2017 sportster saddlebags

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 31, 2017 | 04:37 PM

Shari61

Thread Starter

Stage I

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: Florida

2017 sportster saddlebags

I just bought a 2017 sportster 1200 T. It comes with saddlebags and wind shield. The problem is with the saddlebags. The push button to open them is on the top and not water proof. The key hole is in the middle of the button and its plastic. Definitely a flaw in design.....and they have the Harley emblem on the side so they are not aftermarket...i dont think so anyway. I have checked with different dealers and they have no solution. I have checked auto stores and hardware stores and cant find anything to make it water proof. I talked to a locksmith anout replacing locks and he said i may have to get new bags. I really dont think i should have to do that since its a flaw in design and the whole bike is brand new....less than 200 miles. Anyone have any suggestions??

Mar 31, 2017 | 08:01 PM

hscic

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 4,890

Likes: 553

From: USA

Can't hurt to ask the dealership

Try asking the sales manager if they can find a replacement without the flaw and swap or at least give you a deep discount on the replacement. If they truly believe in customer satisfaction, they will perhaps work something out.
Here is what happened to me...nott new but under warranty. Found out my fork lock was faulty...it actually was damaged (perhaps attempted burglary). Anyway ask them to either replace my frame or install a HD smart alarm and HD smart siren, and remove the lock and plug the fork....which is what they did under warranty.
perhap you can tell them you bag leaks when it rains which is a flaw or defect, and see what they say.
good luck

Apr 1, 2017 | 07:25 AM

harleyrider4300

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 359

Likes: 100

From: Florida

Simple workaround for bad design

I have the bags that you have. I have a 2016 XL1200C. I ordered the bags that go on the 1200T and had dealer install at time of delivery. I found the locks stif, both when you tried to insert key and when attempting to turn key. I applied WD-40 and inserted key and removed for about two minutes per bag. Then did the same thing on turning the key. It loosened up great. I cleaned the excess lubricant out of the bag. I live in Florida so I ride in the rain a lot. I ride year round. I have found that it only takes a small amount of WD-40 every 3 or 4 months to keep the working great. It's a simple fix for a bad design.

Apr 1, 2017 | 08:47 AM

Usmc3816

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 5,218

Likes: 510

From: Shelby, North Carolina

You can take a pencil and run the lead over the key and then cycle the key a few times this will maker it easier to open. Also a little grease on the key will help keep the water out, a trick I used it on my 4 wheeler and sled.

Apr 2, 2017 | 05:22 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,897

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shari61

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. I have a Superlow 883 and fitted H-D bags, which are similar to yours. There are several problems with them IMHO, as not only are the locks not water proof, if the bike is left out in heavy rain they will take in a lot of water. The design of the body is bad (a function of how they are made), which makes putting stuff in them dead easy, but getting it back out a real pain in the backside! They are also not very sturdy and after a couple of years I replaced them with LeatherPro bags which can be easily installed and taken off.

As for your bags, you have a warranty. Use it and take nicely to your dealer!

Apr 4, 2017 | 08:35 AM

JayTee2015

Tourer

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 304

Likes: 43

From: hhhhh

+1 on LeatherPro bags. Locks are on the side and while the bags are thick, sturdy leather, they have rigid plastic inner formed liners that hold their shape and clean out very easily.