Saddlebag fell off today
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
One thing I would check is if your bag is actually being supported by the lower rail. On my 2015 RGS before the recall happened I noticed my bag was actually sitting 1/4"+ above the lower support rail. That puts all the weight on the fastening pins.
Dealer loosened the lower support rail bolts and lifted the rail and held it while tightening.( Per Harley) Bag sits fully supported now.
I still check the fastening pins before every ride
Dealer loosened the lower support rail bolts and lifted the rail and held it while tightening.( Per Harley) Bag sits fully supported now.
I still check the fastening pins before every ride
Figured this out a long time ago. If this was the problem the spring wire on the frame is probably distorted and should be replaced. My brackets adjust independently on each side FR & RR. After proper adjustments on all fasteners bag sits hard on the lower rail and the pins go right in without ANY fumbling trying to get them fastened, then takes a firm twist to get over the cam action of the pin. I carry a spare set of both for the OP I ride with. Never had one come out since this adjustment.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 8
From: Hebron, CT
I will be bolting mine on in the next couple days. Seems like a cheap and safe solution. I don't anticipate taking them off very often so it seems like the best way to prevent theft and premature ejection....
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 69
From: Alberta
I did some research on this topic and found the one I had come loose is the most common one to fail. The front left for some reason. I checked mine out and two of them snap in nice at tight. The other two feel mushy and come undone very easily. I talked to the mechanic up at the dealership and he said they used to use bolts to hold them on an no more worries. He said this is nothing new. I checked on my bike as it is a 2015 and the recall was performed on it at the dealership before I took delivery of it. I went to the local industrial supply place and picked up the caged nuts, lock washers and socket head cap screws. I am not willing to take a chance on it coming loose again, which I feel it will if left the way it was. I put the bolts in the front mounts and left the Duz pins in the rear for now. I wrapped up two sets of bolts and put them in with my tool kit in the bottom of one of the saddlebags. It only cost me 6 bucks for the hardware. I used two and had 4 left over. Cheap insurance if you ask me.
Under Pressure?
I'm wondering, how do you conveniently check tire pressure with the saddlebags nearly permanently mounted to the bike? I have the updated fasteners from HD, and so far they're holding . . . anyone have problems with the updated fasteners from HD?
Mark!
Mark!
Last edited by markfsanderson; Apr 13, 2016 at 10:15 PM. Reason: wot pressure?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 133
From: Connecticut
I checked those quick clips before each ride on my 16 RK and found one had come loose after a couple of hundred mile ride. I ordered those same REDA bolts posted on page 1 from Revzilla and haven't had any problems since.
Still real easy to remove the bags too. (I do still check them before each ride but they seem to stay tight. You can get the parts to do it yourself cheaper, but the whole kit was 15-17? Dollars I think. Definitely worth it
Still real easy to remove the bags too. (I do still check them before each ride but they seem to stay tight. You can get the parts to do it yourself cheaper, but the whole kit was 15-17? Dollars I think. Definitely worth it
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 310
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake
For this problem I have my personal fix, which I mentioned in an earlier thread before. I simply used electrical tape and wound every pin a few times with it. That increased the friction inside the rubber grommets to a point where the pins cannot twist by themselves anymore. I had my recall done, but noticed that the dealership left the tape wrapped on the pins. I check them periodically and all four pins are staying tight.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
For those who use the screw in "new" locks. Has anybody tried using blue Loctite on the threads to keep them from loosening from vibrations. If you have, has it worked?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
Didn't HD have 2 recalls on the pins. I replaced the pins on my 2011 with the new ones
#10900026 & they really locked in better than the old ones. #10 http://www.granitestateharleystore.c...c%7e1OF3%5cKTM
#10900026 & they really locked in better than the old ones. #10 http://www.granitestateharleystore.c...c%7e1OF3%5cKTM
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 433
Likes: 67
From: NOR CAL
The retaining pins worked loose and the right bag fell off going down the road. The bike is a 2015 Road King and; (a) yes I put the pins on tight, (b) I know that there is a recall for my bike, and (c) I had the recall 'fix' work done. I was somewhat lucky that I was only going about 35 mph and there was no one behind me so I was able to retrieve the bag before it got run over.
either way that sucks hope they fix it for you..