Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: b.sheets on January 06, 2013, 06:25:24 am

Title: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 06, 2013, 06:25:24 am
After adding the passenger pillion to the bike I started thinking about taking long trips with the wife and the necessity for storage.....

OK, so I decided that I'm a big fan of the Express Saddlebags from nfield gear but after whipping out the tape measure for a test fit on the bike I quickly realized that they would cover up the bullet turn signals I just put on my shock bolts.....
I went all out and heat shrinked and put plastic tubing over the wiring and then zip tied it all down....looks almost factory. With that being said, I really do not want to move the damn things but with saddlebags they would be completely useless from the back of the bike.

opinions....

since I do no have a G5 with those nifty seat mounts that I can use and I really do not want to drill into the fender again, what should I do?

forget about bags or move the signals? or say screw it and just put bags on and keep the signals where they are?

ps. boredom at work is the mastermind behind this post. Thanks for your replies.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 06, 2013, 06:45:20 am
will any of the pannier frames made for an electra fit on a C5? if so I think they would lower the top of the saddlebag to be just below the turn signals in their current spot. The pannier frames drop the bags down a good few inches.....plenty of clearance to still use the turn signals in their current spot.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Royalista on January 06, 2013, 06:19:32 pm
C5's frame differs from G/E5. Racks will not fit.

B.sheets, You'll have to face the music: either move the indicators to the back or abandon on saddle bags or throw them on and run the gauntlet.

It looks nice though.

Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: GlennF on January 06, 2013, 09:47:47 pm
You could always do the Indian thing and add some extra lights, maybe on the saddle bags themselves, and wire them up to flash with your existing indicators :D
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 06, 2013, 11:10:59 pm
You could always do the Indian thing and add some extra lights, maybe on the saddle bags themselves, and wire them up to flash with your existing indicators :D

that's not a bad idea actually....

my only other thought was making custom pannier frames for the c5.... unfortunately that may be a bit pricey since I can't do any of it myself. (cough cough nfieldgear) the only thing that is holding me up is if I mount the saddlebags on the fender frame they are too high...i just need a lower spot to mount the bags.....

any other thoughts as I sort through the list of things to do on my bike before my wife no longer has a paycheck coming in(just had a baby and she's not going back to work)?
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 06, 2013, 11:18:25 pm
these are the brackets I'm talking about.
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/luggage/black-electra-bracket-set-style-2.html
there has to be a way to make them work on the c5.


Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on January 07, 2013, 12:17:30 am
I'm just throwing this out there - I'm sure there's plenty of reasons it wouldn't work...

Say you get 4 of these, or similar (the pic is from the website Arizoni suggested):

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7CcwdrPks1s/UOoKu3pGOGI/AAAAAAAAA58/B0AfFlbWq1w/s300/clamp.jpg)
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/ms21919clamps2.php

I used a couple like these to mount my rack.  Thread here, with some pics: http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,15273.msg166010.html#msg166010

Install one on the curved fender support rail right up near the shock mount - could even be inboard of the turn signal.  "Fabricate a bracket" (don't you love these detailed suggestions?) that can have a hole drilled to bolt to the clamp.  The bracket angles down and back, below the signal, then turns and runs straight and level, back until it meets the rail again, near the tail light.  Attach it using another clamp. 

Cheesy pic example: black clamps, green bolts, and pink bracket:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GtQicus7N94/UOoQ85IhmxI/AAAAAAAAA6M/R7_29u3vivk/s512/C5rack.jpg)


You'd have to sort out how long the level part would need to be to support your bags, and fine-tune the mounting points.  Maybe the bags would be too low this way?  Dunno, just thinking out loud.

Come to think of it, I might do something similar to install my crummy throw-over bags so I don't have to throw them over...
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 07, 2013, 12:28:40 am
I'm just throwing this out there - I'm sure there's plenty of reasons it wouldn't work...

