Early one morning I was riding to work in the dark and doing 70 mph on the interstate. I hit something, never found out what it was. Both wheels hit it and when both tires were back on the concrete (I'm not really sure what the sequence of events was but both tires were off the ground at some point) the handlebars began swinging left and right for what seemed like an eternity. I let off the throttle and slowed as I exited at a ramp very near by. When I stopped I checked what I could in the dark. Only thing I found was both saddlebag lids open. The bags weren't locked but they were properly closed. I later found a bent front rim. It was a serious jolt.

 

Dead center only thing I would add locks are a good thing

 

Always lock mine after reading a similar thread last summer.

 

Happened once and never again because I lock them now. It's bound to happen if they aren't locked at some point, ride on....

 

Loaded and locked here....

 

If your "tether" is creased it gets caught easier. You can take it off and iron the crease out of it. It'll be easier to keep out of the way - until you forget to do the above and get it caught again.

 

Harley has a Retractable Tour-Pak Lid Tether 54171-11 $29.95. Works great.

 

Make sure they are latched properly and locked at all times. saves time too when making quick stops, hate to leave bike unlocked and out of site...

 

Worth it for the piece of mind.

 

I think the subject is saddlebags, not tourpaks.