So I've got this swingarm bag.....
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: Athens, AL
So I've got this swingarm bag.....
I put it on using extra heavy-duty zip ties and wrapped the swingarm with electrician's tape. I got a couple of concerns....
1. Anyone EVER had any part/piece/etc of the swingarm bag get into the drivetrain? Man is it ever in VERY close proximity!
2. Does it ever DRAG during turns? If so is that ever a problem?
I almost didn't even put it on....but today I'm gonna give it a try...
Softail coming right along....fender bib is OTW!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
Looks like you have one of the Leather Works bags. The leather is thick enough, you don't need to worry about the bag getting caught in the moving parts.
I went with the 3" wide bag both for looks and clearance for tight turns.
If you catch a dip or pothole while at or near max lean angle, you could drag on the bag. The 5" wide bag hangs out further so you might drag it when the 3" wouldn't.
I mounted mine on diamond plate to clear my swingarm mounted Roto-Plate. It keeps the bag's shape if hauling heavy items and also moved it's mounting postion forward and up for even more clearance.
I went with the 3" wide bag both for looks and clearance for tight turns.
If you catch a dip or pothole while at or near max lean angle, you could drag on the bag. The 5" wide bag hangs out further so you might drag it when the 3" wouldn't.
I mounted mine on diamond plate to clear my swingarm mounted Roto-Plate. It keeps the bag's shape if hauling heavy items and also moved it's mounting postion forward and up for even more clearance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
i have the 5" bag and though I haven't mounted it yet on my Lo, I realized I would have to lose my belt guards since they're pressed right up against the swingarm, but looking at the bag it seems like the straps should be tied together on the inside of the bag, so there really shouldn't be any loose bits flapping about to get stuck.. and someone said in another thread that they've done some tight corners with the 5" bag and even though they would scrape the primary cover, they never hit the bag
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Never dragged one or had one get in the belt. I have run 3 different bags for tens of thousands of miles and done all kinds of riding with them including tons of twisty canyons. I was sure I was going to scrape on sharp left turns but never have.
Drew
Drew
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 111
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From: McKinney, TX
I've "self clearanced" mine on the ground many times. Doesn't really worry me. It's leather....it'll give. My buddy has a graphics and wrap business. I used some matte black vinyl and wrapped the swingarm so the bag wouldn't rub the paint off...been on a year and a half with zero issues.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Nice pic on the snake! It must be Rock Store photos . com LOL Even with that lean angle it is not dragging.
Drew
Drew
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: McKinney, TX
Yeah that's Rock Store pics. I was bummed he snapped pics of my buddy in front of me and by the time he got me I was already exiting the turn. Just before that pic I had it all dragging. I drug a huge hole in the bag that day as well as my Thunderheader on the roads around Malibu.lol It was worth it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
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From: The Lone Star State
My blog has a write up on how to make a rigid mount to remedy these issues. www.chasinwhitelines.blogspot.com