Having gone through a few of these over the years and doing my best to ensure install was correct,no tension on installed parts, I found these and have never had another break.

I have a couple riding buddies who recently picked up pre 09 touring bikes and was reminded of this common failure. I figured to share with those of us who are stuck with older bikes and ride them too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230784160558...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I'm looking for the fix to the round saddlebag support that the bags sit on. They break where the round tube gets flattened for the 2 bolts. I've never known anyone who's had the upright bracket fail.