Swingarm bag options
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: NH
Swingarm bag options
Hey guys I just wanted to get some input on the solo swingarm bag for my Fatboy lo. I'm looking to pick one up as soon as possible. I want to be able to have it for bike week in Laconia this year which is about three weeks away. I've seen both the leather works and Larosa options and I like those a lot. The leatherwork's xL bag seem to be the best but it also said something about scraping the bag if I scrape pegs. Tend to do that more often than not lately. So I want to find out what are my best options for the biggest amount of space that I could get with a solo sided swingarm bag I'm not really that cramped for space I just want to get a couple more inches. So let me know what you guys have done so I can see my options. Thanks guys. Gotta move quick too lol
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I went with the Leather works xl and have no complaints, very nice bag and well made. I also used the dead creek cycles bracket for the install, again no complaints. I tend to scrape my boards as well, more so on the right side, but haven't scrapped the bag as of yet.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
I made my own backing plate to install it, with the bag centred on the swingarm. And yes, if you scrape the footboards enough, you will scuff the bag. I'd advise having the bag about an inch higher than that to avoid scuffing it. But then it's difficult to mount using the lower bolt and still look right.
Inside the bag is a kind of panel of leather at the back. I'm guessing this is just for covering the leather strap holes. It has no use to me, so I took it out, cut the corner off and rivetted it to the bottom corner of the bag. So now when I scuff it, I know that I can just replace the sacrificial patch with another when it wears through.
To further prevent against wear, I have put a hole through the patch and loctited a nut on the outside that will catch the road first, and hopefully last a little longer than the leather. Again, I can replace it over time.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
I have had the leatherworks 5 inch wide bag for 3 years. It is great. Solid construction. Leather flaps that fold in when carrying a little, but extend up when you max it out like I do a lot. It's my main travelbag on 2-3 k trips.
I used it with the supplied straps and a couple backup nylon ties (not needed but makes me feel better...) until this year with no issues. But some of the fine folks on this site have made a hard back plate (I used aluminum plate) and used it to hard mount it to the belt guard mounts. I copied their lead and it works great!
One other trick I did, since my bike is lowered. I mounted a very low, small, mushroom shaped bakelight **** (hardware store, 3 bucks) on the low spot of the bag so when I touch down once or twice a year (rare) it rides on the ****, not the bag. This only happens when I'm traveling and I have it so overloaded, I'm surprised I haven't torn a strap off...LOL, but it holds up fine.
One last trick. I went to the hiking store and bought a waterproof compression bag that fits inside perfect. About 20 bucks. Well worth it. I have been on trips and been in rain for 2 days straight and all my stuff was dry...nice after a hot shower, followed by a beer and steak...
Oh, leatherworks made in usa. Heavy leather. Ride safe and see you at Laconia (I have a place in Warren...)
I used it with the supplied straps and a couple backup nylon ties (not needed but makes me feel better...) until this year with no issues. But some of the fine folks on this site have made a hard back plate (I used aluminum plate) and used it to hard mount it to the belt guard mounts. I copied their lead and it works great!
One other trick I did, since my bike is lowered. I mounted a very low, small, mushroom shaped bakelight **** (hardware store, 3 bucks) on the low spot of the bag so when I touch down once or twice a year (rare) it rides on the ****, not the bag. This only happens when I'm traveling and I have it so overloaded, I'm surprised I haven't torn a strap off...LOL, but it holds up fine.
One last trick. I went to the hiking store and bought a waterproof compression bag that fits inside perfect. About 20 bucks. Well worth it. I have been on trips and been in rain for 2 days straight and all my stuff was dry...nice after a hot shower, followed by a beer and steak...
Oh, leatherworks made in usa. Heavy leather. Ride safe and see you at Laconia (I have a place in Warren...)
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Viking makes a really nice swing-arm bag, and right now it's on sale for <$73.
I'm thinking of getting one to replace the H-D swing-arm bag I have now.
The H-D one is of fair quality but I hate the mounting system.
The straps utilize three large plastic buckles that sit inside the bag - they're a real PITA to use and they interfere with the storage space...
Here's the Viking bag:
http://www.vikingbags.com/black-leat...-7802-prd1.htm
I'm thinking of getting one to replace the H-D swing-arm bag I have now.
The H-D one is of fair quality but I hate the mounting system.
The straps utilize three large plastic buckles that sit inside the bag - they're a real PITA to use and they interfere with the storage space...
Here's the Viking bag:
http://www.vikingbags.com/black-leat...-7802-prd1.htm
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: Pa
I have the leatherworks 3" and a buddy has the 5". I made a solid mount using the existing belt guard mount holes and a backing plate behind the bag from keeping it from sagging. Neither of us two have scraped the bags and I ride slammed on the stops often. A third buddy has the 3" bag attached by the straps and his bag has gotten saggy and has scrape marks on it. You can search the forums here for instructions/ideas on how to make the mount or you can now buy a hard mount from one of the sponsors here
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Yep, agree with ya, this was an old pic and I've since corrected the angle.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 0
From: BC
Leatherworks here 5" - its great. (previously had a Larosa = chit quality)
and here is a link for you if you want to make a hard mount (will put it higher off the ground as well)
http://www.chasinwhitelines.blogspot...max-results=10
and here is a link for you if you want to make a hard mount (will put it higher off the ground as well)
http://www.chasinwhitelines.blogspot...max-results=10
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: OCEANSIDE, CA
I also have Leather works xl and I agree with all the above good quality. I made my own hard mount and put it just a little back for room for passenger foot and a little up for the worry of scrapping which I have gotten my pegs but not the bag.
