GalvTexGuy:I know sometime in the last decade Harley changed the material used to manufacture saddlebags and tourpaks. You mentioned in your comment a concern over how a local painter would deal with the gouges. Is this new bag material not repairable?

 

Honestly, I don't know. I was just wondering out loud. I had a local painter do some repairs on my upper and lower fairings, though I didn't have any gouges. The paint came out great.

 

Talked to a friend who owns a local body shop. He said its repairable, however you don't fill the gouges, you sand it smooth, if theres enough thickness left in the material.

Even if he "takes care of me" with materials and labor (he has to pay his painter) itd be 500 or 600 dollars.

I told him I found 2 new take off bags, same color as mine, minus hardware, fir less than $600. He said, buy them. So I did.

I guess I'll have a back up, should anything happen.

It still sucks, however tomorrow is Friday Rideday, so I'm good.

 

Sorry about the bags - but glad you were able to find 2 take off bags at that price. Always great to know you have a backup. Just remember, if you do damage another one, make sure it is the one for which you have a backup (LOL)

I did the fastener recall - but still have the Harley bolts in mine. I also have bag guards - so, hopefully if they came loose, the guards will keep them on there and I should be able to hear something rattling.

 

Replacement bags arrived today. That was quick. They are near flawless.







It took about 30 minutes of my time to swap over the hardware.

If I ever damage another bag I hope it's the other side....lol.

 

Won't have have to worry about the bags falling off anymore.


Out with the old (R) in with the new (L).

 

I took a look at these after reading your previous post. Do they really click when sufficiently tightened? I like the fact they only minimally protrude into the bags as compared to some of the alternatives I have seen. $55 seems a little pricey however if they save $1,200 worth of bags it's a small investment.

 

Yes they do click. I wish I had spent the $55 along time ago.....that is a whole lot lest than the alternative. The RickRak's are a good piece of mind. One could probably rig something up, cheaper, but I'm real happy with these. It only took like 10 minutes to remove the old hardware and install the new. Just Do It. (insert swoosh here...)

 

Changed the engine oil today.


The bags haven't fallen off again, so that's good...lol.

I'm really liking the Michelin Commander II's. No complaints at all.

 

Just saw this post and I'm sorry to hear about your bag. Been there...
Did you try contacting HD ? When one of mine fell off last year I called Headquarters and they made good by replacing it and putting in the newer screw locks.
Took about 3 weeks but the local dealer did a great job. I just had to give up the damaged bag.