First, let me say that I heard about this idea in another thread so I can't take credit for the idea.

Here is my implementation of attaching a solo bag to a detachable side plate. The bag is from Leatherworks in Stockton CA and is their "Chopper bag". I already had the bag and used to have it attached to a detachable sissy bar. I decided that I didn't always want to have the sissy bar on when using the bag. So, basically you run the detachable side plate upside down and on the opposite side of the bike (right sideplate flipped over and used on the left side). Cut off the mounting portion for the sissy bar. Cut it again to match the line of the bag. Bolted it onto the diamond plate I already was using to support the bag, and Viola! Removable solo bag. Here are some pics of my finished product.

 

awesome job Erik, looks great! How much money do you think you have in it total?

 

Very nice. Well done sir.

 

It's not the cheapest option out there, but here's the breakdown:
Pair of sideplates from HD are - $139.95 (can be found other places online for around $100.00 and you only need one)
Solo bag from Leatherworks (now available with a rigid backing) are - $155.00

Total for those items is $290.

 

Good work with the mounting. I dig the upside down quick detach bracket.

 

I know this is an old thread but I like this idea a lot. How has it held up? And which bag is this again? I don't see a specific "chopper" solo bag on the Leatherworks site.

 

It has held up great and is rock solid! The reason I went with the side plate upside down was for the extra support. I have since swapped out the chopper bag for the Dyna bag. It gives a better clearance for the axle nut. I lost a cover due to the bag tapping it while riding.

 

Have ya tried looking at the solo bags from Garage Leathers. Pretty easy to detach just a couple of straps and there you go.

 

First I would like to say.. Thank you all for your posts..
It is great to see the ideas and what we can do with them as well.. here is my implementation of the solo bag on the quick release brackets (Almost complete I am still waiting for the rotary locks to arrive)

a quick trip to home depot for supplies $35 bucks
1 hour of drilling, cutting and filing.







1/8 aluminum piece, didn't have all the cutting tools so had to buy files and metal blades..





rough cuts and marks





Attached to the bag with stainless steel screws and nuts and plastic spaces.





Connected perfectly..





Velcro ties holds in place until quick release mech arrives next week

 

This is brilliant! I'm about to do the same. How did the locks work out?