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Saddlebag support frames / stays

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    Saddlebag support frames / stays

    Has anyone had any luck with getting universal saddlebag support frames / stays to fit a GS?
    I'm looking to buy some premade tubular steel support brackets and modify them to work on my '77 GS750.
    Looking for any recommendations on which generic set may be conducive to easy modifications to work well on a GS.

    I went through pages of search results and all I could seem to find are a dozen mentions of Steve's solid steel round bar stock frames.
    I throw mine over the seat and like them that height, but being able to open the seat after unstrapping my backpacking backpack would be nice.

    My wife got me a nice set of roll top Nelson-Rigg dry bags, but I have yet to mount them.

    Thanks!
    '77 GS750 920cc heavily modded
    '97 Kawasaki KDX220R rugged terrain ripper!
    '99 Kawasaki KDX220R​ rebuild in progress
    '79 GS425stock
    PROJECTS:
    '77 Suzuki PE250 woods racer
    '77 GS550 740cc major mods
    '77 GS400 489cc racer build
    '76 Rickman CR1000 GS1000/1100
    '78 GS1000C/1100

    #2
    I had been using a thick vinyl faux-leather set of rectangular straight cut saddlebags for years, thrown over the seat & tied to the rear turn signal stalks, with a 17mm hex socket with a 3/8" threaded rod welded into the 3/8" square drive ratchet holes, & a fender washer & locknut on the inside of the saddlebags bolted on in a hole strategically punched in the saddlebag inside sides. The hex socket fits right onto the large upper shock mount acorn nuts to locate them properly, & then I had them tied to the frame there.

    This served me quite well, but the capacity just wasn't quite enough for my usual long haul trips.
    Hence the move to the Nelson-Rigg drybags...
    '77 GS750 920cc heavily modded
    '97 Kawasaki KDX220R rugged terrain ripper!
    '99 Kawasaki KDX220R​ rebuild in progress
    '79 GS425stock
    PROJECTS:
    '77 Suzuki PE250 woods racer
    '77 GS550 740cc major mods
    '77 GS400 489cc racer build
    '76 Rickman CR1000 GS1000/1100
    '78 GS1000C/1100

    Comment


      #3
      Well... don't everyone go an answer all at once, now!

      Metric Support bracket kit includes two chrome-plated steel saddlebag supports and comes with an assortment of fasteners in lengths to fit most models and aftermarket accessories.


      These look to be the best choice for my intended installation:

      '77 GS750 920cc heavily modded
      '97 Kawasaki KDX220R rugged terrain ripper!
      '99 Kawasaki KDX220R​ rebuild in progress
      '79 GS425stock
      PROJECTS:
      '77 Suzuki PE250 woods racer
      '77 GS550 740cc major mods
      '77 GS400 489cc racer build
      '76 Rickman CR1000 GS1000/1100
      '78 GS1000C/1100

      Comment


        #4
        Rather than try to find something that fits, it's easier to make them...I just get a piece of flat stock, drill holes in each end, paint it with rustoleum and bolt it on straight and direct from the footrest to the frame...turn signal mount or (better?) You can also just make a simple circular clamp from thin sheet using tin snips to attach the flat bar to the frame . A bit of innertube under saves the frame's paint

        Round stock (pipe) also can work of course, ends flattened.

        But your bags are soft? You won't likely need any stand-off frame IF you just put them over the seat and make some ties or straps to stop them flying up in the wind and a piece of clothesline to attach to helmet lock.
        Last edited by Gorminrider; 09-12-2020, 01:37 PM.

        Comment


          #5
          I got a set of those pictured waiting for me to pick up from my buddy's house. Our wives both work for a big internet motorcycle parts seller company (mostly working from home due to the pandemic). Cost + 10% was surprisingly SIGNIFICANTLY less than the cheapest eBay prices, and for something that has a durable long lasting non-rattlecan finish, I deem that worth it.
          I could have painted some steel stock with POR-15 + rattlecan top coat, or KBS Rust Seal I suppose, that stuff dries rock hard, & if you do the right surface prep it is very durable...
          '77 GS750 920cc heavily modded
          '97 Kawasaki KDX220R rugged terrain ripper!
          '99 Kawasaki KDX220R​ rebuild in progress
          '79 GS425stock
          PROJECTS:
          '77 Suzuki PE250 woods racer
          '77 GS550 740cc major mods
          '77 GS400 489cc racer build
          '76 Rickman CR1000 GS1000/1100
          '78 GS1000C/1100

          Comment

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