Saddlebag install nightmare
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 29
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From: Latrobe, PA
Saddlebag install nightmare
I just purchased 2 sets of rigid mount Saddlemen bags for Dyna and started installing one of them on my 2009 Dyna FXDC. The model number of the bags is 3501-0463. I also purchased set # 3501-0464 for my wife's 2009 Harley Street Bob FXDB but luckily didn't start installing those.
The only conclusion i can come up with is... THESE BAGS DO NOT FIT MY MOTORCYCLE! I was assured that they would but they do not! First, the tang on the turn signal stalk would not go in the relocation bracket. I had to file the hole bigger to get this to work. Also, The wire supplied was way too thick compared to whats on my motorcycle so I couldn't use the crimp connectors so i soldered them. OK... I thought things were going kinda badly at this point but thats not all...
With the supplied spacers, THE BOLTS ARE NO WAY NEAR LONG ENOUGH! it's almost as if the wrong spacers or bolts were supplied with these "kits." I can get the front bolt to go in if I skip the small metal spacer but the directions say to use both the narrow and wide steel spacers for the front. ARRRGGGHHH! However, The rear bolt is no way EVER going to go through the fender strut!
Also, with the front spacer bolted up to the bag and the strut something doesn't look right. The shock cutaway on the bag isn't aligned right with the bike's shock and the bag is sticking out WAY TOO FAR. This is even minus the small spacer which is supposed to be used. This setup even if I could get it installed looks like total garbage.
Either Harley changed something in 2009 or these bags and/or their components were mixed up somewhere along the line. I don't know but I will say that I have never been so unhappy with a purchase in my life. Spent $700 plus dollars for nothing but bitterness. To top it all off I have no motorcycle now since I soldered up both my turn signal wires and attached them to the brackets.
An entire evening wasted. What the hell is wrong here? What can I do?
The only conclusion i can come up with is... THESE BAGS DO NOT FIT MY MOTORCYCLE! I was assured that they would but they do not! First, the tang on the turn signal stalk would not go in the relocation bracket. I had to file the hole bigger to get this to work. Also, The wire supplied was way too thick compared to whats on my motorcycle so I couldn't use the crimp connectors so i soldered them. OK... I thought things were going kinda badly at this point but thats not all...
With the supplied spacers, THE BOLTS ARE NO WAY NEAR LONG ENOUGH! it's almost as if the wrong spacers or bolts were supplied with these "kits." I can get the front bolt to go in if I skip the small metal spacer but the directions say to use both the narrow and wide steel spacers for the front. ARRRGGGHHH! However, The rear bolt is no way EVER going to go through the fender strut!
Also, with the front spacer bolted up to the bag and the strut something doesn't look right. The shock cutaway on the bag isn't aligned right with the bike's shock and the bag is sticking out WAY TOO FAR. This is even minus the small spacer which is supposed to be used. This setup even if I could get it installed looks like total garbage.
Either Harley changed something in 2009 or these bags and/or their components were mixed up somewhere along the line. I don't know but I will say that I have never been so unhappy with a purchase in my life. Spent $700 plus dollars for nothing but bitterness. To top it all off I have no motorcycle now since I soldered up both my turn signal wires and attached them to the brackets.
An entire evening wasted. What the hell is wrong here? What can I do?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Get in touch with who you bought them from, to see if there are better instructions, or if a shipping error occured. Take a breath.... or two. Longer bolts can be had from your local hardware store if need be.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 22
From: Beautiful Downtown Burbank
I have exactly the bags your trying to install. I wasnt too keen on the mounting to begin with, and already had a set of Easy Brackets hanging around, so I used those. That and I had previously moved the turn signals to a Heritage bracket under the tail light so I didnt have to fiddle with their relocation stuff.
All the extra crap they shipped with the bags will work, but you have to modify the spacers to get it to work. In my case, I have a ton of extra hardware to use on other projects.
If you relocate the signals out of the way, and dont have HD's detachable sissybar, the system will work
All the extra crap they shipped with the bags will work, but you have to modify the spacers to get it to work. In my case, I have a ton of extra hardware to use on other projects.
If you relocate the signals out of the way, and dont have HD's detachable sissybar, the system will work
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, USA
Harley makes a nice set of soft bags which fit Dynas. I have a pair on my WG and am quite happy with them.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Latrobe, PA
I didn't know there was replies to this. Still not getting email notifications and nothing in the spam folder. Oh well.
Thanks for all the posts.
I would go with Harley bags but don't have the cabbage. recently got my hours cut at work so i have to be careful, plus I have to get bags for two bikes.
They are not hard bags. Maybe you mistook my post about rigid mount for being hard bags but they are leather or leather like material with a plastic inside casing.
From the dealer. Saddlemen just says Dynaglide but the dealer assured me they will go on my 2009 easy. right... Will be making a call tomorrow.
Thanks for all the posts.
Harley makes a nice set of soft bags which fit Dynas. I have a pair on my WG and am quite happy with them.
See if you can return them or get your dealer to install them. Hard saddlebags don't belong on a Super Glide Custom. If you wanted a bagger, Road Kings are a much better bet.
How did you determine what part numbers to buy? I went to saddlemen.com and pulled up that part number, but no description was available as to what models/yrs it fits.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 29
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From: Latrobe, PA
I have exactly the bags your trying to install. I wasnt too keen on the mounting to begin with, and already had a set of Easy Brackets hanging around, so I used those. That and I had previously moved the turn signals to a Heritage bracket under the tail light so I didnt have to fiddle with their relocation stuff.
All the extra crap they shipped with the bags will work, but you have to modify the spacers to get it to work. In my case, I have a ton of extra hardware to use on other projects.
If you relocate the signals out of the way, and dont have HD's detachable sissybar, the system will work
All the extra crap they shipped with the bags will work, but you have to modify the spacers to get it to work. In my case, I have a ton of extra hardware to use on other projects.
If you relocate the signals out of the way, and dont have HD's detachable sissybar, the system will work
Thanks, this is very helpful. Looks like I need turn signal relocation kits and the bolt will work. Will do a search on chrome spacers that are not as deep as well. I think the bags will look good if they are not so far off the bike. I like these bags actually but the mounting and implementation sucks.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 29
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From: Latrobe, PA
Another thing... I have recently gotten into motorcycles and I can't believe what goes on with vendors and companies concerning their service. I have numerous hobbies and have never experienced what I have as a matter of course with buying motorcycle gear/parts. Companies on Ebay listing 8 of the same items then telling me a couple days later they don't have it in stock after I buy it. A local wrench that i have to beg to do any work for me. Don't even get me started on the local Harley dealers.
I have been on Ebay for 11 years and never filed a dispute until I started buying motorcycle stuff. I have had 3 this year. Not only Ebay, every online dealer I have dealt with pulled something shady as well. This sucks.
Ok. Sorry bout the rant.
I have been on Ebay for 11 years and never filed a dispute until I started buying motorcycle stuff. I have had 3 this year. Not only Ebay, every online dealer I have dealt with pulled something shady as well. This sucks.
Ok. Sorry bout the rant.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Latrobe, PA
Sent an Email to Saddlemen and the vendor last night. They apparently confired and Saddlemen is going to send me different mounting kits. said they are going to mount bags on an 09' tomorrow and mod parts if needed. Hopefully this all works out but looks pretty good.