Saddlebag Locks - Road King Classic
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Does it require someone to twirl the code each and every time you go in and out of the bag?
It would get old fast if someone needs to twirl the numbers for each strap (2) every time you open and then again (2) to clear when you close.
Rather frustrating if you forgot something and then had to do the whole dance all over again for a total of (8) times for the ONE saddlebag.
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It would get old fast if someone needs to twirl the numbers for each strap (2) every time you open and then again (2) to clear when you close.
Rather frustrating if you forgot something and then had to do the whole dance all over again for a total of (8) times for the ONE saddlebag.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,081
Likes: 1,127
From:
No. The locks latch with the combination set to open. You do not have to twirl them to make them latch. So you can open them repeatedly without entering the code so long as you don't move them off of the combination. I only turn the wheels when I want them to lock. Otherwise I just latch them and walk away.
Good to deter a random "looker", drunk, kid or homeless.
Looks like it maintains the factory look also.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 22
From: Spring Branch, Texas
I had the Inertia on my Road King bags. I would recommend it, though I did have a little issue installing it. And since I design and create for a living, I was able to work through that no problem. It's just that with the leather bags, there are slight variances that can make an install difference.
But like I said, once installed I felt very good about the locks on the bags.
But like I said, once installed I felt very good about the locks on the bags.
Yeah, for the very reason that I'm not great with do it yourself stuff, the Ponderosa solution is probably better for my skill set...
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 0
From: Mount Pleasant, SC
I've had a couple of dealers ask about me making something to secure the latches on the hard bag tops. Want to see how much call there is for that.
I have to assume there is some call for it if dealers are asking for it - but wondering on here what anyone thinks?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I also like the Brukus stuff. Before my first tour this year I put the Brukus saddlebag secure system on my bags (and also the seat secure screw). Again, it is just as a deterrent. Now a theif can't just pop my bags off with a screwdriver and take them home to see what's inside.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 18
From: Lexington, Ky
I bought the HD leather saddle bag universal locks. But I've been too lazy to install them. I do have a lock on the leather tour pack so if I have something of value and need to leave the bike unattended briefly I usually put it in there.
If you do purchase the universal leather saddle bag locks know that they are keyed to your bike, hence a non refundable custom order. But they are also pretty cheap, I think around $50/60 for the pair. If you do a search there is a post from a forum member who installed these successfully, took some work with a dremel because they are meant for leather saddle bags. And as everyone who rides a RKC can attest, the RKC are hard shell bags covered in leather so some of the plastic has to be trimmed to fit the locks. But I have to believe one lock is as good as another in this application. If the presence of the lock is not sufficient deterrent, they can probably find away around it one way or another.
If you do purchase the universal leather saddle bag locks know that they are keyed to your bike, hence a non refundable custom order. But they are also pretty cheap, I think around $50/60 for the pair. If you do a search there is a post from a forum member who installed these successfully, took some work with a dremel because they are meant for leather saddle bags. And as everyone who rides a RKC can attest, the RKC are hard shell bags covered in leather so some of the plastic has to be trimmed to fit the locks. But I have to believe one lock is as good as another in this application. If the presence of the lock is not sufficient deterrent, they can probably find away around it one way or another.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 8
From: Western Canada
The Inertia locks are the best IMHO
and add to them the Brukus saddlebag bolts and it's about the most secure you can make those bags. The Inertia locks are a bit tricky to install but the instructions are pretty clear.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 8
From: Western Canada
The Inertia locks are the best IMHO
and add to them the Brukus saddlebag bolts and it's about the most secure you can make those bags ( unless you always park the bike under a light and in sight) . The Inertia locks are a bit tricky to install but the instructions are pretty clear.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
I don't use locks on my RKC bags. And after 30 years of many overnight trips I've never had anything stolen out of my saddlebags. I use ordinary caution in motel lots and park in a well lit area. And on the street I park wherever there is space. But only in safe neighborhoods. I'm more concerned about someone backing into it than theft. So I keep away from obvious trouble spots. On the other hand, I don't store anything in the bags that can't be replaced easily. Certainly no phones or GPS stuff. I know there are casual thieves running around. But I believe they are more attracted to what's in cars than my bike's bags. Anyway, peace of mind is important. So if some of these locks help that's great.