Say you get 4 of these, or similar (the pic is from the website Arizoni suggested):

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7CcwdrPks1s/UOoKu3pGOGI/AAAAAAAAA58/B0AfFlbWq1w/s300/clamp.jpg)
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/ms21919clamps2.php

I used a couple like these to mount my rack.  Thread here, with some pics: http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,15273.msg166010.html#msg166010

Install one on the curved fender support rail right up near the shock mount - could even be inboard of the turn signal.  "Fabricate a bracket" (don't you love these detailed suggestions?) that can have a hole drilled to bolt to the clamp.  The bracket angles down and back, below the signal, then turns and runs straight and level, back until it meets the rail again, near the tail light.  Attach it using another clamp. 

Cheesy pic example: black clamps, green bolts, and pink bracket:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GtQicus7N94/UOoQ85IhmxI/AAAAAAAAA6M/R7_29u3vivk/s512/C5rack.jpg)


You'd have to sort out how long the level part would need to be to support your bags, and fine-tune the mounting points.  Maybe the bags would be too low this way?  Dunno, just thinking out loud.

Come to think of it, I might do something similar to install my crummy throw-over bags so I don't have to throw them over...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! I've been thinking about it so much lately that an obvious solution like this never even occured to me.

that's exactly what I'm going to do....I think the express saddle bags from nfieldgear are small enough to clear the exhaust on the bottom...

I love that everything on these bikes end up being custom...
Thanks so much mattsz

and in the mean time if anyone has any skills in the bracket making department I'd love some advice before I head to Lowe's.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on January 07, 2013, 12:57:41 am
b.sheets -

I love your enthusiasm, but if I were you I'd wait just a spell longer and give the heavy hitters a chance to poke holes in my suggestion.  They've done it to me before, and always have improved my results!

What stock material can you bend effectively, that's also thick enough to drill mounting holes, but not so thick that it's too heavy or awkward?  Well, I don't know.  Maybe some sort of hollow pipe or tubing that can be bent, and "crushed" flat where the bolts would go through?
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 07, 2013, 01:05:07 am
Don't worry! I'm stuck at work for the next few days!!!

I was thinking though, If i can find someone in NC maybe I could get the pieces welded up ...that way I don't have to bend any metal and that way both sides could be identical and still mounting them with the clamps you provided.
Another option would be to weld them directly to the frame. The only downside to that is the bracket will stay if I take the bags off for good.

Opinion on welding the simple bracket(designed by you) to the frame?
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: GA-DK on January 07, 2013, 02:16:44 am
I like for mods to be reversable.  I would not weld to the bike, but the clamp with rubber or plastic to protect paint has a lot of merit.  A length of 5/16" aluminum rod with a thick flat washer welded on the end to accept a bolt might be tried.  Building supply shops should have the aluminum rod.  The washer could be cut from a short length of 3/4" aluminum.  A vise, hacksaw, file, and drill should be sufficient.  Then you will need to find a welding shop.  They should be able to make the 4 small welds for very little cost.  The aluminum only needs a bit of steelwool and wax for a good finish.  If you don't like the result, remove it.  GA-DK
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Ducati Scotty on January 07, 2013, 03:53:35 am
Keep your turn signals where they are and just add some of these:
http://www.lockhartphillipsusa.com/LICENSE-PLATE-TURN-SIGNALS/

Scott
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 07, 2013, 05:21:49 am
Keep your turn signals where they are and just add some of these:
http://www.lockhartphillipsusa.com/LICENSE-PLATE-TURN-SIGNALS/

Scott

the license plate dots could be pretty cool if you ran them through the bags like GlennF suggested. could also use the existing rear frame bracket without any need for customization. lots of great ideas!
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: wildbill on January 07, 2013, 09:24:23 am
 these just arrived from hitchcocks in the uk today. all i have to do is line them up correctly tomorrow and see how they look

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1040745_zps447fa1b1.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1040746_zpsb1b304e2.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: wildbill on January 07, 2013, 09:31:03 am
(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1040751_zpsba0f370c.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on January 07, 2013, 10:36:23 am
I wouldn't weld them to the frame.  Make them removable...
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: tooseevee on January 08, 2013, 12:14:29 am
that's not a bad idea actually....

any other thoughts as I sort through the list of things to do on my bike before my wife no longer has a paycheck coming in(just had a baby and she's not going back to work)?

