Saddle bag pin failure
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
+1 and quadruple the mileage.
A 5 dollar bill and a decent hardware store for those with diminished dexterity.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I havent heard of it but not surprised. In the spring, I'm going with a Brukus kit because I dont trust those pins to hold up, or for that matter to not be an easy target.
http://brukus.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-pro...rts&item=35502
http://brukus.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-pro...rts&item=35502
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Never heard of having to replace the pins every 2 to 3 years, but you do have to make sure they are secure. I bought the Brukus system, some may argue that you can do it yourself a bit cheaper, but I like the system and would recommend it to anybody, including your friend, I never worry about my bags falling off or suddenly missing.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Keithville, La. 71047
It's not the pin that is the problem. It's the retaining clip the pin locks into. If you make sure they are seated right the pin will not come lose. Sometimes the pin only half way locks in.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
It is easy to think the pin is fully locked because sometimes its hard to feel where its at in the lcoking process. A quick visual check will save most of these problems.
Beary
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Port St. John, FL
I agree, these are the same fasteners used on airplanes since WWII. If they are fastened correctly, it's almost impossible for them to fail unless they just wear out, and that doesn't happen very much.
It is easy to think the pin is fully locked because sometimes its hard to feel where its at in the lcoking process. A quick visual check will save most of these problems.
Beary
It is easy to think the pin is fully locked because sometimes its hard to feel where its at in the lcoking process. A quick visual check will save most of these problems.
Beary
+1 on that. They will not come loose IF properly engaged. Another poster mentioned have had to bend/pound 'em back into shape, that's a recipe for disaster as it weakens the metal. Only way to bend 'em is to force 'em into the clip (better to adjust the bracket so they slip right in).
Personally In over 15 years of riding baggers, I've only has a bag come loose once. Turned out it was the Dzus but the actual bracket that holds the spring clip for the Dzus.
Not a knock on Brukus, but with a 7/16 combo wrench I can get the bags off in about a miunute (probably less) bracket, brukus, bags and all.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I agree, most problems on motorcycles begin with the loose nut behind the handlebars, LOL!!!!
