Saddle Bag Security
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,916
From: King George, VA
Saddle Bag Security
I read a post several months ago about someone's saddle bags being stolen off their bike.
I have been looking at mine for a while now (off and on, not continuously) and I can see how someone could use a box wrench to loosen the mounting hardware without ever opening the saddle bag to access the quick disconnect bolts. Another way would be to use needle nose pliers to turn the Quick Release Stud from the outside to release it from the Wire Form.
Is there anything on the market that would make the saddle bags secure so they couldn't be removed except by access to the interior of the bag?
I have been looking at mine for a while now (off and on, not continuously) and I can see how someone could use a box wrench to loosen the mounting hardware without ever opening the saddle bag to access the quick disconnect bolts. Another way would be to use needle nose pliers to turn the Quick Release Stud from the outside to release it from the Wire Form.
Is there anything on the market that would make the saddle bags secure so they couldn't be removed except by access to the interior of the bag?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Saddle Bag Security
If you do a search you will find several post to this question... I stopped by Bob Drone HD in Oakland - they sell a "kit" for $18 - I went to Home Depot and made my own for alot less... Button head bolts and a little imagination and you can do your own. They guys at Dron told me the Bad Guys around there are just using a Large Screwdriver and Hammer - "Wack" on the back side and off they come... Not as easy if you have a Tour Pack on - most were off RK's or SG's - the rear portion of the latches are very easy to reach on those... go take a look and you will see.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Saddle Bag Security
The whole bike can be disassembled with the tools that a thief can carry in his pocket. Then, you gotta worry about the vandals, scratching this, denting that, putting sand in your oil and gas tanks.....Just pay your insurance. Keep it locked. Try to park in the best places you can and don't worry about it too much.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
RE: Saddle Bag Security
I replaced the mounting hardware with Stainless 1/4 20 #14 Spanner bolts, blue locktite. Now you have to have the bags off to remove the hardware.
I fabricated a Stainless 1.25"x1.5" plate with a 1/4 20 bolt welded to the center. These plates replace the Quick Release hardware and are fastened from the inside of the bag with a locknut backed by a 2" body washer.
Total Cost: $0.00, scrounged stuff up at work. Total Time to fabricate and install: about 1/2hr. I agree about insurance however the PITA factor of filling a Police Report, Insurance Claim, paying deductables, and replacing all my stuff plus being stuck without my stiff while out on the road makes the time involved in prevention well worth it. I know if a thief really wants my stuff they are gonna get it but it is a piece of mind thing. Guess thats why I have the factory alarm with siern/pager, Xena forklock with alarm and a very heavy Guarddogchain lockset.
I fabricated a Stainless 1.25"x1.5" plate with a 1/4 20 bolt welded to the center. These plates replace the Quick Release hardware and are fastened from the inside of the bag with a locknut backed by a 2" body washer.
Total Cost: $0.00, scrounged stuff up at work. Total Time to fabricate and install: about 1/2hr. I agree about insurance however the PITA factor of filling a Police Report, Insurance Claim, paying deductables, and replacing all my stuff plus being stuck without my stiff while out on the road makes the time involved in prevention well worth it. I know if a thief really wants my stuff they are gonna get it but it is a piece of mind thing. Guess thats why I have the factory alarm with siern/pager, Xena forklock with alarm and a very heavy Guarddogchain lockset.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,916
From: King George, VA
RE: Saddle Bag Security
Good post Richard. I went down to Lowes and found a 1 1/4 X 24 bolt and lock nuts with some fender washers to match. I'll have to work at the bolts with spaner holes though. I suppose you drilled those out yourself because I couldn't find anything near that in the hardware section. I suppose a Torx head may frustrate a walk by theif though.
I'm just tryin to make things a bit more secure for when I'm on the road in a strange place. I think the piece of mind thing is the most important thing to settle though. Just hate getting my stuff ripped off.
I'm just tryin to make things a bit more secure for when I'm on the road in a strange place. I think the piece of mind thing is the most important thing to settle though. Just hate getting my stuff ripped off.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 435
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From: New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
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From:
RE: Saddle Bag Security
I was one of the people that had them ripped off, I bought the Bob Dron kit and then replaced the rear bolt with a 5/16 grade 8 bolt and lock nut and drilled a hole thru it for a padlock, it may not stop them but it will sure slow them down.
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