RKC Bag locks
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: sarasota, fl
RE: RKC Bag locks
The HD locks do take up a little room in the bag but you get peace of mind. If you order them (not buy off the shelf) you can get them keyed to match your ignition lock.
The install requires drilling from inside the bag- a right angle drill is almost a must. The instructions say to reinstall the straps to the bag lid. it is not necessary. if you install the straps to the bag you won't ever need to unloosen them to open the bags. This trick was posted here a year or so ago and worked well for me with my install last spring.
The locks come as two seperate parts, the first is the lock unit which also is for a RK Custom, the second part is for the RKC (cables and latch). Consequently half of the first instructions don't apply. it's not a hard install, about 2 hrs or so-taking your time. If you decide on the moco locks, pm me and I'll share some tips.
The install requires drilling from inside the bag- a right angle drill is almost a must. The instructions say to reinstall the straps to the bag lid. it is not necessary. if you install the straps to the bag you won't ever need to unloosen them to open the bags. This trick was posted here a year or so ago and worked well for me with my install last spring.
The locks come as two seperate parts, the first is the lock unit which also is for a RK Custom, the second part is for the RKC (cables and latch). Consequently half of the first instructions don't apply. it's not a hard install, about 2 hrs or so-taking your time. If you decide on the moco locks, pm me and I'll share some tips.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
RE: RKC Bag locks
The pin kits came from Napa, Balkamp part # 735-5283, cost around $8.00. All you need is the pins and two of the nuts. If you get them elsewhere look for the larger 7/16" diameter pins with big enough holes for the locks you're going to use. The Nickel grommets came from an Awning/Tarp vendor. Can be found at some hardware stores but most only stock brass. Got two acorn nuts and stainless washers from a hardware store. While you're there if you're still running stock exhaust get two extra acorn nuts and put them on over the nuts on your muffler clamps for a cleaner look.
The locks came from West marine.
The lid was too thick to crimp the two piece grommet together like I had planned so I glued them on with 3m weatherstripping glue, (gorilla snot). They've stayed on for over a year with no problems.
If I did this again I would probably C clamp the bag between two pieces of scrap wood before drilling to try and prevent drill tailings from dropping between the liner and the leather. Was a beotch to fish out through the hole.
Insert the pins with a nut & washer both sides and adjust the length so the pin hole protrudes through the lid and grommet. The lid will standoff some because of the nut. Cut off the excess and replace the inner nut with the Acorn. The bags side flexibility will allow you to push the pin back so you can open the bag. Never had a problem with the bag being too stuffed to push the side back and open. Only part inside the bag is the acorn nut.
Not as clean looking as cam locks, or keyed alike but simple, cheap, ( around $20.00 including the locks) and effective. Most of the time looks like two bullet studs on the bags. Can also be used as bungee cord anchor points and a helmet lock.
The locks came from West marine.
The lid was too thick to crimp the two piece grommet together like I had planned so I glued them on with 3m weatherstripping glue, (gorilla snot). They've stayed on for over a year with no problems.
If I did this again I would probably C clamp the bag between two pieces of scrap wood before drilling to try and prevent drill tailings from dropping between the liner and the leather. Was a beotch to fish out through the hole.
Insert the pins with a nut & washer both sides and adjust the length so the pin hole protrudes through the lid and grommet. The lid will standoff some because of the nut. Cut off the excess and replace the inner nut with the Acorn. The bags side flexibility will allow you to push the pin back so you can open the bag. Never had a problem with the bag being too stuffed to push the side back and open. Only part inside the bag is the acorn nut.
Not as clean looking as cam locks, or keyed alike but simple, cheap, ( around $20.00 including the locks) and effective. Most of the time looks like two bullet studs on the bags. Can also be used as bungee cord anchor points and a helmet lock.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RKC Bag locks
Thank yo TJCJ
I've been looking on this forum for something simple like that. I'm surprized I missed it the first time it was posted.
I'll pick up the stuff this afternoon.
