Hard Bags
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
Forgot to take my camera when I went over there, so no jpeg documentation of the 'installation experience'.
As it turned out, it was one of those: 'Why the hell did THAT take so long?' projects. Like I posted, if I was to do it again, it would take around 2 - 2.5 hours. And we did it without a bike lift to get the rear wheel up. I would be leery, if a 'stealership, charged any more labor than that.
Oh, another thing I'd do, is initially mount the metal framework to the bike without the bags attached, but with the turnsignals and their mounts attached. Then you can accurately measure/cut the wires for the turn signal install. Add a weather proof plug about two inches beyond the turn signal wiring exit point on the bracket.
I would also recommend putting some clear silicone into the wire entrance/exit points on the turn signal mounting brackets after the wire is installed. This area is prone to rain/dirt getting blown in, and there isn't anyway for it to drain, other than out the hole it came in. The used brackets were full of 'crud' and rust. One had to be wire brushed out before the wire would go through it.
The MoCo could have also designed a better solution for the rear mounting bolt. If they had designed a 'fixed' bolt/stud (similar to the OEM tailight mount), and put a hex head (instead of socket head) on the front fastener, then all it would have taken is a 1/2" wrench to remove the bags from the bike. My 93 FLHS (before 'quick' disconnects) has two 7/16 bolts that hold the bags, it takes under a minute to pull them.
I wonder sometimes, if the designers, actually try to install their accessories on real bikes...
As it turned out, it was one of those: 'Why the hell did THAT take so long?' projects. Like I posted, if I was to do it again, it would take around 2 - 2.5 hours. And we did it without a bike lift to get the rear wheel up. I would be leery, if a 'stealership, charged any more labor than that.
Oh, another thing I'd do, is initially mount the metal framework to the bike without the bags attached, but with the turnsignals and their mounts attached. Then you can accurately measure/cut the wires for the turn signal install. Add a weather proof plug about two inches beyond the turn signal wiring exit point on the bracket.
I would also recommend putting some clear silicone into the wire entrance/exit points on the turn signal mounting brackets after the wire is installed. This area is prone to rain/dirt getting blown in, and there isn't anyway for it to drain, other than out the hole it came in. The used brackets were full of 'crud' and rust. One had to be wire brushed out before the wire would go through it.
The MoCo could have also designed a better solution for the rear mounting bolt. If they had designed a 'fixed' bolt/stud (similar to the OEM tailight mount), and put a hex head (instead of socket head) on the front fastener, then all it would have taken is a 1/2" wrench to remove the bags from the bike. My 93 FLHS (before 'quick' disconnects) has two 7/16 bolts that hold the bags, it takes under a minute to pull them.
I wonder sometimes, if the designers, actually try to install their accessories on real bikes...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
03psd
General Harley Davidson Chat
1
Aug 5, 2012 03:49 PM
07RoadGlide
Touring Models
3
May 3, 2011 05:45 PM
