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Some may remember that my father had given my wife an old pair of saddlebags from his horse packer days. They basically became the primary design element for the build. I was extremely fortunate to stumble upon a seat that matches them perfectly for a mere $75!
I spent a few hours this week building a bracket setup to carry them. Most ideas I found out there were set up on hardtails. The swingarm and rear shocks did pose a few design challenges.
Using a Grizzly metal bender, I started on one side and fitted up some 3/8 solid round stock I had.
I was able to tie it to the rear fender which not only gives a third support point, but stops the fender from shaking side to side.
I carefully matched up the opposite side, making a mirror image. Made sure that all measurements were exact and most importantly that it LOOKED straight and symmetrical from behind.
She did not want to cut the yoke off the bags, so I opted for a bridge over the fender. The yoke was too long to lay across the fender and keep the bags off the pipes. Plus, I didn't want to trash the paint!
The new bridge winds up blocking the fancy little (read: basically worthless
) indicators, so I fabbed up yet another little bracket, and added some small winkers. I also had to re- relocate the license plate. It appears to stick out awkwardly, but with the bags on, it is tucked in neatly!
the bags went inside for a thorough cleaning and buffing. I'll get pics of it wrapped up out in the sun today!!
I spent a few hours this week building a bracket setup to carry them. Most ideas I found out there were set up on hardtails. The swingarm and rear shocks did pose a few design challenges.
Using a Grizzly metal bender, I started on one side and fitted up some 3/8 solid round stock I had.
I was able to tie it to the rear fender which not only gives a third support point, but stops the fender from shaking side to side.
I carefully matched up the opposite side, making a mirror image. Made sure that all measurements were exact and most importantly that it LOOKED straight and symmetrical from behind.
She did not want to cut the yoke off the bags, so I opted for a bridge over the fender. The yoke was too long to lay across the fender and keep the bags off the pipes. Plus, I didn't want to trash the paint!
The new bridge winds up blocking the fancy little (read: basically worthless
) indicators, so I fabbed up yet another little bracket, and added some small winkers. I also had to re- relocate the license plate. It appears to stick out awkwardly, but with the bags on, it is tucked in neatly!the bags went inside for a thorough cleaning and buffing. I'll get pics of it wrapped up out in the sun today!!
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