[quote=Leftcoaster;9135359I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in. .[/quote]

That's cool, I trip on a cloud and fell eight miles high.

 

I have to believe that the vast majority of lost bags are due to the 1/4-turn bolts being not completely and properly locked in place. Having at least one of the Brukus type set-ups per bag is good for theft deterrant if that is an issue for you. I know my bags won't fall off because I still have the bag guards in place though I would consider bolting one pin per bag if the bike was vulnerable to theft.

 

The tips of the OEM clevis pins will spread making them less secure--the spring/bracket assemblies are not difficult to move ever so slightly.

I've had my bags on the bike for many years and miles, but went w/ the Brukus hardware. Thanks to the guy who posted on the less expensive hardware to replicate the Brukus solution.

Yes, it's less convenient to use threaded screws instead of the clevis pins to secure the bags, but it only takes a minute to remove the screws to remove the bags.

Carl

 

I did this yesterday on my Ultra using the suggested parts from Ace Hardware. The 5/16 18 U nuts come in two sizes (long and short). Get the short ones because the long ones are too long. I used allen bolts with my stock washers and replaced all 4 fasteners. Whole job took about 45 minutes. The bags are rock solid now and price was about $6. Thanks for the tip.

 

lots good ideas on how to secure these bags and saddle bag guards also come in play to minimize the damage to the bag in case it does get loose. Stock pins do wear out and spread apart after few years of use.

 

My thoughts on the whole bolt em on theory
1. Stock(dzus) fasteners, if someone is using them enough to wear them out, I'd think putting in bolts would be a huge inconvenience
2. Mine are almost 4 years old and they are not wore out or spread apart.
3. I can buy more dzus pins if they get wore out
4. If you are truly worried about theft, keep the stock dzus fasteners in place and remove the whole saddlebag, because if they want whats inside, that bolt aint gonna keep them from getting inside it or removing those bolts and getting the bag itself.

 

Now you tell me.

 

Last year I had a pin come out twice, so I got the Burke kit for the bags and the seat. No problems since.

 

.....it happened to me twice in 2 months....I **** canned the pins and mine are now bolted on.....there is a detailed procedure in the DIY sticky....its worth the time and effort.

 

...if the pins were in the bag your lucky.....I had one bag pass me as I came to a stop light....bad rash to say the least....either replace em or do as I did and come up with a more secure method of attaching your bags>