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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 23, 2015 17:45:25 GMT -5
Kat,
I think we're making a mountain out of a mole-hill here... LOL! You should be able to get a 1/4" or thinner piece of SOMETHING under the seat. So... You could simply cut the factory link between the bags and use a couple of nylon straps beneath the seat, fastened to the cut pieces of the original connecting "bridge" on each bag.
For a finished appearance, fold the cut ends of the old "bridge" UNDER itself and tack them in place with a stitch, or fabric glue so only a neatly folded edge shows. This also doubles the material to which you can now attach the new "bridge" straps to the cut original halves, with pop-rivets, stitching or screws and nuts with fender-washers to spread the load. Then, glue fabric patches over any protruding metal on the bottoms to prevent scratching your paint.
Easiest way I know to do this is to use a pair of nylon straps with adjustable buckles. Place the buckle parts under the seat so you can adjust the length of each "bridge" strap to hang the bags at the desired height, and angle. Since my bags' "bridge" was already 2 pieces with holes, I used parachute-cord between them to achieve the same effect: front tie shorter than the rear, to hang the bags level.
This way, you can just lift the bags off, or lay them back on at will.
Just think of the installation as an "apparel-project" instead of a mechanical job and you'll do fine!
I made a rough graphic to show how this would work. Should be easy to do! These Nylon tie-down straps are available in stores, or on eBay cheap. This setup would be fully adjustable for length of hang, and angle. Just be sure to glue on a scrap of the nylon on the back of the rivets or screws/nuts to protect your paint. When you sit on the seat, it pinches the straps, keeping the saddlebags in place... At least that's how it works with mine... LOL!
If, unlike myself, you're weight isn't "ample" enough to pinch the straps, just double them up where they contact the seat bottom... Hope this little "how to" may be of help... It's just like fixing up a garment... Great "girl's work"!
Leo in Texas |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 23, 2015 23:07:14 GMT -5
Now you've confused me, Leo. I'm not really sure why I would cut off the straps and then put on other straps instead. Unless the buckle straps are considerably thinner? I suppose that would be so, one thin nylon instead of a layer of neoprene, nylon, velcro, mating velcro, other nylon strap. They do seem pretty thick now that I type all that. But without measuring, I really don't think all that amounts to 1/4" of thickness. I did try velcroing them looser (so the bags hung lower) then tighter (so the bags hung probably higher up where they really belong). Tried with the wide straps in back like they should be, tried with the narrow straps in back (reversed). Tried shifted as far back as possible while keeping the latch hole clear. Tried shifted forward. Finally tried just beating my head against the wall, but that didn't latch the seat either.  I'm weird, I feel these should fit without needing to cut off the straps and all that. Shouldn't they? >'Kat, in full agreement this has become a mountain.... |
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Post by cyborg on Jun 24, 2015 0:02:49 GMT -5
Small shim under the seat striker ,,, bam! Nappy time
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 24, 2015 0:03:03 GMT -5
Kat,
I'm just judging from your original post that at present, the link between the bags IS too thick, preventing your seat from latching. The Nylon straps are only about 1/8" thick, and, with the adjustable buckles, and plenty of length, they would be VERY adaptable.
I found with mine, the original link between bags was NOT long enough to put the bags down where they belong, either, so by adding about a 4-inch "extension" of parachute cord, they hung nice and low, and vertical like they should: not appearning "spraddle-legged, flapping in the wind".
We'd all like stuff to fit "as-is", but with scooters, you don't often get THAT lucky... LOL! My scooter, and probably yours too is likely broader in the beam than a Harley. Bags made for motorcycles just aren't wide enough across the link/bridge to put them where you want them... But with a little effort and few bucks, you can usually end up with a "factory-fit" look. Making up an adjustment link for the bags will allow them to easily fit UNDER the seat, and hang at the exact height and angle you desire.
Most all bags of this type are designed as "throw-over" bags to go over the seat with a passenger sitting on the link. They're often too short across even for a slim crotch-rocket, and WAY too narrow for our scooters with "secretary-spread"... Lets face it, scooters usually look like the giant beetles in "Starship Troopers" with huge backsides shooting nuclear schmootz into outer space. Choppers and sleek café racers they are NOT... LOL!
I got my own bags off an eBay seller because "they didn't fit his Kawasaki 1,000 cc" out of the box..." He never thought of modding them a little! They were brand-new and I got them for an $8 bid plus $15 shipping if I recall! I actually got them for my old Xingyue 150 and never got around to trying them. So, they went on "Minnie Mouse" with less than 10 minutes total time, including making the extension.
Extensions made from the Nylon tie-down straps should easily fit under your seat, and you'll have a custom-fit! Woo-HOO!
Ride safe! Ride loaded... (loaded with full saddlebags, that is) LOL!
Leo
PS: Saddlebags carry with them, a certain sense of style... Yup! I'm seeing fringe, silver conchos, lots of red, blue, yellow and green reflectors... wreaths of tail-lights... Maybe vintage Indian-style front fender skirts, and of course, wide whitewalls! Oh, YEAH!!! Or not... Sorry, ya' just CAN'T get the fifties out of the old chopper guy! |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 24, 2015 7:18:52 GMT -5
Hey Leo, I think I need to clarify something. My bags have fully adjustable straps. They're two separate straps that are all velcro so I can pretty much adjust them to whatever length they need to be to fit across Peej's big butt. Heck, they'd almost fit across Mom's old John Deere's butt.
