Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Leatherworks Dilemma

Okay, I have put a lot of time into researching what bags I want on my bike and I think I have decided on the 112 series from Leatherworks. I know I want the easy bracket setup, but I am trying to decide between the 112+2 or the 112 with additional outside pockets. It is my understanding that putting pockets on the 112+2 will interfere with the turn signals and they will have to be moded which I do not want to do (does anybody know this for sure?). So I am looking for some opinions, bigger bags by 2 inches, or smaller bags with an external pocket? I know saddlebag threads are a dime a dozen (I have read them all) but this is a very important addition to a bike.

the pockets do not interfere with the signals to the point that the signal posts have to be modified. the choice to shorten the signal posts is based purely on aesthetics. the pockets fit behind the signals. it just looks a little crowded.

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It is my understanding that putting pockets on the 112+2 will interfere with the turn signals and they will have to be moded which I do not want to do (does anybody know this for sure?)

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i know this for sure.

Andrew, I'll go with Mert. I was pretty sure I saw 112+2s on a Speedy with no trouble.

I recently got the C-130 bags for my Kingpin, from Leatherneck Jim, made my Leatherworks. They make a GREAT product. You'll like the quality.

NOT LIKE THOSE CRUMMY SADDLEMEN BAGS!

I have the 112 with pockets, I've also shortened my turn signal arms before I had bought the bags. I just went down and looked at them real close. With the standard turn signals I believe I would have problems with opening the pockets as the signals would almost be touching and overlapping the flap. I got the bags used and for a price I couldn't pass up. If I would have bought them new I would have bought the 112 plus two, for the extra room inside the bag. If you add on the pockets you have the same length your length is 16 1/2 so the 112 plus 2 is a 1/2 shorter and you wouldn't have the problem of opening the pocket. Just my view. Phil

Also if you go into tomv in the photo post, he got his bags from leatherneckjims.com they are called the sequoia or something like that and you go to custom bags and get the large which are made by leatherworks inc. and are the same thing as the 112 plus 2. And if your are buying the easybrackets at the same time he was offering the brackets for $129.

tomv has the large on his bike. 12 by 16.

the turn signals do not interfere with opening the pockets on the 112's. i have these bags. had them before i added the modified stems. like i said in my earlier post i only changed the stems for aesthetic reasons.

Yes, I have the Sequoia XL (12 high x 16 long x 7deep LeatherneckJim bags with EZ brackets. Top quality!! This is actually the Leatherworks 112+2 bags. My bags even have the Leatherworks logo on the inside of the flap.

Also found out afterwards, that the 14 inch deep bags would also fit with no problems, using the EZ brackets. This would be the Leatherworks 112X or the LeatherneckJims Sequoia XXL.

http://leatherneckjim.safeshopper.com/36/cat36.htm?63
http://leatherneckjim.safeshopper.com/193/cat193.htm?593

As far as the Leatherworks 112+2 bags with pockets, that might be tight. I wrestled with the same decision, but I decided not to get the pockets, because it might make the bag extend farther forward, and my wife does not have long legs, so the bags cannot extend farther forward then the back of her knees. However, if I would have purchased the turnsignal & license plate mod kit from Brent, and installed it, or shortned the turn signals stalks, it might have been okay--I don't know. If you need any measurements, let me know. Check my photopost for more pics.





As you can see, there is plenty of room for the deeper bags. I don't think there would be a cornering/handling problem with them, but it is hard to see myself from behing while leaning over in a curve. However, deeper bags with pockets might just easily clear the turn signals by being below them. You could ask them if the pockets remain the same distance from the top or the bottom of the bags with the different sizes.

PS. the chrome thing centered on the top flap is a locking pin for a small padlock-a $15 option.

Hope this helps.

Thanks everybody for all the information, I can't believe how obsessive I am being with this decision so every little bit helps. Leatherworks also suggested the 127 bag for our bikes which is the same as the 112, but with a retro style flap instead of the box lid. Any feelings towards flap style vs. box style other than looks?

Andrew, don't feel bad. It's a big investment.
When I was looking at bags for the Kingpin, I spent a WHOLE WEEKEND on it.
And I was only looking at Leathneck Jim's bags.

i spent months obsessing over saddle bags.
rodelikeadorkwitharucksackonmybackformonthsonend.

Mert, carrying my laptop, workpapers and lunch on my back a couple of times helped seal the deal on the bags!

I think the flap (pony express) style would leak water when driving in the rain, whereas the box type lid does not leak (at least in my experience so far). That is why I bought the box lid type. Just my opinion though.