Champion Hardbags

[Bocephus]

Looking for reviews on Champion Hardbags. I am looking to purchase a set of Champion Patriot Saddle bags for my 1997 Standard. From what I can find they are sold on the internet by Side Road Cycles but they list no phone # and no address. They say on their site they prefer E-mail. Just seems weird that a company like that would not list a # or address. Does anyone have any info on the Quality of their bags and customer service. Their site says nothing about warranty. And should you have a problem it would be nice to have a # to actually speak with someone. Any info will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

[BF]

You might want to try these people. 

http://championsidecars.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61_65&product_id=128

The Champion Patriot bag is a most excellent choice for the Valk.  They are the exact same size as the Honda OEM.  They are lined and have excellent hardware and locks. 

They're spendy, but they're a great bag.   

[Xtracho]

Really like mine on my '98. They do need some work after an encounter with a deer sometime back. And I am also in need of the factory brackets/mounting hardware

[RNFWP]

When I purchased my Valk last year it came with Champion bags. They are very nice.
I noticed that Champion had come out with a new (much better) lock design so I contacted them by email and found out that the new locks do not fit as replacements on bags with the old style locks. (bummer) ???
If anyone knows where to shop for new chrome locks that might fit, please let me know. These work good as latches but the lock is cheesy. I see why they've been upgraded.

[Jess from VA]

If the latches are good, ride over to a reputable lock and safe outfit, and ask them to come out and take a look and see if they can put in new locks-cylinders for you. 

[Black Dog]

When I got mine, I ordered direct from Champion Sidecars...  Looks like that is still an option -

http://championsidecars.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61_65&product_id=128&sort=p.model&order=ASC

As others have said, they are very nice, very sturdy, and the best option to OEM (IMO).

Here is a pic of my lady's azz, just to show how they make her look Phat 



P.S. - I added the turn signals, where the reflectors would have been...

Black Dog

[cajunito]

I would avoid Side Road Cycles... Instead order direct from Champion Sidecars.... I made the mistake of ordering from Side Road and not only were my bags late, I never received the $100 rebate that was owed to me. No contact # and they don't answer emails. 

[dreamaker]

There are some Champion Patriot bags on EBay.

[baldo]

Has anyone tried the OEM? chrome bag rails that go around the bags? Do they work on these bags?

[hubcapsc]

Has anyone tried the OEM? chrome bag rails that go around the bags? Do they work on these bags?

They can be made to work. In the OEM configuration, they are part of the saddlebag mounts.
I don't believe this closest bike has OEM saddlebag mounts, but it has Champion bags
and OEM bag rails...



-Mike

[baldo]

Great, that's good to know....

Thanks, Mike.

[Robert]

I ordered direct from Champion and they are sturdy well made and stronger than the oem. Champion  made the bags to look like the oems so all the oem hardware should fit. The easy way to tell oem bags from Champion is the oem bags have a seam down the middle of the bag and are not made with fiberglass. The mounting on the Champion bags are also a bit of overkill as its a steel plate powder coated black. I think this actually weights more than the bag. The new lock design has been around for years, I have the new lock design and have had my bags for approx 9 years. The side reflectors can be changed to leds just like the radiator reflectors can be changed to leds. The leds look exactly like reflectors so it maintains the oem look yet provides additional safety being lighted pretty brightly. Thats pretty much it.

[dreamaker]

I ordered direct from Champion and they are sturdy well made and stronger than the oem. Champion  made the bags to look like the oems so all the oem hardware should fit. The easy way to tell oem bags from Champion is the oem bags have a seam down the middle of the bag and are not made with fiberglass. The mounting on the Champion bags are also a bit of overkill as its a steel plate powder coated black. I think this actually weights more than the bag. The new lock design has been around for years, I have the new lock design and have had my bags for approx 9 years. The side reflectors can be changed to leds just like the radiator reflectors can be changed to leds. The leds look exactly like reflectors so it maintains the oem look yet provides additional safety being lighted pretty brightly. Thats pretty much it.

Talked to the owner quite a while back when I bought mine, He told me that he made the molds off the OEM ones. 

[BF]

Has anyone tried the OEM? chrome bag rails that go around the bags? Do they work on these bags?

They're not a direct fit, but yes, they will work, as the Champion bags are the exact same size as the oem plastic bags.  



The front mounting points on the rails bolt directly to the bike as normal, but at the rear, you'll have to use the mounts that go under the bag to mount them directly to the bag (they normally mount to the oem bag mounts).  You'll need a couple spacers, washers, nuts and bolts (found at any Ace Hardware or Lowes).  

This.....



I did the same thing to mount my Mustang saddlebags.  



The other mounting points at the rear of the rails, you'll just have to let hang....unless you fab something.  They normally mount to points on the oem bag mounts also.  

These (one mounting point on each side)....



Hope that helps.  

[baldo]

Excellent, BF. That's what I was looking for...

Thanks,,,,

[Bighead]

I ordered direct from Champion and they are sturdy well made and stronger than the oem. The easy way to tell oem bags from Champion is the oem bags have a seam down the middle of the bag and are not made with fiberglass. 

Only the Tourer OEM bags have the line/split down the back the I/S bags do not. and an easier way to tell them From OEM is the lid has a body line around the top on the Champion bags.
I almost bought a set of Champions for my standard but was able to find the  ones you see below on Ebay with all mounting hard ware off an I/S for 1/3 the $$$ as Champions.

