What were they thinking?
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
What were they thinking?
On occasion...OK often, I wonder what the R&D department at HD is thinking. The latest is the quick detach system for saddlebags.
To preface my complaint, it is expected that individuals who use saddlebags will likely use saddlebag guards. Also, some accessories are more common than others, for example, passenger footboards in place of foot pegs.
We have all noticed that when reading about certain accessories, Harley will note that it may not be used with other installed accessories. These recommendations are not always true. Harley states that swingarm axle covers can't be used with saddlebags and I have them on my Heritage ???
Regarding the quick detach saddlebag system, Harley indicates that it can't be used with saddlebag guards, passenger footboards and swingarm axle covers; all of which I have installed. The stock saddlebags on the Heritage work just fine with these accessories so why can't a detachable system be designed to work with them? What am I missing? They may as well design a detachable saddlebag system that doesn't work with saddlebags for that matter.
Although I don't remove the saddlebags that often, it is more convenient than having to remove six bolts. But, I don't want to sacrifice other accessories to have it. I realize there are other aftermarket systems out there but they all seem to lack something. Even something as simple as steel mounts instead of chrome ones. I don't want to remove the bags and have four steel or aluminum bolts sticking out of my fender rails. What were they thinking?
My questions: Has anyone installed the Harley quick detach system with saddlebags guards in place? Also, what does the lower saddlebag support arm attach to? Can the saddlebag relocation brackets be used?
To preface my complaint, it is expected that individuals who use saddlebags will likely use saddlebag guards. Also, some accessories are more common than others, for example, passenger footboards in place of foot pegs.
We have all noticed that when reading about certain accessories, Harley will note that it may not be used with other installed accessories. These recommendations are not always true. Harley states that swingarm axle covers can't be used with saddlebags and I have them on my Heritage ???
Regarding the quick detach saddlebag system, Harley indicates that it can't be used with saddlebag guards, passenger footboards and swingarm axle covers; all of which I have installed. The stock saddlebags on the Heritage work just fine with these accessories so why can't a detachable system be designed to work with them? What am I missing? They may as well design a detachable saddlebag system that doesn't work with saddlebags for that matter.
Although I don't remove the saddlebags that often, it is more convenient than having to remove six bolts. But, I don't want to sacrifice other accessories to have it. I realize there are other aftermarket systems out there but they all seem to lack something. Even something as simple as steel mounts instead of chrome ones. I don't want to remove the bags and have four steel or aluminum bolts sticking out of my fender rails. What were they thinking?
My questions: Has anyone installed the Harley quick detach system with saddlebags guards in place? Also, what does the lower saddlebag support arm attach to? Can the saddlebag relocation brackets be used?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
I have often wondered the same thing as I have parts on my bike that just slid right on and Harley said they wouldn't.
I personally use Cycle Visions Bare Backs for a detachable system. They are very simple, look good and are inexpensive ($150 maybe less if you look around). The lower arm brace stays put and attaches the same, only now with a cotter pin instead of an acorn nut head.
Good luck and ride safe!
I personally use Cycle Visions Bare Backs for a detachable system. They are very simple, look good and are inexpensive ($150 maybe less if you look around). The lower arm brace stays put and attaches the same, only now with a cotter pin instead of an acorn nut head.
Good luck and ride safe!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
So wait a minute. You are saying the rear saddle bag guards can NOT be used with Harley quick detach saddle bags? I had my INDY looking for a good set of used rear bag guards to put on my bike. I didn't know I could not then use my bags!! I have to be honest, since I have had my bike and these bags, I have not had them on my bike 1 single time but I don't want to lose that option as I plan on retiring in a year or two and would like to do a little traveling. I also have 2 windshields that have never been on my bike but I don't want to do something to my front end to lose that option either. So, I have the quick detach hard bags, they will or will not work with the rear bag guard?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 3
From: Maine
The way the detachable system mounts. The front lower quick detach braket has an arm about 5" that connects to a mount located between the passenger peg and frame. The bracket has a hole then a locking area that has to be slid forward into place. I am assuming the saddlebag guard will be In the way of being able to slide the bags forward to get the on/take them off.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
tbonetony06,
The following is a direct quote from the 2013 HD Parts and Accessories Catalog:
"Fits 03-later FLSTC models equipped with Original Equipment Heritage Softail Classic saddlebags. Installation requires separate purchase of appropriate Docking Hardware Kit. Models equipped with detachable saddlebags alone require Docking Kit P/N 90200669. Models equipped with detachable accessories and saddlebags require Docking Kit P/N 90200670. Does not fit with Passenger Footboards, Rear Saddlebag Guards or Rear Axle Covers."
