How long have you had these installed? Have you had any problems with them? A while back I saw them on ebay but then someone was bashing them also and said they bought a set and that they cracked in half. I like the way they look but would like to hear from people that have used them. Thanks.

 

I have had these on the bike for only a couple of weeks so in terms of cycles of operation I have only just begun.

From a durability standpoint, the biggest issue will be a good installation, and by that I am referring to the bracket mounted on the interior/inboard side of the saddlebag; it is this bracket that the "pawl" on the latch mechanism "catches" to secure the lid.

Because of the diameter of the latch mechanism, the bracket has to be bent/pushed toward the interior/inboard side of the bag to provide clearance for the latch mechanism/cylinder when the lid is closed. (The bracket also has to be lowered because of the depth of the latch cylinder.) If the bracket is not bent/pushed toward the interior/inboard side of the bag, the latch cylinder will strike the bracket when the lid is closed which might damage the latch/cylinder. Assuming the bracket gets moved out of the way as described (and lowered to accommodate the depth of the "pawl," I don't see where there would be any durability issues.

Lastly, at only $10 per latch, and given there super good looks, if I have to replace these every year (like brake pads, etc., and I doubt that will be the case) I would not consider it too high a price to pay to get rid of the hockey pucks--but that's just me.

 

I just orderd the latches from Southco, and they are know getting $15.00 per latch. Still not a bad deal. If you could E mail instructions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the info.

 

Instructions sent to your email address.

 

Thanks for the instructions, Iwill let you know how it went.

 

I'm ready to go on this deal, I may do the black ones they show. Can I also get the installation instructions from you. Also a bit confused, is Southco the company to buy from, or do we need a dealer?

 

If you want to purchase the chrome, flush mount, contact Austin Hardware, their phone number is in my original post at the top of this thread.

I believe Southco, the manufacturer, wanted a minimum order of 200 before they would sell directly to me. Austin is a distributor of Southco. You can also go to the Southco website if you want to search for another distributor.

Send me an email and I will send you the instructions for installing the chrome flush mounts.

If you want black flush mounts (not the black pushbutton sold by squadfitters), go to the Southco website, use the chrome part number and it will take you to those types of latches produced by Southco--you will find a black version there. If I had black police bags, that's the way I probably would have gone; but my FLHTPI is birch white, at least for now.

 

Latches

Great tip, I'm ordering.
Please send instrauctions.
Thanks a bunch!
Bob

 

uspowers--instructions sent

The instructions were emailed to you per your request.

 

Hi Harleypingman. I just ordered a set of these and was wondering if I could also get the installation instuctions. I would very much appreciate it. Thanks, Geo.

 

Send me an email address

If you would like the instructions, send me a request with your email address and I will send them to you promptly as an attachment to an email. My email address is chtlaw@yahoo.com.

 

Saddlebag Lid

Does anybody know where I can get a replacement saddlebag lid...right side, white?

 

Go to ebay and put in a search for Harley police lid; they will turn up quickly if not immediately.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARL...0QQitemZ4653965075QQihZ002QQcategoryZ84146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here is a link to a current auction for a pair of white police bag lids; not sure if they will work for you. HTW

 

Southco latches available

I have three Southco chrome latches available.
I purchased from Austin Hardware mentioned in earlier posts.
I've opted mot to install them.
Southco part number is M1-2A-13-1.
I paid $10 and change apiece plus shipping.
I'll sell all three for $25.00 shipped.

Anyone interested Email me at: Uspowers@charter.net

 

Harleypingman:
I'm thinking about getting the southco latches and was just wondering how yours were working out now that you've been using them for a while. Do you still recommend them?


2005 FLHPI

 

I still recommend them; mine look as good and work as well as the day I installed them.

Since this thread started two years ago I've learned more about the subject and product availability.

If you go to Southco.com, you can check the specs and the variety of finishes offered. You can search by entering M1-2A-13-11 and see a family of flush mount latches that may interest you in additon to the chrome--for example a black flush mount.

