Just finished installing the Brukus SaddleBag Secure kit and the Harley Fender Security Screw on my EG. The kits were well packed and they arrived quickly. I've read about other solutions but decided to go the $$ and just get the all inclusive kits delivered to my door :-)

Decided to use the original thick washer from the Harley quick-release fastener on the saddlebags instead of the one supplied. Just a personal preference, no reflection on the quality of the kit. All of the screws in the kits appear to be a good quality stainless steel with torx security heads.

Also did a modification that retains the Brukus security screws and washers once you loosen them when removing a saddlebag. There is a post on one of the forums with the modification, but I couldn't find it. Wish I could because the post has great pictures, lots of details, and I'd like to give the author credit. Anyway, I'll try and give a description along with a picture (below). The modification consists of short pieces (6" or so) of small gauge stranded electrical wire with ring connectors crimped on each end. I used 16 gauge black wire and covered each connector with heat shrink to give them a clean look. One end of the wire goes under one of the small screws that holds the saddlebag clip and the other end (with a larger connector) goes on the Brukus screw that holds the saddlebag on the bike. You then slide a small 1/4 inch o-ring up the screw to hold the washers on the screw so everything stays together when the saddlebag screw is removed. The o-ring does not interfere with the mounting hardware in any way. Takes two wires per saddlebag (4 total).

The seat screw kit was a simple remove and replace deal. The cover that snaps over the screw gives a clean look. Just replaced my seat and figure anything that slows a thief down can only help.

Some have voiced concern that the Brukus SaddleBag Secure kit makes it harder to get to the shock air valve. On my '03 EG, I never had to remove the saddlebag to get to the shock air valve... I just needed to open the lid.

Others have also voiced concerns about the saddlebag brackets that bolt to the bike and how easy they are to remove, thus defeating the Brukus kit. Can't speak for all the model years, but it looks like a thief would have a hard time getting to the bolt on the front bracket on my bike, especially with the lids locked and the tour pack on. (Yes, the tour pack also has a locked quick mount). Might switch over to hex or torx head screws on these brackets just to make it a little more challenging.

My hope is that the Brukus kits help stop crimes of opportunity. If a thief can't get the bags or the seat off in a few seconds, maybe they'll just move on to easier prey. Like to think that they aren't going to sit there messing around with a wrench when the next bike's bags can be had by just popping them off with a screwdriver.

Bottom line -- we all live with a certain level of risk we're will to accept. The Brukus kits simply give me increased peace of mind :-)

 

I think I will go with the Master Lock solution.

 

I'd love to see pictures. Seen a few requests on this forum but no one has posted any :-( Have you seen any pictures?

 

No, in fact I just sent the guy a PM asking for one. If he sends it I'll post it!

 

Thanks...especially installed. I've seen pictures of the locks but not sure how they would install :-)

 

Hopefully this will keep someone elses bags from getting stolen. Mine are long gone. Waiting on insurance.

 

This is a great I idea. Every time I do a bags off wash the brukus kit is rattling around in the bottom of the saddle bag.

FWIW, go to the auto parts store and get a chrome valve extender kit for $5. This makes it easier to get the pump on the shock valve. You can also give one to 3 of your friends with baggers.

 

I read about your saga in the other thread. In fact, that's what prompted me to get and install (wink) the kits. That and the fact that I'm headed to the LA area soon!

 

Just bought two sets myself. Like the retainer wire you used. Great ideal.

 

For those who are interested in the Masterlock solution. Post #82 in this thread has pictures of the Masterlocks installed.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-my-pad-9.html

Thanks DanyJ!