Saddle Bag Supports

[danielson2047]

Is it possible to make your own saddle bar supports? i can't imagine it being to difficult. Any input, possibly step by step would be helpful. Thanx guys.

[foambuilder]

Actually it is not very difficult. One would have to assume that you have some metal-working tools, like drill press (nicer than a hand drill). a cut-off saw (better than a hacksaw), some form of die-tap method, optional welder or use JB-Weld, and inventiveness and time.

I am currently customizing a bracket for my C50. I have the requirements: 1-SB must be high enough to not melt on the Rt-Side and 2-be level with the psgr seat when someone is on it, 3-be rearward enough so that there is easy access to the psgr pegs, 4-be held away from the metal side of fender carrier (so water and crap can go away and not rust, 5-have "hang-down" supports for non-swinging of the SB, and 6-have a forward hole/loop for a bungie cord to tie stuff across the psgr-seat. If you don't have a psgr Backrest & luggage carrier (I do), then you may wish to more hole/loops for bungie cords. After all that, in ascending order of cost, it can be painted black, powder-coated black, or chromed.

I started with a simple sandwich of 2 pcs. of 1/8"x1.250 metal from Lowes, and have gone on from there. I went to a "Used Junk Store" (dunno what to call it) and got metal rod brackets in a long rectangular loop for the "hang-down" parts(free). I am almost ready to do the fabrication. I will wait for "match-drilling" of holes for when my SBs arrive. The size of the bag determines where it will be front-to-back. By using custom holes, instead of just centering holes, and the sandwich pieces I can move the bag in 4 directions to get the height/fore-aft position correct.

Of course, you may have other requirements as well. I don;t want them to stick out as far as on EZ-Brackets - they will always be on the bike anyway. I won't give up that width for a bracket. It is more useable to have a 6.5" or 7" wide bag than a 5.5" SB. The 5.5" has been called "useless". A 6" wide SB is my absolute minimum. With adjustments, I can take a 10"-12" tall SB with no problem. I have not made the final decision yet on Slant/No-Slant. That slant is part of packing practicality. I have opted to have mounting bolts for the SB themselves go in the direction of from-the-wheel-to-the-outside. Inside the bag I will use nylock nuts or acorn nuts (dependent on getting the just-right bolt length), so stuff will not get damaged.

The toughest part is finding long enough metric bolts grade 8, you only need 4. See? Piece of cake.

It ain't rocket science.

eta moya dva rubles

[foambuilder]

I am also not certain about the height thing, so this makes a custom made bracket more desireable.

[mrimpala]

Here is a picture of mine that I made. I got the idea from Indian Larry (R.I.P.) and took some chain, made sure that each side of the bike was equal. "Stretched" each length of chain between a couple nails, and went to town with the mig. This winter, I'll be sandblasting and powdercoating them.

[SKTR]

Kurt Ya did a great job on that mod. Like the looks of it !

[NWFungi]

Heck of a good idea Kurt, Think I know what my next little cheap mod is going to be

[rathr-b-cruisin]

I recently bought some hard bags and dont need my supports anymore. Do you have something you might like to trade for them?

[vagent]

Originally Posted by rathr-b-cruisin

I recently bought some hard bags and dont need my supports anymore. Do you have something you might like to trade for them?

HI -- about trading you some cash for them. I'm seeking a pair and hate the new price. Call me at (757) 879-5857 (cell) and "Let's Make a Deal"!

Or leave me a number where I can call you.

I'm not at home now and can't read email so my only way to correspond with you right now is on this forum or the cell phone number above.

Joe