Quick release bags, yes or no?
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Quick release bags, yes or no?
I just bought a new Heritage Classic and I plan to take the back seat and sissy bar off. (I'm not comfortable having a passenger at this point). Question is - should I install quick release on my bags or no? I like the looks of the bags and the function, but thinking when I stay away from home for security and ease of removing the bags. Which also makes me think it's also easier for them to be stolen if I make a shorter stop and don't remove them... any input would be great!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 700
Likes: 312
From: southwest Va.
That the way I set mine up. I'm always solo. Normally ride without them but it's nice to be able to slap them when I want. I use them so seldom that I take the docking mounts off for long periods of time for an even cleaner look.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 700
Likes: 312
From: southwest Va.
Forgot to mention the system I have key locks to the mounting dock. Not saying they couldn't be ripped off but it'd be quite the job and you'd tear up everything doing it. I guess you could drill out the locks and jimmy them off. Not something I think a normal thief would want to take on at a short stop. If traveling and concerned I'd just pop them off for the night.
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thanks!
Forgot to mention the system I have key locks to the mounting dock. Not saying they couldn't be ripped off but it'd be quite the job and you'd tear up everything doing it. I guess you could drill out the locks and jimmy them off. Not something I think a normal thief would want to take on at a short stop. If traveling and concerned I'd just pop them off for the night.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 910
From: Omaha
Once you take the bags off a couple of times you should be able to remove/install them in less than 5 mins.
If you're concerned about security while on the road buy a lock kit for them or just empty them when the bike's going to be left along for a while.
I've got a lock kit on mine but I don't think it's really needed, just something else I picked up.
My recommendations is to just ride the bike for while with and without the bags to determine if you want/need the bags on most of the time or not.
I rarely use my saddlebags on a daily basis, but I do keep a tool kit, jump starter, and a pair of Joey chairs in them just so I have them when I need them.
If you're concerned about security while on the road buy a lock kit for them or just empty them when the bike's going to be left along for a while.
I've got a lock kit on mine but I don't think it's really needed, just something else I picked up.
My recommendations is to just ride the bike for while with and without the bags to determine if you want/need the bags on most of the time or not.
I rarely use my saddlebags on a daily basis, but I do keep a tool kit, jump starter, and a pair of Joey chairs in them just so I have them when I need them.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 734
Likes: 319
From: Rochester NY
I replaced my original inside the bag hardware with wing nuts and lock washers (5 years later and they've never even been loose) and the lower bracket mount nuts and bolt with a clip on nut and bake lite type screw handles. I can get my bags off in less than 3 minutes for washing, or riding without them. I figure a thief is probably not going to want to take that long. I am working on a simple locking system using sandwiched chrome strike plates and mailbox locks on the outsides to keep the casual idiots' hands out of my bags. I know if someone really wants them they will get them, but I just got a job at the mall and am worried about leaving my tool bag and my rain stuff when I can't see the bike for 8-10 hrs.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 132
From: x
How many times ya hear of somebody's bags getting stolen? Just curious, I never have that I can recall. More times than not it's the whole bike or nothing.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
There were numerous people claiming thefts in high traffic areas, like Las Vegas casinos/hotels and Lake Tahoe Casinos parking lots....
For those that don't know, OEM hard bags on the touring models are held on by twist pins (dzus pin/fastener). With a screwdriver and about 5 seconds, the bags can be popped right of the bike without needing access to the inside of the bag. Doesn't matter whether the bag is locked or not.
If people are willing to take a hard bag off a bike, I would guess they wouldn't hesitate to open an unlocked bag and look in...
I bought HD locks for my leather Heritage bags. I usually only lock them when the bike is going to be out of sight for an extended period or I am in a high traffic public place....
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 853
Likes: 48
From: Virginia
I replaced my original inside the bag hardware with wing nuts and lock washers (5 years later and they've never even been loose) and the lower bracket mount nuts and bolt with a clip on nut and bake lite type screw handles. I can get my bags off in less than 3 minutes for washing, or riding without them. I figure a thief is probably not going to want to take that long. I am working on a simple locking system using sandwiched chrome strike plates and mailbox locks on the outsides to keep the casual idiots' hands out of my bags. I know if someone really wants them they will get them, but I just got a job at the mall and am worried about leaving my tool bag and my rain stuff when I can't see the bike for 8-10 hrs.
Not to jack the thread, but what size wing nut? Or a pic of your set up would be cool...please?? Getting things ready for my '17 Heritage, and this would work for me. My old Heritage was a bit of a PITA. Thanks...
