Cheap saddlebags from our military

[Momz]

My 98 Rat Rod Valk was originately built to keep it "lightweight" so that I could continue riding while I was recovering from surgery and to "keep me busy" (according to my wife).

When I first bought the bike it had a OEM Honda windsheild and a set of OEM studded leather saddlebags, a four peice Corbin saddle set and a OEM rear rack. I figured that those parts are just going to add weight. And I did not need the weight, so I sold everything but the saddlebags. To be truthful they were mishappen and looked pretty sad. But an everyday bike needs someway of carrying essentials and good saddlebags don't come cheap.

I installed those bags but, they leaked, stuff inside would get smelly real fast, and when one of the straps broke,....well its time to take matters into my own hands.

I went to a local Army Surplus store and right inside the door was stacks of various sizes of ammo boxes,...and they were cheap!!!! Lights and Sirens went off in my head,....these would work,....and they were "moisture proof".

Well last Sunday afternoon my wife and I got around to fitting them on to the leather bag mounts. Ok, they aren't painted yet (completeing my Valk bobber is my first priority) and I hope to get to getting color on them after my next trip (next weekend and a looog one too boot). I also added SS cabinet handles on the top so that I might use them to strap on things that may not fit inside.

Sorta Adventure Bike like (think BMW GS or V-Strom). The mind can be a terrible thing to waste.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

That's what is going on my KLR project bike. 

[tank_post142]

run a bolt through the front latch sealed inside and out with rubber washer. they tend to pop open on potholes and dump your stuff on I-94. trust me on this.  

you should be able to whip up a couple of these too:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Cal-Ammo-Can-Lock-Kit-Store-5-56-223-9mm-45-cal-Securely-/150865678705?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23204b9171

[old2soon]

Looks like each of them should hold a couple six packs and ice.  Not that it matters any at all-i'm just curious about what Uncle Sugar paid for them new.  That is fer sure thinkin outside da box!!  RIDE SAFE.

[Hoser]

Now you need to fill them and hook em up to your machine guns!    Hoser
Battle Gold Wing

[chip]

Saw this at Vintage bike nite Monday.I like the Rat/Bobber style but would have a hard time making my shiney bikes dull and dirty.

[Momz]

Every motorcyclist has his/her own image of the perfect bike. My Rat Rod was professionally painted with a semi-gloss clear coat to give it a low luster finish that can be easily repaired in case of scrathes. And many of the chrome parts were powdercoated as they were already scratched.

I also have a 2K I/S that is my "Chrome Whore", with extremsly shiney paint and more aftermarket improvements and chrome bits than I ever thought I'd ever add to ant one bike.

Guess what gets ridden more?

This last March we were at BIKE WEEK, and the bike that always had the biggest crowd around it was a homebuilt, flathead ford powered bike without any paint, any where. Oxidation is it's own finish.

[Rams]

Gotta be honest, I can't imagine doing that to a Valkyrie but, to each their own.  Some folks wouldn't like how I've personalized my 02 Standard.  Good luck with the project and keep us posted.

[Momz]

It seems to me that a well loved and ridden motorcycle is allows going through some form of continual changes.

Seats get replaced, highway pegs seem to come and go, we try different tire brands, add and/or remove driving lights. Some riders feel the need to add "safety chrome" or LEDs, GPS and Ipod mounts. etc.

A well ridden motorcycle is in constant state of flux.

[BigChris99]

I think it looks great! Of course I own a KLR too and think ANYTHING functional looks good. Can't wait to see them painted. I like the old school pinstriping on your bike too. I'm thinking of getting that done to my 91 GoldWing. Old bike, old school.