Tourer saddlebags removal and other questions

[Shasta]

Hello again...thanks for all the help so far dialing in my new 98 Tourer.  Your help is greatly appreciated and I hope to return the love when I have the knowledge to do so.

I had some new avon cobras put on so I needed to remove the saddlebags.  I  unbolted the two front lower bolts near the pegs and the two bolts on each side that go through the handrail I think they call it.  So the bags came off attacchd to the frame as one piece.  Is this the correct way?  Or is there a way to just remove the bags with the frame still on the bike?

Also once the bags were off I went to move them and they rotated out on the frame.  Is that normal or do I need to tighten something up?

I have the bags off for now with the ugly spacers in because of the long bolts needed for the bags.  Is there a kit available that includes the standard bolts so I can use them when bags are off?

Last thing...I promise.  Is there a picture tutorial or similar available for putting them back on.  I know it's nothing for most u guys but just wanted some direction to make sure things go smooth.  Should have taken pics as I was removing.

PS I googled this before I posted but had not luck.

Thanks, Matt

[The emperor has no clothes]

Well I have preface this first with I've only done the bags on a Interstate. But I believe they are the same. There are 4 small 8mm bolts inside the bags. Remove those and the bag comes off the mounts. Much easier than removing everything. There is a little spacer outside of the bag on the back bolt, don't lose it. ( Never feel sorry about asking questions about our bikes, most of us love to talk about them and help) 

[Hook#3287]

Rob's right, 4 bolts to remove the bags.

You'll want to take them off the frames before reinstalling.  Trying to put them back on in one piece will be difficult.  The frames moving like you described is normal.  I always take then completely apart and clean them good, they take a lot of abuse under there.

Under the bags is a stamped metal plate.  I always re-paint those every time I can.  Their thin metal, always seem to have some light rust and are big $$$.  There's some small screws that strip easily and some thin rubber spacers that fall off.  Sometimes I put the spacers back, sometimes I don't, doesn't seem to make much difference.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500C+A/REAR+FENDER+%2B+GRAB+RAIL/parts.html

Go there to get the OEM bolts that go on a Standard for when you want to go bagless, although I'm not sure why you would.

Or you could go to a Ace Hardware that carries Chrome Metric.  Make sure the thread pitch is right.

Don't feel embarrassed to ask for help, we've all needed it.

[..]

After painting the metal plates that go under each saddlebag I give them a good coating of wax. Helps to keep dirt and moisture off them.

[Hook#3287]

After painting the metal plates that go under each saddlebag I give them a good coating of wax. Helps to keep dirt and moisture off them.

Good tip, I'll use that.

[Shasta]

Thanks fellas!

Looks like this time I worked harder not smarter...oh well. 

Thanks for the additional tips and I do agree there will be rare times, if any, these beauties come off again.

Matt

[Bighead]

Hey now at least you know how to take apart one other thing on you phat girl
And yes take them apart before reinstall it will be much easier

[..]

Thanks fellas!

Looks like this time I worked harder not smarter...oh well. 

Thanks for the additional tips and I do agree there will be rare times, if any, these beauties come off again.

Matt

Removing the saddlebags is really very easy. If I can find it so others should as well.

[sandy]

The standard bolts are a 10mm X 1.25 pitch and the rear is an 8mm X 1.25 pitch. Don't have the lengths, sorry.

[indybobm]

Both bolts are 48mm long.