Almost lost a saddlebag today
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Northwest OH
Almost lost a saddlebag today
I was on my way to the lake and heard a slight rattle. I couldn't figure out what is was so I waited till I got to where I was going. I start unpacking and realize that my right saddlebag bolt came out in the rear and the front was still attached but the mount came loose off the frame. Thank god I had the brukus kit but not sure how the rear bolt backed all the way out. It was only a one hour trip and I just had the saddlebags off to install the 4 point docking kit and I remember tightening it. I'm still in shock I would have blown a gasket it I lost a bag. My bike only has 800 miles on it yet so don't know how a mounting bracket came loose.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
go over your stuff with locktite.
nothing wrong with gumming up the threads a little bit
make sure your fasteners are torqued correctly
if for some reason you feel the 'security bit' is not catching the screw head, try a little toothpaste ( not gel) on the bit...just like with a stripped phillips head.
I use wing bolts and speed nuts from crown bolt ( home depot $10), along with the rubber fender washers and so far so good.
at the very least riders should tie a piece of shoelace between the 2 rings to tension the stock pins.
mike
nothing wrong with gumming up the threads a little bit
make sure your fasteners are torqued correctly
if for some reason you feel the 'security bit' is not catching the screw head, try a little toothpaste ( not gel) on the bit...just like with a stripped phillips head.
I use wing bolts and speed nuts from crown bolt ( home depot $10), along with the rubber fender washers and so far so good.
at the very least riders should tie a piece of shoelace between the 2 rings to tension the stock pins.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 25, 2013 at 03:38 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Get the next size longer bolts and nuts to fit 'em. Once the bolts are screwed in, put a nut on the end between the bag and the frame and snug it up. No loctite and no worries. you can even use an acorn nut if you're worried 'bout aesthetics.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
Why not using longer bolts and where it sticks thru go and drill a hole in each on and use those spring type hairpin clips like ya use on trailer stuff??.. Maybe tie something to the clips that tucks into the bags or such and makes it easy to remove them when ya clean them buy jus pulling the clips and unscrewing the bolts??..
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 69
From: Orange County, NY
It sure does. Not sure how exactly one of these bolts would come loose though.... The kit comes with bolts more than long enough.
I've had instances where I swore I tightened something, but alas I didn't. I have a feeling this was the case.
Thank goodness you didn't have a casuality!
I've had instances where I swore I tightened something, but alas I didn't. I have a feeling this was the case.
Thank goodness you didn't have a casuality!