I recently purchased the HD Soft Leather Fork bag off a dealer on EBay. Has anyone installed one of these? It may seem like a stupid question but I can figure out the straps on the back, but what about the leather strings? Do they tie around the forks? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[IMG]local://upfiles/48058/70AA0DFEC312484E8130A46FC00DF1C1.jpg[/IMG]

 

Hmm,

Without seeing a real close up, they may just be for show.
My Harley fork bag has strings on both sides that are decoration.
The bag straps on the back side.
MikeM

 

Maybe this photo will help.

MikeM


[IMG]local://upfiles/37293/A8D166AEC0F94B8D9B195B7199D0E285.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks Mike. Nice bike by the way. I was thinking the strings are mostly for decoration also but they are pretty long. Take care.

Dave

 

On my Deuce I tie them. Keeps the bag tight to the fork. Also I don't like anything flappin around in front of me.

 

If the bag does not have a belt type strap in the back they will loosen up. I suggest you use all the tie downs. Also make sure there isclearance between the bag and the front fender so when you hit a pot hole or bump you will not damage the front fender. I am a big fat guy so I tie my bag to the sissy bar. [/align]

 

Last time I rode the Dragon I also went by the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggy Valley, NC. I recall one of the pre-WWI bikes having a tool bag on it with leather ties like shown on the bag in the picture. Maybe someone that's been through the museum more recently can verify this, or someone more knowledgeable in the history of motorcycle bags, but I'm thinking they used those leather pieces to tie extra tools or items onto the bag. Dang, now I wish I had gotten a picture of that bike with the toolbag.

 

Could it be a way to tie the bag to a different location? I've seen bags tied to handlebars, behind the engine, in front of the frame, to a sissybar, evento the swingarm. Some folks like fringe stuff as well.

 

I just put one of these soft leather bags on my FB. Used a wide zip tie around the risers and mounted it above the headlight. Agree, the leather strings are too long. I think they are for looks and not function. I might just cut mine down to a few inches. Curious as to how the bag mounts on the forks.