saddle bag brackets

[lowriderbob]

So I'm looking to add the Harley style bags to my roadie. I have reached out to Dchoppers, but have yet to get a response from them. I saw somewhere that people are using the softtail brackets and doing some modifications. Can anyone tell me what type of mods are needed, and if you have done them could you please post a pic or two? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

[Lug Nut]

Just need the $34 soft tail brackets from ebay. All you have to do is:

attach the bottom mount to the rear floorboard/peg area (will want to get slightly longer bolts and some flat washers to space out the other side so the peg/board fits flush.

The top holes don't quite line up with the holes in the Roadstar Fender (close but just a tad off). I mount the lower bolt to the peg area and then you can bend the bracket a bit and see where you will need to drill another hole next to the original hole in the bracket. Then run a bolt through and done. Make sure it's all even and level on both sides. I would have preferred to get DC chopper brackets but they weren't available when I needed them. I really don't mind the "gap" between fender and bag.

[lowriderbob]

Thanks for you help dude!

[Doc_V]

I have the same softail conversion brackets on my 1700; the top bolts line up perfectly, I didn’t have to bend anything either. I made a simple bracket out of aluminum for the front. It uses the bolts on the frame for the transfer case bracket. You can see it here in the beginning of this video. I’ll post a better picture when I get home.

[Doc_V]

This is how I'd originally bolted the front mount of the conversion brackets. When I had my Bassani true-dual slip-ons I just drilled a hole in the support.



When I switched slip-ons and got rid of the supports I made this bracket out of aluminum. It's a literal "hack job" made with a hacksaw an a file. One of these days I'll clean it up, but in the mean time, it works just fine:

[Lug Nut]

I thought about making a bracket but found it was easier to bolt directly to existing rear floorboard hole, bend a bit, and then see where to drill another hole in the soft tail bracket. Maybe the bracket could allow for more adjustability. I'm using longshots and everything fits up very well.

[AR. Hillbilly]

Just did mine Saturday. I raised them 3/4” at the fender strut to clear long shots. Mine then bolted direct to the foot peg hole as well.

[roadiemort]

Do the bags stay level doing it this way?

[Lug Nut]

Mort.. Mine seem level and equal for sure....

[AR. Hillbilly]

Mort mine were just mocked up and not on permanent yet. They appear just a little lower at the rear. I’ll bend the tube to keep them level. It’s very slight. I also don’t like the mounting system. I moved the tabs a little and will turn down round spacers and through bolt rather than the supplied quick release garb.
I then will weld on tabs attach filler panels to.
so far all I’ve done is raise/ red roll the tabs at the strut and move the bag mounting tabs.

[roadiemort]

These might help with stability.

[AR. Hillbilly]

Mort I need to know more. I was awake half the night thinking on something similar. I considered a lower bolt to the fender but really don’t like that idea. I considered a filler panel tan with a rubber bumper to go against the fender.
does what you posted go below the fender?

[Shores]

Looks like that's the type that sticks out behind the rear wheel at the bottom of the fender like a trailer hitch would.

[Doc_V]

This is what you're looking for. It's made specifically for use with the Softail Conversion Brackets, and goes under the fender so you don't see it, but boy are they proud of that thing.

[Doc_V]

This one isn't as fancy but at less than half the price, if you get creative, you could make it work.

[roadiemort]

Or you can bend some conduit into shape and weld a few tabs...... this was one I made to mount my HD bags.

[roadiemort]

I used 1/2" solid bar as that was what I had.

[AR. Hillbilly]

Thanks Doc and Mort. The pics really help. I’m gonna build something similar.
now Mort , what’s the scoop on those turn signals?

[roadiemort]

Like most things R* now discontinued.

[Lug Nut]

Mort mine were just mocked up and not on permanent yet. They appear just a little lower at the rear. I’ll bend the tube to keep them level. It’s very slight. I also don’t like the mounting system. I moved the tabs a little and will turn down round spacers and through bolt rather than the supplied quick release garb.
I then will weld on tabs attach filler panels to.
so far all I’ve done is raise/ red roll the tabs at the strut and move the bag mounting tabs.

I wasn't happy with the quick release bullshit that attaches bags to bracket frame but honestly have 8kk miles on them and they are fine.

[Lug Nut]

I haven't tied my bags together under the fender and have had no problems so far (8k miles). I think it would be helpful for sure but if shit don't crack, break, or vibrate too bad I'll likely leave it alone.

[roadiemort]

Yes, It's definitely at time thing, I learned long time ago to do it once, saves time and money in the long term, In your case you probably won't have it long enough to matter lol.

[roadiemort]

Thanks Doc and Mort. The pics really help. I’m gonna build something similar.
now Mort , what’s the scoop on those turn signals?

Like most things R* now discontinued.

[lowriderbob]

Is this a Kuryakyn product? There isn't a listing on the manufacturer.

[roadiemort]

LOL, that's what discontinued means, no longer available.

[Lug Nut]

RoadieMort... I plan on keeping big purple bike for a looong time... Got it all set up great for touring. Now that all the bikes are washed and winterized... I may mess around with adding a support for the bags. I need to find another project bike to work on so I don't get bored this winter.

[roadiemort]

Just teasing, but if someone makes the right offer I know it could be gone lol.

[Brad_G]

RoadieMort... I plan on keeping big purple bike for a looong time... Got it all set up great for touring. Now that all the bikes are washed and winterized... I may mess around with adding a support for the bags. I need to find another project bike to work on so I don't get bored this winter.

Maybe I should just send you mine with a "to do" list.