           Where is the baby going to ride?   ;)(http://)
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: busmec on January 08, 2013, 04:16:09 pm
Here is how I mounted my saddle bags on my B5 , I know its not the same but similar. I used the shock mount as main mounting point & the fender supports as 3 remaining  mount points using fuel line clamps. The brackets was made out of 3/16 Th's X 1/2 in flat steel. The pic should give a idea of mounting bend & points. Hope this helps      Dan
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: busmec on January 08, 2013, 04:26:11 pm
I uploaded  pic in too large format , if you right click pic & open in new window you will be able to view pic better.    Dan
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: b.sheets on January 08, 2013, 07:39:15 pm
Dan, thank you! it's also a relief that I'm not the only one faced with a task like this! You did a great job, I appreciate you taking time to upload the picture... Saving it to my files.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: hillntx on January 11, 2013, 03:03:19 am
Just hook one of these to the back and have all the storage you need:
(http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/I/N/INDER_TRAILER.jpg)

http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/sidecars-trailers/inder-motorcycle-black.html
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on February 15, 2013, 02:50:57 am
I spent a little too long paging through the Hitchcocks catalog online, and decided I needed saddlebags. (I'm planning to do some overnight touring soon.)

I have the Classic C5 with the factory pillion seat, with the tiny black rail behind that isn't high enough to lean a bag against. I'd like something that is pretty easy to grab and go (ideally, suitable for daily on/off use, so I can use it for grocery runs and the like), and so I settled on the Kuryakyn GranThrow-Over Saddlebags, which look like they will both fit and come on and off easily. Just placed an order. Did I do good?

Product here: http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/694/granthrow-over-saddlebags
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on February 15, 2013, 10:23:44 am
Rich-

You may find the bags riding a little low without a rear seat position to throw the bags over.  Some guys use a rear rack.  If you throw them right over the fenders, and you give a damn about such things, protect your fenders and frame parts!  Dirt and grime gets between the bags and hard surfaces and any movement will scratch up the paint.  Somewhere recently I posted a photo showing how my bags wore the paint from my fender struts completely away, and my rear fender paint is not worn through, but it's definitely scuffed up.  Some kind of tubing sliced lengthwise can be put over your struts, and for the fender...  I'm not sure.  Maybe some kind of microfiber padding?  May prevent scratching, but absorbs water.  That waffled perforated carpet non-slip stuff?  Maybe, but I don't know if it will remain stationary on the fender, which it would need to do.  Plus, I've seen that stuff leave markings in glossy surfaces.

Anybody have any suggestions?  I'm preparing to lose my "throw-over" capability for a direct mount but pseudo-quick release mounting...
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on February 15, 2013, 06:00:41 pm
To clarify, I have this OEM pillion seat which rests on a metal frame, not directly on the mudguard:

http://assets.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pictures/category5555/mid/597447.jpg

So it looks like I can sling the bag directly over that. I still need to be careful of friction points lower down -- we'll see where the touch points are when I put it on.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on February 16, 2013, 01:14:40 am
Rich-

I like the way you kindly said, "to clarify" before repeating yourself, when what you should have said was, "read my post, you damn fool!"

Which is my way of saying, if the damn fool (me) had read the post, I would have known that your pillion pad should keep your fender safe from throw-over bags.  Mind your fender struts, though.  Oh, I see you are.  See, I read your post!  ;)

Let's see, I know I put it here somewhere...  yes, here it is:

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mY8dq-hmz1k/UQqnmKkpakI/AAAAAAAAA70/A-IbJJBEYC8/s600/rear%2520fender.jpg)

The long bare strip on my lower strut is worn from being rubbed by the back of my bag.  The bag's piped edges stick out slightly proud of the back, and have rubbed a little harder on the point you can see that almost lines up with the fender towards the right side of the pic, and on the corner of the tool box cover, which you can just see at the left of the pic.  All that light gray coloring is bare metal.  YMMV...
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: motorat on February 16, 2013, 03:20:35 am
ouch!!!
i tie wrapped each corner of my canvas bags to that brace.
no rubbing but they also don't just lift off either
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on February 16, 2013, 10:23:09 am
Mine are a fairly hard plastic-y fake leather, and they aren't rock-solidly mounted, so I can see how things would get scratched up pretty quickly.  I have some ideas about changing my mounting scheme, and I'll be checking out the color match of the touch-up spray that came with the bike!  ;)
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on February 21, 2013, 02:58:45 am
I bought the Kuryakyn throw-over saddlebags I was looking at. I like the convenience of being able to drop them onto the bike and secure them in about 30 seconds, and pull them off likewise.