So length is def' not the issue with the latching. I tried 'em high, I tried 'em low--meaning shorter vs longer straps. Still no latching. I'm figuring either they are indeed too thick with all those layers, or else they're interfering with something involved in the latching. Not the main latch itself. But maybe that second tab that goes into another hole? Maybe there's another spot I haven't noticed? I don't know. Too bad I can't get inside there and see why it doesn't latch.
I'll keep in mind your alteration. But I really would rather see first if I can't make them work as is, before getting into mods.
>'Kat
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Post by rockynv on Jun 24, 2015 12:23:45 GMT -5
You aren't putting the strap between the hook on the seat and the latch mechanism are you? Wish I was closer so I could just swing by and see if a 250 lb Gorrilla might be able to help. I do not recall if the latch mechanism can be adjusted any higher on your bike however that may be an option.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 24, 2015 18:40:16 GMT -5
Kat,
I think I understand. If the original link between bags is plenty long, with enough adjustment, only the thickness of the link is the problem.
As others mentioned, you could probably shim the seat-latch to allow it close with the seat a tad higher than stock... Probably only an eighth, or maybe a quarter-inch would be sufficient. That would be by far the fastest and easiest fix. It might make the seat a little wobbly with the bags removed, BUT, once they're installed, I doubt you'd ever remove them unless necessary. They're just TOO handy!
With that I mind, I'd concentrate on simply shimming the "hook" on the seat that engages with the clasp on the scooter, with a few washers between it and the seat, so it latches 1/8" or so SOONER, to achieve closure with enough room for the link between the bags to fit. It shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. You'll just need to see how the "hook" is attached to the bottom of the seat so you can remove it and put the "shim" (usually washers) between it and the seat bottom.
If it's attached with screws or nuts, you can just remove it and see if there's enough threads to shim it up. If it's RIVETED, you'll have to drill out the rivets and replace with bolts and nuts.
You'll get it done before long...
Ride safe,
Leo |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 27, 2015 15:20:11 GMT -5
Leo's right, I sure did get it done before long! Mounted up and went to the Indian dealer right up the street. He agreed the problem appeared to be the thickness of the straps, said I could probably cut off the neoprene and the excess of the paired velcro straps and it should close then. I decided to go ahead and hit ScooterWorld with this, 'cause you know, different brains have different ideas. He got down and put his face right at the seat so he could really see what was going on. He figured out it was indeed the thickness, and it was interfering with the side sticky-outty-thing under the seat (not to be confused with the back sticky-outty-loop that goes into the latch  ). He said, "Let's try something different here" and stuck the bags way up front. Surprise! Seat now latches, without rocky's 250lbs pushing on it! Actually takes pretty little effort to latch, no more than previously with the seatbag's cables running under the seat. Much great happiness! I officially adore ScooterWorld!! >'Kat |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 27, 2015 15:22:54 GMT -5
A happy decked-out Peej--  And butt shot--  |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 27, 2015 15:28:00 GMT -5
I went ahead and took a picture of the weird sticky-outty thing on the side, under the seat--  Yes, that's a matching one on the other side. A fabulous v-prize to the best answer for "What the heck is it for?" Say, and a shot looking down at the underseat storage area now--  That hole just to the right of the fat strap is where the sticky-outty thing goes in. But there's no latch or anything in there. Just a hole. ?? Bonus prize to the best answer for both, hole and thing. >'Kat |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 27, 2015 15:29:46 GMT -5
Gosh, looking at the rear shot again, those bags sure do make Peej's butt look REALLY fat now, don't they?!
>'Kat
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Post by spandi on Jun 27, 2015 16:22:23 GMT -5
Good going Kat!  (I did keep thinking to myself "if only I could be there and look" ) |
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Post by spandi on Jun 27, 2015 16:24:46 GMT -5
Gosh, looking at the rear shot again, those bags sure do make Peej's butt look REALLY fat now, don't they?! >'Kat Maybe, but you'll sure appreciate them when you go shopping!  |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 27, 2015 19:40:26 GMT -5
I went ahead and took a picture of the weird sticky-outty thing on the side, under the seat-- Yes, that's a matching one on the other side. A fabulous v-prize to the best answer for "What the heck is it for?" Say, and a shot looking down at the underseat storage area now-- That hole just to the right of the fat strap is where the sticky-outty thing goes in. But there's no latch or anything in there. Just a hole. ?? Bonus prize to the best answer for both, hole and thing. >'Kat
Kat
My guess... One side's for a handgun, the other for ammo... The "sunburst" perforation is for the cylinder of a revolver to poke through, keeping it in place... Personally, I like to keep mine within easy-reach of my left hand. Gotta keep the right hand on the throttle!
Just my guess... But then, I do live in Texas... LOL!
Keep yer' powder dry! And, welcome to the ranks of us bagger scooter-jockeys! You'll enjoy the storage space in those bags.
Ride safe,
Leo
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 28, 2015 0:02:08 GMT -5
I don't care if anyone comes up with a better answer. Leo gets a v-prize just for making me crack up. Leave it to a Texan to make it all about guns.
Ah Leo, I do adore you, too.
Here, let me open up my bag o' v-prizes. Reach on in and pick out something good. Which will probably involve guns in some way. Or more likely guns on scooters. You ol' Texan you. |‹*
>'Kat
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