Saddle Bags - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

geouhl · 10-07-2009, 01:03 PM

When I purchased my 02 WG it came with nice saddle bags that are bolted all the way through the fender. They are nice and solid and I use them often, more because I don't want to go through the hassle of taking them off and putting them back on.

Is there some type of "quick release" that's available for something like these or am I just stuck. Some days I would like to ride without them on and just put them on when needed or for a longer trip. The bags are nice and I'm sure they cost a pretty penny so I really don't want to get something else just looking for some ideas as to how to get these on and off relatively quickly.

I'm not lazy (really) but some days when I'm getting ready to ride I look at these and think it would be nice if I could just pop them off.

**Dave63** · 10-07-2009, 02:55 PM

Not sure...... the RK's have hardware that takes them off and on however, they're not mounted via fender strut bolts.

What you *could* do, is mount long bolts through the fender and strut, from the inside out, and attach the bags, but if you tool them off, you'd have that hardware hanging out from the fender rails.

geouhl · 10-07-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave63

Not sure...... the RK's have hardware that takes them off and on however, they're not mounted via fender strut bolts.

What you *could* do, is mount long bolts through the fender and strut, from the inside out, and attach the bags, but if you tool them off, you'd have that hardware hanging out from the fender rails.

Hi Dave,
That's pretty much how their attached now. There's a long bolt from inside the fender through to inside the bag. The first time I went to take them off the bolt just spun inside the fender so I know I need to put a wrench on it to get them off but still never have so far. If I take them off I'm sure the bolt will just come out above the tire so it's probably not a big deal but thought it would be nice to just have an easier way to do it.

Now it sounds like I just need something to complain about....

**Dave63** · 10-07-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geouhl

Hi Dave,
That's pretty much how their attached now. There's a long bolt from inside the fender through to inside the bag. The first time I went to take them off the bolt just spun inside the fender so I know I need to put a wrench on it to get them off but still never have so far. If I take them off I'm sure the bolt will just come out above the tire so it's probably not a big deal but thought it would be nice to just have an easier way to do it.

Now it sounds like I just need something to complain about....

Put a nut on the threaded bolt, BEFORE the bags. This way, you can undo the nut that holds the bags on, and the long fender bolt remains stationary.

You could even do that, drill the tip of the bolt with a hole, and use a fender washer and a hood clip to keep them on, rather then having to use tools.

cb1 · 10-07-2009, 03:31 PM

Did they bolt them on using the existing fender strut holes with different bolts or did they drill new holes? Can you post some pics?

cb1 · 10-07-2009, 03:32 PM

You could even do that, drill the tip of the bolt with a hole, and use a fender washer and a hood clip to keep them on, rather then having to use tools.[/quote]

I was just thinking that. Scary.

**Dave63** · 10-07-2009, 03:35 PM

Now I'm thinking of Jello...... You?

geouhl · 10-07-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1

Did they bolt them on using the existing fender strut holes with different bolts or did they drill new holes? Can you post some pics?

I took some pics with my phone so they may not be that great. Figure the bolt itself is about 3 1/2 inches long with the head under the fender and through the support bracket (not sure if the hole was there or they drilled it). There is a 1 inch spacer along with a washer or two and then inside the bag it's capped off with a washer and a pointed nut.

I like the idea of using a hood pin to attach them but then I'd have a 3 inch bolt sticking out of the fender struts. Maybe some type of sleeve with a couple of holes. Have to give this some thought. Don't want to loose them going down the highway.

**Dave63** · 10-07-2009, 03:57 PM

Yep......long bolt, through the fender, fender rail then the bag rail, and into the bag.

If you replaced the bolts with ones 1/2" longer, you could secure them at the bag rails/mounts with a nut and lock washer, and drill the ends for fast removal.

You could even play around with adding a spring between the outer washer and bag, to take up vibration and keep things tight, after installing the "hairpin" or hood type clip.

I'm not sure how all this would work, regarding bouncing around or constant vibration though. You're right.....you'd have 3.5" bolts hanging off the bike. You'd have to be careful riding past sidewalks, as to not clear pedestrians off..........

If only there was a way that you could REVERSE the hardware, and have a thin, flat nut inside the fenderwell, and the harware came out, dropping the bags, then chrome replacement bolts went back in, when the bags were off...........

Rockerbox1 · 10-07-2009, 04:04 PM

couple a nuts, mig welder, done

sure sounds quick and easy don't it