OK, so the tank panel on my 1999 fatboy is showing signs of age. Some of the stitching is missing. Also, not much I have even fits in it. So a few questions that you folks can help with...


What do you folks carry in it? My cell phone is too large for it, I don't smoke and my wallet does not even fit in it.


Would it make more sense to purchase a new one or take this one to a leather shop (IF I can find one....) and see if they can fix it up? OR just purchase a new one??? Perhaps one with a larger bag or no bag at all?


Ideas?


Here's a picture.

 

the more bags and pouches you have.....the more crap and clutter you want to carry ......that's what cages are for .

 

Looks fine.nice patina,vintage piece suits a 99 Fatboy,carry your Swiss army knife.The only touch I would add is a good coat of mink oil that you can find at the boot store.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm leaning to having the stitching fixed and just using some mink oil or some leather conditioner on it and carrying something small.

 

Yep 👆

 

I keep my spare bulbs in there, keeps em safe. If I put them in the saddle bags they usually break..

 

So, I had some time this afternoon and was in the shop anyway, so I took the panel off and used some leather conditioner on it. Cleaned up well and still as the nice patina to it.


There's a plastic panel that the leather seems to be stitched to. As seen in the picture above, the bottom ends of the plastic split the leather.


So my questions are.... Can I use a thick thread and heavy needle to sew it back myself? OR, should I get another piece of leather to fold over the ends? OR, take to a boot repair place???


Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

 

I bought one a new for only $59.99 a few months ago. It was Carroll Leather brand (made in the USA). The pouch is larger and I can hold my Samsung in it. I say just get a new one.

 

Before




After repair and some mother's leather cleaner and conditioner.




Not best lighting, but you get the idea. Now, to add some sort of multi tool, along with perhaps bike registration, and that will have to do.






I also have this matching swing arm bag.


OK, so I did the best I could. Cost me less than $5 for large needle and the right thread. I got some black leather from the local boot repair place for nothing.


Here's the before and after. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

 

Looks awesome, good job.