Also, Southco introduced a chrome-plated zinc flush mount latch, MP05-312-11. It's a 1.00" diameter compared to the 1.25" diameter of the version I used. It wholesales for about 13.00 each, compared to about 10 bucks for the older version that I have. The lid comes from HD with a 1.00" hole for the stock mechanism so the newer latch requires little if any modification to the lid; the version I used required the hole to be enlarged--not a big deal.

Also, the two latches are built differently. The version I have has some vulnerability to break if the saddlebag contents fill the bottom to the point that they compress the bottom of the latch when closed--the bottom of the latch isn't delicate, but the newer version is sturdier in that respect.

I sold about 50 sets of the older version that I have and which is still available from Southco, and about 20 sets of the newer version--never had any complaints from any buyers after the fact. (I no longer sell the latches--just got busy on other stuff.)

Squadfitters.com offers an all metal latch for 79.50 list price, and there is an ebay seller I think who sells the same one. Like the Southco chrome plated zinc, it's a 1.00" diameter latch mount. I've spent a little time trying to track down the manufacturer/distributor without success, however. I remember well when Squadfitters sold the latch I have for 79.50 a pair and I was able to buy the same latch for 20 bucks a pair. Have no desire at all to replace my latches, but when I was selling the Southco latches on Ebay I was interested to find out who the competition was and their wholesale pricing.

Hope you don't mind the lengthy response--but you can check these other options out. For me, I am extremely pleased with the older version, like it's appearance better than the smaller diameter alternatives, and have been very impressed with the chrome/finish after 2 years and 35K miles.

 

Thanks for the information Harleypingman. Seeing that you've had no problems with them I think I'm going to check them out.

 

Hold on - hold on. I've broken 3 of these pop-up latches. They're just chromed plastic, and I believe they were manufactured for boats. Not really meant for the bumping around on a bike. However, I love the look of them and always hated the 'hockey-puck' latches. If anyone is going to buy a set, I would recommend finding a metal one instead of plastic. May be more expensive but will be worth it. This is what I will be buying, the next time my plastic set breaks:

http://www.squadfitters.com/catalog...cessories/saddle-bag-accessories/die-cast-zinc-metal-chrome-push-button-latch-k

 

Stanley, sorry to hear of your breakage. Please provide information on how they break; where they break, etc.

When I use the bags to carry stuff from the grocery store, for trips, etc., I am careful when I close the lid to avoid the compression issue mentioned in my previous post.

rr1073, if you need the installation instructions for either of the Southco latches, let me know and I'll email them to you.

 

Please provide information on how they break; where they break, etc.

I have had one break at the retractable latch, on the cylinder at the bottom. And I've had 2 break inside the cylinder when turning the knob to open. The device inside the latch assembly is easily damaged. It is a great idea, and I've had lots of guy with Police bikes ask me where I got them and how I like them. I suggest to them that they spend the extra $$$ and buy metal ones. I'll sumbit pics later. I should get back to work now.

 

I've had the Southco pair on my bike for about a year now. No problems so far (Fingers crossed)

At first I was a bit disappointed with them as they didn't really do a good job of securing the lid, but then a few adjustments to the hook and now I couldn't be happier, no rattles, and very secure.

I could see how the metal ones would be a better option if you're rough on the lids, if these go I'll def take a look at the metal ones, but for right now these were a good inexpensive option.

Good luck!

 

Yes , when I called Squadfitters and explained that I had purchased the Southco brand and I had to drill it to 1 1/4 inch, he told me I would need adapters and they carry them. It was another $40.00 for the adapters.
As I stated earlier they are on back order so I won't have them for another week or so.

 

Ok thanks, I'll call them.

 

I just saw a bike with the zinc push button latches installed today. They look very robust and although they are not flush, they are still a huge improvement over the hockey pucks. (I assume they are the same ones squadfitters has for 80 bucks a pair)

To close the saddlebags, you just press down. To unlatch, push the button and lift the lid. Couldn't be more simple. I like them a lot. If I hadn't come up with a set of civilian bags last week, I would have ordered a set today.