Also; don't forget to engrave in the plastic on the back of your bags your name and phone number and the words "stolen from"
I've been looking on this forum for something simple like that. I'm surprized I missed it the first time it was posted.
I'll pick up the stuff this afternoon.
Also; don't forget to engrave in the plastic on the back of your bags your name and phone number and the words "stolen from"
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RKC Bag locks
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RKC Bag locks
ORIGINAL: xxxflhrci
Save your hard earned money. The locks made for RKC bags mount in the front of the lid where the chrome emblem is. They do a great job of holding down the front of the bag. However, a 5 year old can lift the rear of the bag up and fold it over to get a hand in the bag.
Save your hard earned money. The locks made for RKC bags mount in the front of the lid where the chrome emblem is. They do a great job of holding down the front of the bag. However, a 5 year old can lift the rear of the bag up and fold it over to get a hand in the bag.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RKC Bag locks
ORIGINAL: tjcj
The pin kits came from Napa, Balkamp part # 735-5283, cost around $8.00. All you need is the pins and two of the nuts. If you get them elsewhere look for the larger 7/16" diameter pins with big enough holes for the locks you're going to use. The Nickel grommets came from an Awning/Tarp vendor. Can be found at some hardware stores but most only stock brass. Got two acorn nuts and stainless washers from a hardware store. While you're there if you're still running stock exhaust get two extra acorn nuts and put them on over the nuts on your muffler clamps for a cleaner look.
The locks came from West marine.
The lid was too thick to crimp the two piece grommet together like I had planned so I glued them on with 3m weatherstripping glue, (gorilla snot). They've stayed on for over a year with no problems.
If I did this again I would probably C clamp the bag between two pieces of scrap wood before drilling to try and prevent drill tailings from dropping between the liner and the leather. Was a beotch to fish out through the hole.
Insert the pins with a nut & washer both sides and adjust the length so the pin hole protrudes through the lid and grommet. The lid will standoff some because of the nut. Cut off the excess and replace the inner nut with the Acorn. The bags side flexibility will allow you to push the pin back so you can open the bag. Never had a problem with the bag being too stuffed to push the side back and open. Only part inside the bag is the acorn nut.
Not as clean looking as cam locks, or keyed alike but simple, cheap, ( around $20.00 including the locks) and effective. Most of the time looks like two bullet studs on the bags. Can also be used as bungee cord anchor points and a helmet lock.
The pin kits came from Napa, Balkamp part # 735-5283, cost around $8.00. All you need is the pins and two of the nuts. If you get them elsewhere look for the larger 7/16" diameter pins with big enough holes for the locks you're going to use. The Nickel grommets came from an Awning/Tarp vendor. Can be found at some hardware stores but most only stock brass. Got two acorn nuts and stainless washers from a hardware store. While you're there if you're still running stock exhaust get two extra acorn nuts and put them on over the nuts on your muffler clamps for a cleaner look.
The locks came from West marine.
The lid was too thick to crimp the two piece grommet together like I had planned so I glued them on with 3m weatherstripping glue, (gorilla snot). They've stayed on for over a year with no problems.
If I did this again I would probably C clamp the bag between two pieces of scrap wood before drilling to try and prevent drill tailings from dropping between the liner and the leather. Was a beotch to fish out through the hole.
Insert the pins with a nut & washer both sides and adjust the length so the pin hole protrudes through the lid and grommet. The lid will standoff some because of the nut. Cut off the excess and replace the inner nut with the Acorn. The bags side flexibility will allow you to push the pin back so you can open the bag. Never had a problem with the bag being too stuffed to push the side back and open. Only part inside the bag is the acorn nut.
Not as clean looking as cam locks, or keyed alike but simple, cheap, ( around $20.00 including the locks) and effective. Most of the time looks like two bullet studs on the bags. Can also be used as bungee cord anchor points and a helmet lock.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C.
RE: RKC Bag locks
Has anyone tried the Aeromach lock on their leather bags and tourpak?
I have the Aeromach locks on mine. (see the thread going a little further down, same subject)
I have another brand new set of the Aeromachs if you're so inclined.
CN
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