saddle bags

[crash]

ok guys I have a question.I was wandering how big a saddle I can get to fit my 3rd gen ? so far all i have found are not very deep or wide

[Magnum Magna]

I have not taken any picture of my bags but for a Magna they are big.  I made supports that gives a platform that sits 1 inch above the tail pipes.  The length of the bottom of the bags are 17 inches and a peak height is 12.5 inches.  They are made by River Road.]

http://www.powersportequipment.com/riverroad_catalog/riverroad_zipoff_large_windswept_slant_studded_saddlebags.asp

[mainerider]

I have the Leatherlyke locking bags and they are reasonably roomy and sturdy. Easily detachable, also.

[Sledge Hammer]

I have the Leatherlyke locking bags and they are reasonably roomy and sturdy. Easily detachable, also.

Like Keith, I am also casting about for saddlebags. I was leaning toward the Leatherlyke bags, but some of the VTX and Road Star owners complain in their forums of the Leatherlykes cracking at the mounting holes. Had you heard anything about that? Wondering if that is limited to bigger volume cases that are just getting overloaded or if the mounting holes need to be reinforced. Of course, it couldn't be anything like a V-Twin shaking like wet dog, now, could it?

http://roadstarclinic.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,187/func,view/catid,49/id,58112/
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=101338&highlight=leatherlyke+repair

[TLRam1]

I have had 2 sets of leatherlyke with the last set the past four years and no problems with cracking anywhere. I like the fact of the lock, easy access, easy to put on and take off the bike. 

Leather bags look better to me but you must get the false straps with the plastic quick disconnect or it's a pain unbuckling and buckling the leather straps. There are other ones available you can connect to a bracket for easy on/off bike removal but more involved than the above.

[Greg Cothern]

If you OVERLOAD them they will crack, but under normal reasonable use they should hold up for a long time...
Have you seen the amount of stuff folks put in their bags???   

[Charles S Otwell]

My guess would be that "shaking like a wet dog" thing

[Brad Badgett]

Before MM5, I bought the Tourmaster saddlebags, size XL, from NewEnough.com. They fit well with enough room over the top mufflers, are lined, waterproof, etc.  Easy to lift off (depending on weight).  I tend to use the saddlebags for longer trips, and a tank bag for 1-2 day trips. I tend to travel lite.

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
1996 VF750C
OK Region

[Lurkin]

Unfortunately, I have researched this too much, and have reached no conclusion 

I initially was trying to get away cheap, and bought a set of Large Saddleman bags.  According to their website, these were the maximum size that would fit the Magna.  This was true if the bags need to fit between the shock and the turn signals.

With a set of EasyBrackets, the shock is not an issue, but the turn signals still are.  If you pull the turn signals in some, or relocate them, then a longer bag will fit.

From the measurements that I have, for vertical hight you are limited to about 12", unless you want to intrude on the passenger.  Also this can vary some depending on the seat you have, Corbin (less), stock (same), Mustang (more).

For horizontal length (from side view), if the turn signals are stock then you have about 19" between the signals and the passenger's legs.  If you pull in the signals, then the bag can extend back as much as your bag load and sense of aesthetics allow.

The reason I haven't committed to a solution is that, I like the ability to manipulate the leather/pleather bags shape to fit strangely shaped objects (i.e., baseball equipment bag).  But would also like a lockable solution.  There are some locks made for flexible bags, but you are limited in bag size (think Harley-sized....).

Not to disrespect anyone, but my personal sense of aesthetics can't quite take the Leatherlykes styling, although I still consider it due to it's lockable and removable points.  Function hasn't quite beaten form yet.

Leatherneck Jim makes some nice bags that seem to evaluate well.

Rod.

[lragan]

I went with the Leatherlike bags.  True, they are not as cool looking as genuine leather, but they are dry, they lock, and they disconnect in a few seconds so you can carry them with you.  They even have a helmet hanger that is under the lip of the lid, so you can lock your helmet to the bike when you leave it for awhile.  The helmet is upside down, so you wouldn't want to leave it in the rain ...

I bought mine from the factory in Bulverde.  Don't save any money, but I met the folks who make them, and I liked what I saw.  And, it is a nice ride down and back from my home.  So far, mine have not cracked, even though I laid the bike on one of them when I slid out in a moss slicked river crossing.  Scratches are hardly noticeable. 

In a past life, I made leather bags for an early Harley.  Also made up the metal support brackets.  They looked cool, but they were not really waterproof.  I don't ride in the rain on purpose, but when you get caught out, it is nice to know your stuff will make it home unsoggy.

[greg_o]

But would also like a lockable solution.  There are some locks made for flexible bags, but you are limited in bag size (think Harley-sized....).

One suggestion; you could make your own locking solution to whatever leather syle bags you prefer.
I've done that using small vinyl coated wire cables with metal crimps to make end-loops and used a miniature master lock. Got all parts at local hardware store for a couple of bucks. Looked nice, worked great. I imagine a number of various ways something like that could be done ....
BTW some Saddlemen bags have lockable hasps on the buckle.

[Lurkin]

GregO, I've thought about making a custom cable set myself, but just wasn't sure if it would help or not.  Not clear if that is a sufficient deterrent or not...

My Saddleman's do have the lock hasp, but even when locked, I can, and do put my hand up inside the back cover to grab a bungy cord or some such.  There is too much play in the bag to make the lock hasp a sufficient deterrent.

I just can't decide !!!!           Form, function, style,,,, form, function, style,,,,,

Rod...

[Magnum Magna]

I don't know if anyone is interested or not but here is some pictures of my bags and support that I made.
I need to get it cleaned up for new pictures but waiting for next wrench session to add the engine guards.

[greg_o]

but even when locked, I can, and do put my hand up inside the back cover to grab a bungy cord or some such.

AHA !        so You're the one that.....         never mind.....

Seriously, I've done the hand-over slip-grab when locked and too lazy to fish out the keys. So while it can be done it is a contortionist manuever and only allows for really small stuff to pull thru (sunglasses, rags). I think someone with an arm wedged up a locked bag just begs for attention [insert jokes here] I'd keep my Mesh jacket in one side and it could not be pulled thru. Many years of riding this way and never had a pilfer happen. The caveat is that I always took anything really valuable with me. [wallet etc] I kept my laptop in a removal T-bag on the back rack.  The hasp locks were sufficient to keep a casual thief away and a really dedicated thief could cut off the bags with a good pocketknife if really determined. So its a matter of how much security ya need... good luck !

[crash]

well i have looked at the river road bags we carry at the shop but i still can not make up my mind

man i feel like woman