Just bought a set of Kuryakyn's Granthrow bags for my '11 FXDC; they're pretty close to what I need, and didn't have to drop $500+ on them.
I don't really like the throw-over supports, especially if I'm not planning on leaving them on all the time.
I like the way the Easy Brackets sound, and apart from some rattling, they've gotten good reviews here. But here's the kicker...I'd have to punch through the backside of the bag. Is there a good way to strengthen or reenforce textile bags like these? I'm not planning on lugging around the kitchen sink, but want to be able to carry some gear without worrying about seeing my bags rip off the bike and go skittering down the interstate.

Any thoughts, advise or tips would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

I did just what youre looking to do. I used plexiglass from lowes on the inside of the bag, cut to size. Bolted the easy brackets through the plexi. I also used those little black plastic christmas tree keepers (lowes harware department). You find those keeps on inner door panels on most cars. I dont know the technical name but i used a few of those just to keep the leather of my throwovers against the plexie

 

Shimmon-
That's a great idea! I hadn't thought of using plexi. Someone at the shop suggested trying to add a patch of leather on the back side of the bag, but this sounds like it's going to be a lot better. How long have you had this set-up?

 

Yep I did just what shimmon did. Only I also put it on all sides of my bags to stiffen them up a bit. I made the mounting brackets myself from aluminum angle. And I bought some lower support brackets from Drag Specialties. Mine are just cheap everyday naughahide bags that came used with my bike.

It's easiest if you use a sharp awl to punch the hole a bit in the naughahide first and then drill the holes with a sharp bit. The bitch is keeping the bit where it needs to be. I cut and drilled the plexiglass first and then used them as patterns to punch and drill the holes. I would first drill enough (2 or 3) to attach the plexiglass to the outside to use as a pattern to drill the rest. Use a wood block inside to hold the bag without drilling a hole in your hand.

Then remove them and install to the inside. I used Ace Hardware Stainless button head bolts to attach the plexi and Fastenal aluminum nuts and washers inside (the stainless gets kinda heavy with more you put on). Been running this setup almost a year now. Here are some pics.