Saddle Bag Spines

By RatDog

January 2003

The Hondaline leather saddle bags (when loaded down) can, in time, begin to bow. Front/Rear corners moving away from the bike, particularly on the side stand side of the bike. To provide additional support, I did the following:

Purchase two "Simpson Strong Tie" straps (# FHA18) from a local hardware store (approx. $1.50/ea), cut them to 16 1/2" in length and drill two holes in them to match up with the bags' original holes (top two) which mate them to the mounting brackets. 



Fit the strap to the inside of the bag and line up the holes, bolt them in place and the bags will resist the dreaded bowing. 



For help keeping the lids from sagging, I have been using "Pro-One" pieces which I purchased from J&P Cycles (part #65-421), they're currently selling for $22.99/pr. (2003 Catalog)

Other brands of leather bags could be fortified in a similar fashion, just cut to length and drill accordingly.

Mods Page | Home Page