The following is a direct quote from the 2013 HD Parts and Accessories Catalog:
"Fits 03-later FLSTC models equipped with Original Equipment Heritage Softail Classic saddlebags. Installation requires separate purchase of appropriate Docking Hardware Kit. Models equipped with detachable saddlebags alone require Docking Kit P/N 90200669. Models equipped with detachable accessories and saddlebags require Docking Kit P/N 90200670. Does not fit with Passenger Footboards, Rear Saddlebag Guards or Rear Axle Covers."
Now, as I mentioned, Harley will sometimes state that an accessory is incompatible with other accessories but you never truly know.
bigjosh42,
I figured what you described is likely the case. So, WHY couldn't Harley design it to attach above or below the saddlebag guard? The picture of the detachable conversion kit does not show a new "mount" for the lower arm so I assume (yeah, yeah I know about assuming) it uses an existing mount. The six screws it shows in the picture are probably the male components that fits through the holes in the new saddlebag bracket. I don't know. Since I have saddlebag guards on, I had to replace the rubber bushing that is the stock attachment for the saddlebags with a "saddlebag relocation bracket". The saddlebag relocation bracket sits between the passenger floorboard and frame. Does the new detachable bracket use the saddlebag relocation bracket as the attachment point? My question, then, remains unanswered.
I figured what you described is likely the case. So, WHY couldn't Harley design it to attach above or below the saddlebag guard? The picture of the detachable conversion kit does not show a new "mount" for the lower arm so I assume (yeah, yeah I know about assuming) it uses an existing mount. The six screws it shows in the picture are probably the male components that fits through the holes in the new saddlebag bracket. I don't know. Since I have saddlebag guards on, I had to replace the rubber bushing that is the stock attachment for the saddlebags with a "saddlebag relocation bracket". The saddlebag relocation bracket sits between the passenger floorboard and frame. Does the new detachable bracket use the saddlebag relocation bracket as the attachment point? My question, then, remains unanswered.
Still, why would Harley design a detachable saddlebag system for a model that comes with saddlebags knowing that many people would likely put saddlebags guards on? They could have avoided the saddlebag guard very easily. This isn't Einsteinian physics!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 487
Likes: 9
From: Yorkshire, England
Yet another example of the Motor Co shooting itself in the foot! Despite wanting H-D bags for my Deluxe A) The Deluxe bags aren't quick release, and B) You need a degree in physics to calculate what fits with what for the rest of the range! How do you wash a bike with fixed leather bags?!! Finished up going with Hog deluxe bags which feature 'Easy Brackets' - Fantastic looks & quality, on and off in 20 seconds.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I look and saw the same. No workie with Floorboards or guards..
Hummm. I quit reading about them soon as I read that....
Said to me-self Six bolt only takes about 4 minutes to remove and really I am thinking on trips just those four bolts may keep someone else to helping themselves to my bags..
.
.
Hummm. I quit reading about them soon as I read that....
Said to me-self Six bolt only takes about 4 minutes to remove and really I am thinking on trips just those four bolts may keep someone else to helping themselves to my bags..
.
.
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Milroy PA
I received my docking hardware for quick detach kit today, if you have passenger floorboards you will have to revamp the lower mounting bracket in order for it to work. It's not really that big of a deal one bend, then you have to cut about an inch off of bracket and drill a new hole for docking point. It takes some measuring and some time, but I think it was worth it now that I can easily take bags off.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
I received my docking hardware for quick detach kit today, if you have passenger floorboards you will have to revamp the lower mounting bracket in order for it to work. It's not really that big of a deal one bend, then you have to cut about an inch off of bracket and drill a new hole for docking point. It takes some measuring and some time, but I think it was worth it now that I can easily take bags off.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 10
From: San Angelo, Texas
I look and saw the same. No workie with Floorboards or guards..
Hummm. I quit reading about them soon as I read that....
Said to me-self Six bolt only takes about 4 minutes to remove and really I am thinking on trips just those four bolts may keep someone else to helping themselves to my bags..
.
.
Hummm. I quit reading about them soon as I read that....
Said to me-self Six bolt only takes about 4 minutes to remove and really I am thinking on trips just those four bolts may keep someone else to helping themselves to my bags..
.
.
(***disclaimer: I would NEVER threaten to or attempt to kill anyone wth my legally owned and carried handgun. I would, however, offer to put large holes in their head, chest and stomach areas. Rather they then died or not is COMPLETLY between them and God.***)