1992 Softail Saddlebag Attachment Question
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
1992 Softail Saddlebag Attachment Question
My saddlebags are currently attached by bolts that come from the inside of the fender. The saddlebag frame hangs on these bolts.
I think this was a modification done by the prior owner for some unknown reason. I think the holes were drilled out to make this work. Perhaps the threads wore down and this was the solution.
In any case, I would like to return it to OEM configuration so that attachment hardware that is designed to fit will work.
So, I am considering getting a Helicoil kit to repair the holes. These kits are expensive so I am not sure it is worth it. Maybe I can find a shop that will do it for me. But by the time I pay the shop, I could probably come close to buying the kit.
So, I am right about the way this is supposed to be set up. Any suggestions for alternative, easier, less expensive fixes.
Part of the problem with the existing configuration is that anytime I want to remove the saddlebag mounting frame, I have to get a wrench behind the fender which is a real bugger unless I remove the rear tire, which I have never done and would prefer not to do.
But maybe learning how to remove the rear tire is something I should learn anyway.
Thoughts, suggestions, comments, amusing stories?
I think this was a modification done by the prior owner for some unknown reason. I think the holes were drilled out to make this work. Perhaps the threads wore down and this was the solution.
In any case, I would like to return it to OEM configuration so that attachment hardware that is designed to fit will work.
So, I am considering getting a Helicoil kit to repair the holes. These kits are expensive so I am not sure it is worth it. Maybe I can find a shop that will do it for me. But by the time I pay the shop, I could probably come close to buying the kit.
So, I am right about the way this is supposed to be set up. Any suggestions for alternative, easier, less expensive fixes.
Part of the problem with the existing configuration is that anytime I want to remove the saddlebag mounting frame, I have to get a wrench behind the fender which is a real bugger unless I remove the rear tire, which I have never done and would prefer not to do.
But maybe learning how to remove the rear tire is something I should learn anyway.
Thoughts, suggestions, comments, amusing stories?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If you look online at one of the parts websites you will see that there are two bolts on either side that pass from inside your fender, through the support struts and are capped off with domed nuts. So it seems likely a PO has simply replaced the stock bolts with longer ones, to install your bag mounts. I suspect they are part of an H-D kit. There don't appear to be any threaded holes in the struts that need repair. At times like this a factory service manual may be a great help - if you don't have one!
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
How the stock saddle bags mount.
There is a mounting frame that has 2 bolts that go through the fender over the tire and one that mounts close to the passenger foot peg.
The saddle bag has 3 bolts that mount it to the frame.
Is that what you have?
There is a mounting frame that has 2 bolts that go through the fender over the tire and one that mounts close to the passenger foot peg.
The saddle bag has 3 bolts that mount it to the frame.
Is that what you have?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
There were NO "tapped" holes for saddlebag mounts on my '94 Softail, and I've owned it from new, so I should know. Mine was more like a Fat Boy, so the saddlebag supports mounted with two bolts that passed through the fender and fender support from the inside. The Motor company didn't intend for the saddlebag hardware to be "quick detachable".
I'm not saying it can't be done, but you would either have to resort to some sort of aftermarket detachable hardware (there are a couple of systems out there), or design your own.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but you would either have to resort to some sort of aftermarket detachable hardware (there are a couple of systems out there), or design your own.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Mar 19, 2017 at 05:04 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
If you look online at one of the parts websites you will see that there are two bolts on either side that pass from inside your fender, through the support struts and are capped off with domed nuts. So it seems likely a PO has simply replaced the stock bolts with longer ones, to install your bag mounts. I suspect they are part of an H-D kit. There don't appear to be any threaded holes in the struts that need repair. At times like this a factory service manual may be a great help - if you don't have one!
I have been thinking of getting one anyway since I have had similar questions about other parts as well.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Beyond Fucital
If you're looking for quick detachable I went with EZ Brackets, They leave minimal hardware behind when the bags are off.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
The bolts I have are loose. I can push them back out into the fender well.
I am wondering if the factory bolts are secured so that they do not come out.
I am also wondering if the factory bolts go through the struts but not the fender. On my bike, there is a space between the fender and the strut that might be big enough for the head of a bolt.
And it would make sense because you could then remove the fender without removing the saddlebags.
I guess the parts catalog will shed some light on these questions. Or maybe not. Some of the diagrams are a bit vague for an ignorant noob like me.
When it comes to working on motorcycles, I sometimes need a flashlight and a map to find my a$$. Hahahaha.
But in the absence of a flashlight and a map, you guys are a great help. I appreciate your generosity with you time and expertise.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
The bolts I have are loose. I can push them back out into the fender well.
I am wondering if the factory bolts are secured so that they do not come out.
I am also wondering if the factory bolts go through the struts but not the fender. On my bike, there is a space between the fender and the strut that might be big enough for the head of a bolt.
And it would make sense because you could then remove the fender without removing the saddlebags.
I guess the parts catalog will shed some light on these questions. Or maybe not. Some of the diagrams are a bit vague for an ignorant noob like me.
When it comes to working on motorcycles, I sometimes need a flashlight and a map to find my a$$. Hahahaha.
But in the absence of a flashlight and a map, you guys are a great help. I appreciate your generosity with you time and expertise.
I am wondering if the factory bolts are secured so that they do not come out.
I am also wondering if the factory bolts go through the struts but not the fender. On my bike, there is a space between the fender and the strut that might be big enough for the head of a bolt.
And it would make sense because you could then remove the fender without removing the saddlebags.
I guess the parts catalog will shed some light on these questions. Or maybe not. Some of the diagrams are a bit vague for an ignorant noob like me.
When it comes to working on motorcycles, I sometimes need a flashlight and a map to find my a$$. Hahahaha.
But in the absence of a flashlight and a map, you guys are a great help. I appreciate your generosity with you time and expertise.
There is NO space between the fender strut and the fender. There is a circular boss surrounding each hole on the inside of the fender strut that contacts the fender.
The saddlebag bolts pass thru the fender and the strut, and help tie down the fender. there is no provision to remove the fender without removing the bags.
You have to realize that when our bikes were designed, the concept of "removable saddlebags/passenger seats/backrests/windshields" didn't really exist. People didn't "strip down" their bikes for cruising and dress them out for touring like they seem to expect to nowadays. IIRC, Harley didn't start playing around with "detachable" hardware until the mid '90's
Last edited by Uncle G.; Mar 20, 2017 at 10:22 AM.