Saddlebag Latch - Your Advice Needed Please

[Xtracho]

Well I'm all the way over here in Houma, LA for a class this week. Cold ride over but otherwise uneventful. When I came out of class yesterday I saw that the screws holding the catch for my saddlebag lid had pulled out. Looking them over it appears they are....wood scews? Anyhow, I've got that lid secured down with a bungee cord right now. Was wondering if you folks may have some advice on how to refit that latch to the lid? I've got no problem riding home with the bungee holding the lid down, but if there is a possible fix, or fixes, I'd really appreciate your advice. Longer screws maybe? Drill all the way through, put a backing plate on the back side, then bolt the catch down? I did look at all the other screws on the saddlebags - and they appear to be the same as in this image. Thanks!

[scoot]

I think I would most likely just drill it through, and then use a couple screws with nuts and lock washers on the inside. It would be the easiest way.

[9Ball]

good idea to put a backing plate on the inside...

[Tropic traveler]

That doesn't look like a factory catch to me. I looked at the catches on my Tourers & they look different to me. Machine screws {2} bolt through the lid from the inside threading into the catch & there is a small backing plate on the inside too.
Have a look at the Honda microfiche illustration & you can see what it is supposed to look like. 

[tank_post142]

TT  those are definitely aftermarket bags.

[Xtracho]

Yeah. These are aftermarket bags.

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Mark,

As previously indicated, the best thing to do is drill through and put in machine screws with a backing plate.  What I can't tell from the pic is the true condition of the lid where the screws pulled out.  You might want to look at repairing that area prior to putting the latch back on. 

The next question is...was anything taken from the bag? 

Joe

[Tropic traveler]

TT  those are definitely aftermarket bags.

Fooled me! The paint scheme looks just like the wife's '98 Tourer. 

[hubcapsc]

Maybe those are Champion bags... maybe there is wood there? Champion are studly fiberglass
bags, I think, they must be built on some kind of frame. I have a kind of architectural epoxy
that can be worked like wood after it sets up, sawed, drilled, screwed... however you
decide to fix it, it looks like you have plenty to work with...

-Mike

[Xtracho]

Hey Mark,

As previously indicated, the best thing to do is drill through and put in machine screws with a backing plate.  What I can't tell from the pic is the true condition of the lid where the screws pulled out.  You might want to look at repairing that area prior to putting the latch back on. 

The next question is...was anything taken from the bag? 

Joe

Nothing missing from the bag. Probably because one of my smelly tennis shoes was on top of everything else!   

[salty1]

I would call Champion and see what they have to say. If I wasn't satisfied with their advise, I probably would fill in the area with JB Weld and do what others have suggested by drilling all the way through and have a backing plate for bolt and nut attachment thereby increasing the surface area for any torque put on that hold in the future.

[Xtracho]

Took Salty's suggestion and called Champion. Got their tech support and the consensus is pretty much what you guys were saying. Drill through, use a backing plate or some flat washers, and bolt the catch to the lid. Thanks for all your advice. The bungee cord holding the lid down should get me back home OK. When I get there I'm going to the catch on each lid.

[gordonv]

I like the bolt and nut with a backing washer.

My GW GL1100 latches where held on with pop rivets and washers.

So you can choose what ever you have on hand and go from there.

Do the lids have a hinge, or do they come right off the bags?

[R J]

Well I'm all the way over here in Houma, LA for a class this week. Cold ride over but otherwise uneventful. When I came out of class yesterday I saw that the screws holding the catch for my saddlebag lid had pulled out. Looking them over it appears they are....wood scews? Anyhow, I've got that lid secured down with a bungee cord right now. Was wondering if you folks may have some advice on how to refit that latch to the lid? I've got no problem riding home with the bungee holding the lid down, but if there is a possible fix, or fixes, I'd really appreciate your advice. Longer screws maybe? Drill all the way through, put a backing plate on the back side, then bolt the catch down? I did look at all the other screws on the saddlebags - and they appear to be the same as in this image. Thanks!

Sorry good buddy, that IS NOT A HONDA latch.

I've seen it before, but I can't remember who the builder was of the bag.

As you have discovered, it is a piece of crap.

Best thing to do is build a little metal plate to place on the inside and then drill through the bag and plate, then secure with a nice little Phillips head bolt with an aviation nut.     That be the plastic lipped ones.     Do BOTH bags so ya don't have to do it over later.

[Xtracho]

Well I'm all the way over here in Houma, LA for a class this week. Cold ride over but otherwise uneventful. When I came out of class yesterday I saw that the screws holding the catch for my saddlebag lid had pulled out. Looking them over it appears they are....wood scews? Anyhow, I've got that lid secured down with a bungee cord right now. Was wondering if you folks may have some advice on how to refit that latch to the lid? I've got no problem riding home with the bungee holding the lid down, but if there is a possible fix, or fixes, I'd really appreciate your advice. Longer screws maybe? Drill all the way through, put a backing plate on the back side, then bolt the catch down? I did look at all the other screws on the saddlebags - and they appear to be the same as in this image. Thanks!

Sorry good buddy, that IS NOT A HONDA latch.

I've seen it before, but I can't remember who the builder was of the bag.

As you have discovered, it is a piece of crap.

Best thing to do is build a little metal plate to place on the inside and then drill through the bag and plate, then secure with a nice little Phillips head bolt with an aviation nut.     That be the plastic lipped ones.     Do BOTH bags so ya don't have to do it over later.

Yeah. These are aftermarket bags.

[Xtracho]

Home from a week in Louisiana (man that Ultimate King Bigboy seat is a blessing). Anyhow, looking at the saddlebag lid this morning. Inside the lid where the nuts would go, that area is contoured, not square. So I'm wondering if a nut would be able to get a good bite were I to drill it through. Going to remove the lid and try to get a pic to you guys so you can see what I mean. Want to try and get this done this weekend since I'm headed to Saint Petersburg on Monday.

[R J]

If you put a small plate on the inside ofthe lid, it won't make any difference if it is flat or humped.     The plate will give you the flatness you need.

Since ya'll is a travellin again, Get-R-Done before Sunday night.   

[lljjmm]

Why not use a plate on inside, but instead of using nuts - tap the plate for the screws or bolts being used. A lot neater.  Use lock washers or (star lock washers) and loctite to lock screws in place

[Xtracho]

Got 'er done. Found some hobby plate that was not too thick and not too thin. Drilled holes to match the latch and screwed them up with nylock nuts on the backside. Tightened them up just snug since the backing plate doesn't match the contour of the lid. Screws are a little long, but I can cut those off when I get back from St. Pete. Lids close tight and secure! Now to polish up her chrome, wax up the bags and other assorted plastic, and get ready for the compliments as I move on down the road. Did I ever mention how proud I am to be a Valk owner? 

Again, to all of you I appreciate your advice.    In the future don't hesitate to tell me what a dumb ass I am. Hell I've been married for almost 20 years. You think anything anyone else is gonna say will hurt my feelings?