[BF]

You're welcome.  

Look in Shoptalk (link at the top of every page) under...."Installation Manuals (PDF)"

There's two pages of installation instructions in there for the oem bag rails.  

[t-man403]

A lot better than full price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221679784488?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[BF]

A lot better than full price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221679784488?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Looks like a good deal on the bags, but there's no mention of any mounts or mounting hardware being included.  

[t-man403]

A lot better than full price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221679784488?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Looks like a good deal on the bags, but there's no mention of any mounts or mounting hardware being included.  

I scored on these last week.



From what I read of your posts, all I need for mounting are these?



When I was working on DDT's bike, I'm sure this is all he had plus a support base plate.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Has anyone tried the OEM? chrome bag rails that go around the bags? Do they work on these bags?

I took this picture ... That is Allan ( Punisher ) Valkyrie.... I should say one of his Valkyrie's.

[BF]

If you're mounting the factory bags, you'll need the oem mounts and hardware.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-03-Valkyrie-Interstate-chrome-saddlebag-right-left-mounting-brackets-bars-/201281630333?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AValkyrie+1500&hash=item2edd51f07d&vxp=mtr

I mounted my Mustang bags using a set of the OEM leather bag mounts.  I had to modify them to make them work.  

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,43468.msg413406.html#msg413406

After mounting the bags, I installed a set of the OEM bag guard rails.  I had to make a set of spacers to make the rails a bit wider at the rear to accommodate my Mustang bags.  

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65481.0.html

A lot better than full price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221679784488?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Looks like a good deal on the bags, but there's no mention of any mounts or mounting hardware being included.   

I scored on these last week.



From what I read of your posts, all I need for mounting are these?



When I was working on DDT's bike, I'm sure this is all he had plus a support base plate.

[hubcapsc]

From what I read of your posts, all I need for mounting are these?

Anything's possible, but you really need the OEM bag mounts...



-Mike

[t-man403]

From what I read of your posts, all I need for mounting are these?

Anything's possible, but you really need the OEM bag mounts...



-Mike

I figured.

"troutdude" and "eric in md" are on the prowl for what I need, so if anyone can help them out, a big thanks from me!

[Jess from VA]

The rails are nice, but the mounts are necessary (and the right way to do it).

Unless you just want some loops used for softbags, and to jury rig them to the bags.

With the OE hard bag mounts, you can just drop the bike over on either side and it will bang down on the engine guard in front and bag mount guard in back, and nothing else will hit (except maybe added lights or hwy pegs mounted outboard). And the bike stops at about 35-40 degrees and does not lay flat ON the bags.

Besides looking at the convoluted schematic, what you really need to do is hook up with someone with an interstate or tourer, and pull the bags off and have a look.  Only takes four easy screws on either side and you lift the bag out of the mounts.  The mounts are strong enough, you can stand on them.

[t-man403]

Great info guys and thanks for the ebay link.
Ebay is weird, I have been looking and couldn't find.

[BF]

Great info guys and thanks for the ebay link.
Ebay is weird, I have been looking and couldn't find.

I typed in "Valkyrie saddlebag mounts" and found those. 

[t-man403]

Great info guys and thanks for the ebay link.
Ebay is weird, I have been looking and couldn't find.

I typed in "Valkyrie saddlebag mounts" and found those. 

Same here for a week now and nothing!! Go figure.....

[The emperor has no clothes]

Great info guys and thanks for the ebay link.
Ebay is weird, I have been looking and couldn't find.

I typed in "Valkyrie saddlebag mounts" and found those. 

Same here for a week now and nothing!! Go figure.....

Its the Canadian Filter. We are trying to keep all valk parts south of the border    (just kidding)

[Xtracho]

Messaged the seller of those Champion Bags on EBay....no mounts or hardware included.

[G-Man]

How come I can't seem to locate the leather covered Champion hard bags?

[hubcapsc]

How come I can't seem to locate the leather covered Champion hard bags?

You might be thinking of the Leather Covered National Saddlebags from Viking?

-Mike

[BF]

How come I can't seem to locate the leather covered Champion hard bags?

You might be thinking of the Leather Covered National Saddlebags from Viking?

-Mike

Tsukayu. 

http://www.tsukayu.com/LeatherSeries.htm

Or Mustang.

http://www.mustangseats.com/Product/13301/Universal-Plain-Saddlebag-Set

[G-Man]

How come I can't seem to locate the leather covered Champion hard bags?

You might be thinking of the Leather Covered National Saddlebags from Viking?

-Mike

Tsukayu. 

http://www.tsukayu.com/LeatherSeries.htm

Or Mustang.

http://www.mustangseats.com/Product/13301/Universal-Plain-Saddlebag-Set

Which bags are on your bike?

[BF]

Mine are the Mustangs.  Obviously, the studded version.  I modified a set of the original OEM leather saddlebag mounts to mount my Mustang bags.  

I could be wrong, but I think member Salty1 has a set of each....Mustangs like mine and the covered Tsukayu bags.  Salty liked what I did with the mounts I used and did the same thing to mount his set of Mustangs.  

At any rate, I've seen pics of the coverd Tsukayu bags on someone's bike here and I think they were of his bike.