RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

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Apr 17, 2007 | 03:58 PM

#11

jarman

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 123

Likes: 1

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

Dude,
I've got an 05 and it did the same thing. Called the dealer and they said don't worry it is just from temp changes so I sat it out in the sun on the first warm day we had and they smoothed right out. The leather is not glued to the sides of the bag. Have you had it put up?

Jarman

Apr 17, 2007 | 04:00 PM

#12

RageAndMachine

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 786

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From:

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

Damn Right, use that warranty!!!

Apr 18, 2007 | 01:44 AM

#13

RKCustom07

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 34

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RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

I went to the stealer today and reported the problem to him. He was all to happy to tell me that the saddlebags aren't covered under warranty. He then proceeded to say, well, wait a minute, I know I saw a tech release about this issue (as if to give me false hope that maybe, just maybe, they were going to own up to something)...lemmesee...I know it's here somewhere...

He looked and looked and looked (I was almost impressed since he had been a royal jerk up until this point...Anyone who has had any service at Palm Beach Harley Davidson knows what I am talking about. Everyone told me to take it to Treasure Coast. But no, I took it where I bought it...) Anyhow, he finally FOUND it and was so elated as he read it outloud in a very enthusiastic manner. In summary, it said that this condition happens and we as owners are just SOL!

In any case, after riding the bike around today in almost 90 degree weather, I noticed that the leather has tightened up (apparently,according to my "friendly" neighborhood service manager,the leather is intentionally not glued to the hard case - for what reason I don't know). I bought some of the Harley leather conditioner. I read another thread tonight that also said that using the conditioner and a hair dryer will do the trick. I have had the bike garaged for most of the past two weeks, so maybe that is what caused it.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Ride Safe!

Apr 18, 2007 | 02:01 PM

#14

Rick 547

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 257

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From:

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

Had the same problem a few years ago after riding in rain for 5 hours. When I got home took the saddlebag off and put it in direct sunlight for a day. The leather tightend up and I have not had a problem since.

Apr 18, 2007 | 06:22 PM

#15

Night Crawler

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 6,421

Likes: 108

From: Tennessee

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

I purchased a 2007 FLHRS last September.

When I went to pick it up, the salesman opened a saddlebag lid and pointed to the leather treatment that was furnished inside the bag and told me the first thing I needed to do when I got home was to apply the treatment on both bags as per the instructions.

I did exactly as he instructed and Iâ€™ve never had any problems with mine.

Apr 18, 2007 | 06:28 PM

#16

1mrbill

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 205

Likes: 0

From: Kentucky

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

I have an '04 RK Custom, never had the problem you described, nor seen it for that matter.

Apr 18, 2007 | 06:50 PM

#17

Rarebare

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 539

Likes: 0

From: Western Suburbs of Chicago

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

I had the same problem with mine (see sig photo) and after posting here and considering the replies, returned the bag to my dealer. Apparently they had heard of the problem and my salesperson swapped a bag from another bike on the floor. I was also told that HD was now telling customers that the bags are supposed to be that way. My response was then both of the bags would look that way wouldn't they?

Sounds like you resolved your problem but I thought I would share this anyway.

Apr 18, 2007 | 07:17 PM

#18

Rico450r

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 190

Likes: 0

From: California

RE: RK Custom leather saddlebag problem....?

I picked up my RK March 24th and putthe leather conditioner on my saddlbags and seat the first day I got her home. My leather bags are looking like the day I picked her up.