Had five friends lose their hard bags to thieves last night at a restaurant. We heard that the boom in saddlebag speaker systems has created a demand for hard bags by theft rings. Most of the bags were locked. Anybody hear of similar crimes? How do they get the bags off so easily and quickly? Anyone found a foolproof way of making sure they can't be stolen. My Road King Classic was spared, apparently because the leather bags are not in as high a demand.

 

Been going on for a while they just pop the mounting clips off w a screwdriver doesn't matter if the bags are locked or not. You can hard mount the bags with a 1/4 in bolt rather than using the stock quick detach clips to prevent your bags from being jacked

 

Where do you get those locks?

 

It's a bolt, not a lock. There are several posts with pics how people did it. Basically replace the quick release pins, read easy steal pins, with bolts. Still can be stolen but the lid would have to be popped off, and the thief take the time to unbolt the bags. Most thieves want an easy score.

 

I welded a 1/4 bolt to a backing plate. Removed the stock wire thing from one end. Ran the bolt thru, fender washer and a lock nut. Total cost...maybe a dollar or so. If they want the bags, gotta destroy the lock and take time to unbolt them.

 

damn thief's

 

ya know I was going to post the same thing, but I got so mad thinking about it, I just left it alone Damn, they **** me off!!!

 

i mean really, who takes the hard bags off ever anyways? no reason for them to not be bolted on. easy money on fleabay or similar for thiefs.

 

Personnally, I pull mine off at least once a month if not more to clean behind them and do the back wheel.Wingnut on the inside of bag on bolt works great to remove the bags quickly.

 

Actually I take mine off frequently to check and fill rear tire air pressure and to clean behind the bags and check belt tension etc. Makes it much easier without the bags in place. Thankfully, we don't experience much theft here in the boonies! Those caught stealing in the boonies become the folk legends of the next generation