Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Saddle Bags

Any advice on a good deal on leather saddle bags for a 2008 speedmaster with one double seat? I'd like someting that I can take on and off quickly so I don't have to leave them on all the time.

Just one option, many choices at this site-- motorcycle superstore
Easy brackets from here-- Fast Eddy
make for easy on/off removal~~



not leather, but I'm sure others will chime in with multiple options

Leatherworks Inc make very nice leather saddle bags that can be made with the easy braket option. I just ordered a set but there are many people who have the model 112 setup here that can tell you how good they are.

www.leatherworksinc.com

How do the saddlebags connect to the EZ Bracket?

http://www.easybrackets.com/turnsignal_install_video.html

here's a video

oooppppss wrong video

try this one

http://www.easybrackets.com/easybrackets_install_video.html

Besides what you saw in the video some will testify to needing something stiff like a sheet of aluminum on the inside to prevent tearing of the bag or the fiberglass panel like in the video.

mike

Post deleted

LeatherLyke now has bags for Triumph America. I have them on my bike, plus the medium size trunk. www.leatherlyke.com

Leatherworks bags from Leatherneck Jim, with Easy Brackets. The way to go!

Just got my River Road saddlebags. Installed within 1 hour. I got the extra large, which are slightly too big for the look, but I am sure I will be happy when I stuff em full of good stuff. Look good. Dont have to move the rear blinkers, wife fits on back good still. Mounted them on EZ brackets, I'm happy.

Wendys bike has 2 sets on EZ brackets one smaller pair for every day and a huge pair for trips.

I have Saddleman Large Drifters and they have worked out great. For the money (cheap, $150/set) I think they are a terrific, non-leather option. Mine are hard-mounted, can't imagine not having them available I use them that often.

If leather is a must, as mentioned, those Leatherneck Jim bags seem to be top notch.

I will add to the EZ bracket discussion too, don't be fooled by Ghost Brackets. They have a nice design for some bikes but they don't make one specific to ours so they will sell you a universal version that has a sliding joint that looks like a weak point to me.

As for reinforcing the backs of soft bags, I used a strip of aluminum flat bar across the top where the bolt holes are. Seemed OK for a long time, but recently removed them pending better design on my part. The right bag was bending the chain guard and the left was riding on brake caliper. I have Tourmaster II with Magna brackets.

Thats why I cut the plexiglass to go on the outside of the bag between the bracket and the bag. I cut it the same shape as the back of the bag but slightly smaller. Since the glass is black same as the bags you don't see it and it works perfectly.

I cut a sheet of thin aluminum and painted it black for reinforcement. The plexiglass is probably cheaper, doesn't needed painted or any maintenance. But, I'm not good at not breaking plexiglass....

Quote:

---

Thats why I cut the plexiglass to go on the outside of the bag between the bracket and the bag. I cut it the same shape as the back of the bag but slightly smaller. Since the glass is black same as the bags you don't see it and it works perfectly.

---

I'm looking at getting a set of TourMaster Cruiser II bags (probably XL) and a set of Easy Brackets (fit for with at backrest). Any comments, gripes or experiences?

Have a set on each of our bikes and I have nothing but good to say about them. Very easy to install and work very well. When installing don't tighten the bolts down until you have them all started.

Any opinions on real leather vs. imitation leather? I was looking at the River Road Quick Release Slant Medium Saddlebag and they look pretty good. What are the pro/cons of Easy Brackets vs. throwing them over the rear fender under the seat? Will they mess up my fender?

E-Z brackets are just fine. No hardwear on the bike when you remove the bags. All soft mount bags should have hardwear and that stays on the bike-not my idea but won't matter if you never remove them. Also, with E-Z brackets nothing is in the way when you want to get to anything in the rear of the bike.

I've just got the TourMaster II bags (XL Slants) and Easy Brackets. The bags fit great and look good. The only drawback is they will probably need reinforcement on the backside so that's my next project.

Got the Easy Brackets from FastEddie...great guy to work with. The only problem is that EasyBrackets sent me a kit with rear posts that didn't match. I've don't have a sissy bar and need the longer rear posts. I got one long, correct post and one shorter, incorrect post. This has happened to others. I was able to use a few washers as a temporary fix until EasyBrackets can send the correct post.

Lee

throw over bags tend to scuff/scratch paint.

Anyone have pics with LeatherLyke's mounted? I'm interested in these for sure!! No addition Easy Brackets need, they're built into the bags themselves.

Well, I opted for U.S. Saddlebag Co. saddlebags and couldn't be happier. I may opt for the larger bags, though for a bit more storage capacity. Check out details here:

http://www.ussaddlebag.com/saddlebags.html

Here's mine mounted up on last Saturday's ride: