Been reading a lot on this topic and decided to try to make it harder on a would be theif to steal my saddlebags.

I went to Home Depot and bought 4- wing nuts, 4 - 5/16x18 1" bolts and 4 washers

total cost with tax 3.76

I pulled the quick release clips and pins set them aside.

Put the original washers on the back (where the QR clips were) and ran the bolt in, placed new washer and wingnut on the inside portion of bag.

Now I am sure this is not the absolute best system but should make it at least less attractive of a target. What are your thoughts?

 

It'll work?

 

Not sure what you mean. I hope it will work. You have to remove the wingnuts to remove the bags so in other words you have to be inside the bags to be able to get them off without tearing them all to hell to get them. IDK just trying to see if I missed the concept or If I am on the right track.

 

No it'll be fine.

You did not miss anything and you are on the right track.

I'd be more worried about the bike itself being stolen than the bags.

Most of the time a good thief could probably steal your ride in less time than he would have to spent to remove your bags..

Did you ever think of that?

 

Yeah. Last bike I had lojack installed at purchase. This one was bought used. I try not to dwell on this type of stuff but this is the first year in a few that I will be going to bike week in Myrtle and really dont want my trip ruined...LOL

 

Put lojack on it if you can afford it and you don't need to quote me either.
We're the only ones conversing and on this thread, unless you think you need to.

 

If ya use carriage bolts, there will be nothing to grip on the outside of the bag.

 

True. I am about done messing with it. Went back to get all matching washers for both sides. I guess there is always room for improvement. And ultimately I am just making it a harder target for POS thieves. If they want it bad enough they will take it.

Still saved plenty just going with Home improvement store hardware. Beats buying a 30.00 "kit"

 

I'm w/ya..
Pretty silly if you ask me, but I've wasted a lot more on a lot less. lolol.

 

I had my ride at the dealer Saturday getting the D&D system put in and a dyno done. Was talking to the guy doing the work and turns out one of the other wrenches had the bags stolen off his bike at a shopping plaza. Spent 25 bucks on the kit and put it on the same day.

If the bike gets stolen then so be it but I can keep them from ripping off the bags then it was 25 dollars well spent.