Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Luggage Mounting

Hi, I am new to this forum and new owner of an 06 TBA. This site has been a wealth of knowledge, but can not find any info on the below scenario -

I own the Triumph brand rectangular saddle bags. They are the throw over style, with side mounting brackets that the bags velcro to.
I'm not a big fan of throw over bags because of scratching issue on the rear fender and do not want to spend $$ for EZ Brackets.

Thinking of cutting off the throw over center portion of bags and securely fastening to existing side mounting brackets with some sort of metal fasteners.

Anyone out there done this type of modification before? If so, info on tips/pics/materials used would be much appreciated.

First of all, welcome to the show!!!

Funny you should ask. I'm just like you in that, I think those “funny brackets” are way too expensive for what they are and I'm cheap. So, I made my own. My brackets will work with any rigid saddlebag on our bikes.

What you'll need are two pieces of 1/8" steel plate 4" wide with each end cut on the precise angle of your bags and about a half inch shorter than the overall length of your bags. Then you need to pick up two 7/16" shaft collars from any hardware store, remove the Allen screws and toss ‘em. These will be the bushings for the front mounting bolts. Then, you need to get a pair of shock absorber bushings for the rear mounting bolts. The difference between the shaft collar and the shock bushing is perfect to hold the apparatus you'll be making off the chain guard and the brake caliper housing. While you are at the hardware store pick up 4 each M8-1.25x60 MM mounting bolts with washers to attach your bags.

Make a template!!!! Don't cut and drill your steel and stick the bags on. They'll look like $hit and be out of level with the rest of the bike. Start with one piece of 1/4" plywood and make a pattern. This way when you screw up the hole alignment you will not have ruined your steel. It is easier to start with the rear hole and run the bolt up tight then mark your front hole after its all level. Just let the plywood take the place of the steel for now and when you get it all just like you want it transfer the holes in the wood to the steel and drill 'em out. Grind of the sharp edges, sand and paint the steel and the hardware black with good ole Rustoleum aerosol paint and you're ready to bolt 'em on. The biggest mistake you can make is not following this next direction. Be sure you allow enough room so your bags aren’t too close to your seat. Hold the bags off the seat by at least an inch.

Remove the center throw over material, fit up the bags and tighten up the bolts. Put the Allen screw holes in the shaft collars towards the bottom so they won't be seen.

Then, after you’re all done you can fill em' up with the Victoria’s Secret necessities you bought for yo' chick, get her on and go ‘round revving your engine so everyone will notice what a good job you did choosing her and how well you mounted your bags.

I promised others on here I would post some photos of the seat I made but I haven’t done it yet. I will post photos of the seat and the bag mounts soon. I'm busy.

Welcome Dale.

I'm with you that I've never liked the idea of throw over bags for the same reason that you listed. If you are going to just keep the bags with their brackets then I would stiffen the bags up for the mounting process. What I did was cut two pieces of plexiglass for each bag. I inserted one into the bag and the other to the outside, sandwiching the motorcycle side of the bag between them. This should give you the versatility and stiffness for you to mount them any way you like. Once on the bike you can't see the exposed plexiglass at all.

Sounds good, I am going to give it a shot.


I'm absolutely itching to pick my bike up from the dealer. Been waiting on accessory parts to be delivered. They finally are and now the Mechanic is out all week.

Was going to pick it up and do the mods myself (pipes, freak) as my patience is wearing. Decided I would wait for the mechanic to return. I don't have a problem installing any of the parts myself, but adjusting/balancing carbs to the new setup may be best left to a professional.

Thoughts on mechanically inclined indaviduals messing with carbs?

Carbs are easy just don't rush it.

Hey Third Gen.,

Not many people keep those stock throw overs for the same reason, mine are on the shelf in the garage with the protective plastic stuck to the logos still!!

What my father did though was similuar to what Wojo has done. He used a large plexiglass on the inside of the bag, but just used large body washers on the outside, then attached the bags to the stock triumph mounting bars with rubber lined frame p-clamps. Cheap, easy, works good. Next time I'm at my fathers place I'll take a picture of it.

Also, the carbs are set up rather simple, if you do your research and take your time as Dog33 mentioned, you'll be fine, these carbs are easier then a 6 pack on Dodge Road Runner!!