Saddle bag latch inserts (2-19-08) UPDATE

CREEPSHOW · #1 02-12-2008, 04:47 PM

I have the materials to make a set of these and wondered if it's worth my time and if they would sell? They seem pricey to me? I could make them cheaper and not for the police model..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harle...ayphotohosting

[IMG]local://upfiles/42745/F6A64E9602A74FB8BB14EF53AEC2C6B3.jpg[/IMG]

dawg · #2 02-12-2008, 04:50 PM

They'd sell. I'll buy a set.

HDchrome · #3 02-12-2008, 05:06 PM

Way back about 7-8 years ago, I designed some inserts and had them produced on CNC equipment at a local machine shop. I used the words ROAD KING on some of the inserts and promptly got a nastygram from a Harley lawyer and had to quit making the inserts using those words or anything that HD used as a trademark. So, I used a generic design consisting of two jagged lines that looked pretty good. Sold a load of those on epay and at local HD events, as a lot of riders were buying the RK police bikes because it was a 1-2 year wait for a regular RK. Most were polished aluminum, but some I had made of steel and chromed up. I got tired of playing with those, and some guy came along and patented my exact design and started selling them. Still does, I think, and at about 4 times what I was getting.

I'm surprised that HD doesn't make their disatisfaction known over the use of one of their trademarks. Maybe the company bought a license from Harley.

07blackcherryflhx · #4 02-12-2008, 05:17 PM

If you are talking about latch plate covers. Without reflectors would be even better. If I understand what you are talking about I would take a set if they were just plain black. PM if you get these up and going

2003FLHPI · #5 02-12-2008, 05:21 PM

I got these.. ebay #290202876501

CREEPSHOW · #6 02-12-2008, 05:39 PM

This wouldn't cover the whole latch. This would only go in the area to cover or replace the reflector on NON police edition bikes. The police bikes have a different shape insert. When I bought my inserts they where from custom chrome and the only thing I could find. There are custom made inserts for the police model all over e-bay but nothing for us regular latch guys...

07blackcherryflhx · #7 02-12-2008, 05:46 PM

I would be interested for the reflector covers. Would they be just available in chrome of in black?

CREEPSHOW · #8 02-12-2008, 05:53 PM

Well, have not decided to go threw with this yet but textured black like the one pictured.

CREEPSHOW · #9 02-19-2008, 05:45 PM

Ok, cabin fever hit again!
I found my old reflectors from my bag latches. They are madeof two pieces of plastic, red hollow reflector and black backing plate. I simply took a carpenters knife and split the red reflector off the backing plate and discarded the reflector. Then took the black backing plate and removed any leftover 3M tape off the back (adhesive remover). The front side (that had the reflector glued to it) had some left over glue and some plastic ribs on it. I sanded the front part with a small orbital sander till smooth. I placed new 3M tape on the back side and trimmed with a razor blade.
I stopped by a local vinyl sign shop and bought a 5"x12" piece of "chrome" vinyl from them for 3 bucks. Cut out the vinyl bigger than the insert and trimmed with a razor blade. I have alot of chrome left over for a new project???? Anyways, if I didn't already have chrome inserts I would put these in my latches because they turned out very well! A tiny bit rough on the edges but after installed you would never be able to tell! Here is a pic of the finished project!
Cost to make mine $3
Chrome insert at the store about 50 bucks
Should I put this in the DIY section??

dawg · #10 02-19-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: CREEPSHOW
Should I put this in the DIY section??

yeah and then make me a set of the original ones you were going to make like in your original post