Those of You with Leather Saddlebags : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

jober · 08-14-2007, 10:59 PM

Just wonderin' have you ever had anything ripped off from inside them? or have you worried about that? I'm thinking of getting a Road King Classic which comes with the leather saddlebags, I know I can get locks for the leather ones but I'm wondering if I need to or not.

rides99fatboy · 08-14-2007, 11:16 PM

Get the locks. I have a Custom and it just gives me piece of mind that I can keep stuff locked up and well as keeping my saddle bags from disappearing. I also just installed the locking clamps for the sissy bar and detachable luggage rack for the same reasons.

jonrober · 08-14-2007, 11:43 PM

I have a RKC and even though I haven't had anything go missing, I worry about it all the time! Time for locks!

EDIT: NEVERMIND! 46316-04 --> $200.00!

Wonder why so much more than the RK custom bag locks? They are only $70.00 I know they are diff bags, but come on!

elPrez · 08-15-2007, 01:49 AM

I've never had anything taken. I did get the liners so I can easily remove everyting if I'm doing an overnighter somewhere.

Krayven Sumhead · 08-15-2007, 02:26 AM

I load mine with boxing gloves on springs like in the Bugs Bunny cartoons.

SLOWHOUND · 08-15-2007, 09:19 AM

I put locks on mine from www.Inertiawrx.com after I get my liscense straighten out I will sell thgem also ,great locks and easy to install.

jober · 08-15-2007, 10:25 AM

Ok, thanks guys. Does anyone know what the difference between the HD and the aftermarket type are? I checked the ones that you sent Slowhound and they look pretty good but just wondering what the differences are.

rc2004 · 08-15-2007, 10:28 AM

never had a problem nor have I heard of anyone that I know having a problem .

Lady Godiva · 08-15-2007, 12:21 PM

I've never had anything stolen out of my saddlebags that I know of. But someone DID leave the package for a naughty toy in one of my bags once... LOL!

hdmarsh77 · 08-15-2007, 05:48 PM

I have a Custom and used to worry about it a lot. Then I got the HD locks. I also use one bolt one each bag to bolt it to the bike so someone can't just rip the bag off. I have a wing nut on the inside so it doesn't take any more time to get the bag off.

Prototype413 · 08-15-2007, 07:18 PM

I thought about it also, and went with the RKC because I just love the look and the way the bags flow. Either way they will get in if they want and besides, you should never leave anything you don't mind losing in the bags anyway. You won't leave your stuff in them overnight will you? Don't worry about it then. Get what you really want and forget about the fockers!

jober · 08-15-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdmarsh77

I have a Custom and used to worry about it a lot. Then I got the HD locks. I also use one bolt one each bag to bolt it to the bike so someone can't just rip the bag off. I have a wing nut on the inside so it doesn't take any more time to get the bag off.

No I leave my scoot out overnight... just want a peace of mind if I have my jacket or chaps in the bags and have to stop for a short coffee and it's warm out. Don't plan on leaving anything of value in there.

hdmarsh77, did you install the HD locks yourself? Was it easy to install and is it easy to access the lock? Based on the website, it sure looks to be in a wierd hard to get at location.

Hammy71 · 08-16-2007, 04:42 PM

I'm more paranoid about the bags themselves than what's inside em....... When I'm stayin overnite at a hotel I just bring the bags in the room....sorta my luggage..... Otherwise there's usually not anything worth stealing in my bags anyway......

hdmarsh77 · 08-16-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jober

No I leave my scoot out overnight... just want a peace of mind if I have my jacket or chaps in the bags and have to stop for a short coffee and it's warm out. Don't plan on leaving anything of value in there.

hdmarsh77, did you install the HD locks yourself? Was it easy to install and is it easy to access the lock? Based on the website, it sure looks to be in a wierd hard to get at location.

The new location takes some getting used to. They aren't hard to install but the little jigs to mark where to drill were kind of confusing to get situated. Once I figured that out it was a snap. Just a few small holes and a larger one for each bag. The button is then located on the rear of the bag and the old one does nothing.

It is kinda of akward locking them if you use a key that has the 'fob' attached to it. Even without the fob it's kind of weird but by no means hard either way. There is definatly peace of mind with these too.

rides99fatboy · 08-16-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdmarsh77

The new location takes some getting used to. They aren't hard to install but the little jigs to mark where to drill were kind of confusing to get situated. Once I figured that out it was a snap. Just a few small holes and a larger one for each bag. The button is then located on the rear of the bag and the old one does nothing.

It is kinda of akward locking them if you use a key that has the 'fob' attached to it. Even without the fob it's kind of weird but by no means hard either way. There is definatly peace of mind with these too.

Yeah I agree about the awkwardness of locking/unlocking but even without a fob. The lock is now situated at the back of the bags by the taillights (RK Custom.) I have to use my thumb and index finger to turn the key. Not enough room to get your hand between the fender and saddle bag.

The comment about not leaving anything in your bags worth stealing is really a mute point when you consider not having a lock on your bags makes them fair game. Locks keep honest people honest. If some d$*khead wants your stuff, he'll just tear the lid off anyway. By for what those locks cost, why make it easy for them. And like Jober said, I am mainly concerned with those quick stops where I may not be able to keep an eye on the bike.