Switchback Bags On a Street Bob
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 864
Likes: 56
From: U.s.
Switchback Bags On a Street Bob
Traded a guy locally my V2H Defender Bags for his switchback bags he had on a super glide. I'm in the process of painting them now. He gave me the Switchback stock mounting hardware but have read a common problem is the locking mechanism on the stock hardware has failed and resulted in the loss of a bag. This can be cured simply with a zip tie. But I intend to be removing and installing the bags often and that'll be annoying. So, I was considering getting the easy brackets from Great Bike Gear and using that mounting system instead. Does anyone have experience with their brackets?
Those with switchbacks, is there another way to secure the bag with the stock hardware? Also, are there any organizer inserts for these bags out there?
Thank you in advance
Those with switchbacks, is there another way to secure the bag with the stock hardware? Also, are there any organizer inserts for these bags out there?
Thank you in advance
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
I have both a switchback and Superglide w/ switchback bags. The biggest thing about the bags is making sure the locking mechanism actually locks into place. There is an audible click when they lock, don’t hear the click, it’s not locked.
never lost a bag, never had a bag come loose....if I take them off, putting them on I always make sure I hear the click, no click no ride...I also use a bit of electrical tape on the mounts to stop any rattles, this also helps to hold them more secure.
if your neverous about them, use the zip tie, or the other system (no idea how the other system works)
never lost a bag, never had a bag come loose....if I take them off, putting them on I always make sure I hear the click, no click no ride...I also use a bit of electrical tape on the mounts to stop any rattles, this also helps to hold them more secure.
if your neverous about them, use the zip tie, or the other system (no idea how the other system works)
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 26
From: Tennessee
Are you running a switchback rear fender, or a custom bracket, in not are you using the hardware on the bottom rear of the bag. Had my switchback bags on my Street Robert for about 6 or 7 months now, never had an issue with the locking mechanism.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 864
Likes: 56
From: U.s.
Not using a Switchback fender or the hardware on the bottom of the bag. Just the 2 strut bolts with the docking hardware. Thank you for the input.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 24
From: Cape Cod
You can wedge a 6" section of 3/8" fuel line behind the latch where it fits onto the mounting boss on the strut. Keeps the locking mechanism from vibrating off. Fairly common problem, very effective solution. Sorry I don't have any pics.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I use the easy brackets on my 2008 Street Bob. They work well but they do rattle a bit. I used Throw over bags and simply cut the throw over part off.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northeast, NJ
I have both a switchback and Superglide w/ switchback bags. The biggest thing about the bags is making sure the locking mechanism actually locks into place. There is an audible click when they lock, dont hear the click, its not locked.
never lost a bag, never had a bag come loose....if I take them off, putting them on I always make sure I hear the click, no click no ride...I also use a bit of electrical tape on the mounts to stop any rattles, this also helps to hold them more secure.
if your neverous about them, use the zip tie, or the other system (no idea how the other system works)
never lost a bag, never had a bag come loose....if I take them off, putting them on I always make sure I hear the click, no click no ride...I also use a bit of electrical tape on the mounts to stop any rattles, this also helps to hold them more secure.
if your neverous about them, use the zip tie, or the other system (no idea how the other system works)
I highly recommend going with the 3 point docking vs. the 2 point docking that's being suggested. Much more stable and your bags won't swing.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 864
Likes: 56
From: U.s.
Yep, just went to mount the first bag and am realizing these things are going to shake horribly without a third mounting point. Any ideas? Might have to reconsider using the easy brackets.
Last edited by Fireguy88; Aug 10, 2018 at 10:10 AM.