainless hardware to hold them in both lid and bottom. 3yrs with several long trips with gear loaded in and on the bags and no sag what so ever. They only charged labor since the pieces they used were considered scrap.  Keep your money local when you can.

[John Schmidt]

I used the guy linked below for my bags... did a real nice job and the bags are nice and
stiff now

http://www.leatherlidinserts.com/

Thanks, that's right here in Florida also, should be quick delivery.

[Paxton]

QUOTE FROM JEFF: "Someone used to sell simple thin, flat, metal supports that went across the center inside of the softbag lids, but I can't find them."

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Jeff, I saw those on ebay last night.