I bought a set of saddle bags yesterday. they are through over type. I think I will need some kind support frame or something to hold them in place.
Can anyone help me with this?

 

Some people ride without them, but I have them, and so does hubby, for two reasons. One, because it keeps the bags out and off the pipes, wheels, etc., and Two, the brackets provide something to tie the bags to to keep them more stable and not flapping in the wind. You can get them from Harley, or online or catalog, such as J&P Cycles or whoever else sells accessories that you like dealing with. I wish I had gotten detachables though, since sometimes I might prefer to ride without the bags if I'm just going local.

 

I have a set of Willie and Max bags mounted on "Easy Brackets". There are times when I simply need the ability to carry things with me on my bike, although I don't want bags on it all of the time. That's where the "Easy Brackets" come in. The bags mount on and off the bike in under 60 seconds and there is no hardware left behind for the 90% of the time I don't need the bags.

 

How handy are you with leather working? I bought a set of throw overs from a vendor here on the forum. They were cheap, so my confidence was greater for working on them. They were designed with zippers as well as the saddle portion. I simply unscrewed the bracket that runs along the rear fender on each side, punched a few extra holes in the leather of saddle flap (once they were separated) and folded them over and re-bolted the bracket. This enables me to see the entire rear fender profile, I can unzip each bag if I want and remove it from the bike very easily. Since they are smaller bags (for sportys) they hang right over the shocks, infact they tie off on the shocks to stay put. Very clean and removeable in minutes. Just had to slightly modify by punching a couple holes in leather.

PM me if you wanna see pics. Send me your email, cause for the life of me I cant seem to post pics here on the forum to save my A$$.

 

Have you tried uploading your pics first to your desktop, then clicking onto the "click here to upload prompt"? It will show you all the pics on your desktop and then you just choose the one you want inserted into the thread. It works for me and I'm practically retarded.

[IMG]local://upfiles/19046/8D41384FE6E1433E9596ABA92F632B45.jpg[/IMG]

 

I got the brackets from HD and had them installed. My bags have a leather "strip" about 8 to 10 inches wide on the back... the bracket slips through and the "Bridge" between the two sides goes under the passenger pillion. The bags unzip from the bridge so that I can take them with me if need be.

Neat little set up and I don't have to worry about the bags rubbing on anything.

 

I got the same bags, but I don't have the brackets due to the fact that I have a quick-detach sissy bar, but even without the brackets....my bags don't touch the pipes or get caught in anything. Actually, they don't even move....not even going 70 down the highway. I love the throw-over bags though....very quick to take on and off. I got them free with the purchase of my bike, so I can't complain.

 

I also don't have supports on mine due to detachable backrest. I have throw overs supported by the rear shocks and the turn signals. But the side with the drive belt slides behind the right turn signal and gets a little bit closer to the rear wheel than I'd like. It's in no danger of getting caught up in there, it's just the thought of the slight possibility.

I'm not ready to spend the coin, yet, but I'm seriously considering the Leatherpros when I get ready for new bags. They work with detachable sideplates, all hardware comes with them, no hardware left behind, the bags are lockable to the bike and lid is lockable also using a small padlock, they come off in seconds,they are made to hug the bike...they are essentially leather covered hardbags. The only problem is the approximate $700 price tag! And turn signal relocation of your choice is required. Leatherprosdoesn'tsell signal relocation kits.

I've heard good things about Easy Brackets. Just the brackets....use your own saddlebags. A lot cheaper and work well from what I've heard. Thumper26 posted above that he uses them.

Teek

 

Support brackets? Dont need no stinking support brackets, here is how i did mine. https://www.hdforums.com/fb.asp?m=3039449

 

I got a set of brackets on Ebay at a very good price. Although, I had to find mounting hardware since it didn't come with any... Only thing is like other people mentioned, it looks silly with the brackets and no bags, so I just leave them on now... Now that I have added the sissy pad, fork bag and luggage rack, it doesn't look like it is unfinnished. Just gotta figure out what to do with the rear T/S. I think I wannamove them fromthe fender struts.