I read somewhere what type of plastic it is, but can't remember.
Anyone here know the type.
I know its ABS of some sort.

any of the below sound familiar?

Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyurethane and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

 

I have just heard ABS. So, I am no help. Out of curiosity, why do you need to know?

 

Can you say plastic welder?
We used to re-glass fiberglass.
Well got to keep up with the times and changes.
Plastic welder would be good for small cracks.
Permanent repairs and can be painted.
Lot cheaper than giving moco $500 + for a new bag.
To buy the right rod need to know which type of plastic it is.
Already have welder and bags to practice on.
was just checking to see if anyone knew which type of plastic it is.
I think ABS too

 

A space-age polymer material...........or, the MOCO calls it GTX Nylon. I call it plastic.......

 

thanks for the name.
Using that in a google search some websites came up using Harley's name as using that material.
It looks cuts breaks and cracks like ABS.

 

Ya , I agree. I've Dremeled a few ares on my lower fairings, and it cuts and shapes te same as ABS.

If the MOCO called it ABS, or plastic, they'd probably have to charge less for the bike......can't do that.....

 

The saddlebags are molded from SMC or Sheet Molding Compound. I know this because I work maintenance at the factory that manufactures the material the bags and lids are made from. It is a mixture of polystyrene resins combined with 1" chopped fiberglass, compressed into SMC. It starts as sheets approximately 3/8" thick ,56" wide and 150 yards long. It is then cut to the "shot" size and molded under pressure combined with about 300 deg heat to cure the part.
Once cured I don`t think a plastic welder is going to be much use for repairs on them. But I know nothing about plastic welders. I hope this helps.

Ride Safe,

Mike

 

So would fiberglass patching/sanding work,if there's a crack,scratch, etc?

[quote][The saddlebags are molded from SMC or Sheet Molding Compound. I know this because I work maintenance at the factory that manufactures the material the bags and lids are made from. It is a mixture of polystyrene resins combined with 1" chopped fiberglass, compressed into SMC. It starts as sheets approximately 3/8" thick ,56" wide and 150 yards long. It is then cut to the "shot" size and molded under pressure combined with about 300 deg heat to cure the part.]

 

We never have to deal with those problems asall we do is make the raw material. I do know some minor defects are repaired with a "Bondo type" repair and sanding.

Ride Safe,

Mike

 

Thanks for info.
Several sites offer the rod for the material.
Recommend preheat and then use the welder with rod to fuse together.
Or the old body filler way. drill numerous holes. use plastic filler or epoxy glue, such as jb weld and metal or plastic screen material. But that doesn't look as nice in m.o. The weld would be better.
Anyway the machine wasn't that expensive and I've got bags and fairing to practice on and see how it works.
I post pics when I get to it later this winter when I am locked in the house more often.