They aren't a perfect fit -- on the left side, the lift bracket and acorn bolt are in the way -- but they're good enough for me. And I'm optimistic that there won't be too much friction. (The metal rings on the bags are protected.)

They came with a zillion straps -- I'm securing each bag to a passenger footpeg using a long velcro strap with a clip on the end, and securing the two bags together (and through the OEM sissy bar behind the pillion seat) with a different kind of strap. Even at highway speeds, they're not going anywhere.

I'm taking them on a 100-mile ride tomorrow, from NYC to Philadelphia -- we'll see how they hold up.

Pictures here: http://richmintz.com/2013/02/riding-to-philadelphia-tomorrow/
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on February 21, 2013, 10:33:36 am
Wow, they're big!  Should be plenty of room in there for whatever you need.

The aesthetists among us might be inclined to point out to you that you may have your bags on backwards.  I'm pretty sure that they're meant to slant forward instead of backwards, to allow passengers clear access to the foot pegs.  Makes the bike look faster, too.  But they're long enough, if you switch 'em the bottom corners might interfere with the turn signals...

Enjoy your ride!  In Maine, we're most of us living vicariously through you, Rich!
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Blairio on February 21, 2013, 12:11:59 pm
To stop the paint being scuffed off the likes of pannier racks and fender supports I use lengths of the grey foam pipe lagging - the stuff you clip over your plumbing pipes in winter. Cheap, easy to work with and secured with some gaffa tape.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on February 21, 2013, 12:51:48 pm
Matt, the turn signals were the problem. I couldn't be entirely sure that the weight of the bags resting on the turn signals wouldn't bend the stalks, so I flipped them. It bothered me at first because the bags are obviously optimized for the other orientation (not least because the water bottle holder is now at the rear). But I'll get used to it.

In practice ill never have a passenger while the bags are on -- the simplest symmetrical way to secure the bags is to strap them to the foot pegs anyway -- so this is all academic.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: mattsz on February 22, 2013, 12:08:46 am
Hey Rich - I thought that maybe the turn signals might be the problem.  Please let us know how you like the bags... they look roomy!
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: motorat on February 22, 2013, 12:54:33 am
wow i think i know where jimmy hoffa is now!

those bags are great....if you need more room, then you need a tuck.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on February 23, 2013, 12:42:57 am
The Kuryakyn Granthrow-over saddlebags performed superbly on my 200-mi overnight round trip between NYC and Philadelphia. They strap on in 30 seconds and hold securely - no problems even at highway speeds. I wasn't aware of any change in ride due to the weight or profile. They don't sit quite flush against the bike due to protrusions like the lift handle but it's not disturbingly unattractive. I could imagine packing for 3 or 4 nights in bags this size. (My computer and briefcase items rode on my back in my regular lightweight backpack.) Very happy with the purchase and will be using them often.
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: motorat on February 23, 2013, 12:56:23 am
thanks for the review.
it is always good to hear about a product that performs as it should.
you are set up for a fantastic summer of touring!
Title: Re: Opinions/Suggestions on saddlebags needed
Post by: Rich Mintz on March 04, 2013, 03:32:37 pm
Just used the Kuryakyn Granthrow-over saddlebags as carry-on luggage on a Delta flight -- neither Delta nor the TSA had any problem with them, despite the odd shape.

I clipped the two bags together in two places (with a combination lock and a carabiner) so they would hold together even if I ended up having to check them, and attached a shoulder strap.

Here's what they look like in that condition: http://ink361.com/#!/photo/404188595728332816_4412477

I've also attached Velcro to the two large flaps, in case I ever have to take them apart and check them separately. But it wasn't needed.