Saddle bag lid buckling leather
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 135
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From: McKinney, TX
Saddle bag lid buckling leather
Sorry dont have a pic to post but thought I would run this by the forum. Since the 1st week of ownership, the left saddlebag lid on my new RoadKing is warping or pulling from the surface on the top of the lid. I mentioned it to the sales guy and he said it would be covered under the warranty no problems. Was just curious what to expect when I take it in to have it looked at. I am going in for the 1k service and was going to have them take a look at it then.
Wondered if they will make things right no questions asked, or if I am in for a run around. Bike has never seen a drop of water and has been babied/garaged always.
Thanks in advance, Jeff
Wondered if they will make things right no questions asked, or if I am in for a run around. Bike has never seen a drop of water and has been babied/garaged always.
Thanks in advance, Jeff
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Joined: Apr 2007
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I haven't tried this; however, I heard that if you use a heat gun, you can warm up the plastic on the lid. Once the plastic is heated up, you can reshape it by placing some weight on the inside and let it cool. This should take the sag away.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 374
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From: The Sunshine Coast of BC
Before you try heating it up (not too sure I'd try that if it's still covered under warranty) - have you used any type of leather conditioner on your bags yet? If the leather dries out too much, it may cause some shrinkage and warping.
I'd be quite surprised if the dealer just switched bags for ya. They're more likely to point out that all leather products will have slight imperfections - especially if they suspect the warping was because you let the leather dry out.
Good Luck.
I'd be quite surprised if the dealer just switched bags for ya. They're more likely to point out that all leather products will have slight imperfections - especially if they suspect the warping was because you let the leather dry out.
Good Luck.
Last edited by stillwater; Apr 6, 2009 at 11:56 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 8
From: Cali
Before you try heating it up (not too sure I'd try that if it's still covered under warranty) - have you used any type of leather conditioner on your bags yet? If the leather dries out too much, it may cause some shrinkage and warping.
I'd be quite surprised if the dealer just switched bags for ya. They're more likely to point out that all leather products will have slight imperfections - especially if they suspect the warping was because you let the leather dry out.
Good Luck.
I'd be quite surprised if the dealer just switched bags for ya. They're more likely to point out that all leather products will have slight imperfections - especially if they suspect the warping was because you let the leather dry out.
Good Luck.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 135
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From: McKinney, TX
Thanks for the responses so far. Pidnaul, you described it perfectly. I have not treated the bags as of yet, but this started happening right away. I think I have seen this on some other bags. Wasnt sure if others were having the same issues. I think it does tend to lay down if it warms up in the sun a bit. Just dont like the look of the sagging leather. I will let you know what they say. Thanks again, Jeff
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 8
From: Cali
Thanks for the responses so far. Pidnaul, you described it perfectly. I have not treated the bags as of yet, but this started happening right away. I think I have seen this on some other bags. Wasnt sure if others were having the same issues. I think it does tend to lay down if it warms up in the sun a bit. Just dont like the look of the sagging leather. I will let you know what they say. Thanks again, Jeff
I think the plastic is pretty sturdy and keeps it's shape, must just be the thin leather on the top. I freaked out too the first time I walked past it in the garage and seen the bags. Later on that day it was back to normal.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Washington State
I switched to hardbags myself, but when I had the leathers on they did the same thing. Showed dealer and he said they do that, depending on the temp outside. In warm weather it goes away, in cold they ripple up. Set it out in the sun and watch and see.
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My 07 RK Custom bags were like that for about a month and then just settled in and went away. I got them soaked in the rain and I think that helped them tighten up. I used to see bikes on the showroom floor like this all the time but since mine fixed themselves I quit looking for it I guess because I never notice it anymore.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 338
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From: Cali
My 07 RK Custom bags were like that for about a month and then just settled in and went away. I got them soaked in the rain and I think that helped them tighten up. I used to see bikes on the showroom floor like this all the time but since mine fixed themselves I quit looking for it I guess because I never notice it anymore.