[11_FLSTC]

So I've been tired of how the saddlebag straps come out of their respective loops when traveling at high speeds. I had a few ideas but didn't want to spend a lot of money.

I saw Got Saggy Bags? Inc. sells some beefier replacement straps for $40 plus shipping. I thought about adding some HD OEM Decorative Chrome Spots around the edge of the tip but it would take at least 5 x 4 straps for a total of 20 and HD wants $1.49 each for those - Total approx. $30 and my dealer does not carry them so they need to be ordered. Plus, they are hollow so to add weight I would have to "fill" them with something.

Someone on the forum spoke of Tandy Leather stores so I looked and found one 2 miles from my house. Their decorative chrome spots do not match the Heritage spots so I started looking at Conchos.

I found several but bought 4 of a Texas Star that fit perfectly. (Large Size - 1.5") http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Conchos/11373-02.aspx

I added some stainless steel lock washers on the back to add some weight and some loctite to keep the screw from coming out.

Worked like a charm.

 

[mjrfd99]

Nice fix!! Tandy has some great leatherwork stuff. Heres a holster I did w/Tandy stuff. Western style engraving

 

[Flttrainer]

I'm digging those Texas stars!

 

[Nubwagon]

This is a good idea indeed & I like the custom touch. I have a question though. How do these prevent the straps from coming out of the loops? Are they weighted down so it's virtually impossible for the straps to come out?

I've only had a problem with one of my straps coming out. But if I can find a way to keep them all from potentially coming out, I'm all over it.

Thanks!

 

[11_FLSTC]

Sorry, I never subscribed to this thread so I didn't know anyone replied/posted.

The weight from the conchos plus additional washers were almost enough to keep the straps in while riding. I had one or two stubborn loops that were just too big for the strap ends. Therefore, I took some small pieces of black solid rubber/foam material and cut some pieces to the width of the loop. I then glued them into the side bends of the loops that were too big to essentially shirink the size of the loops. I made them a bit overtight knowing that they would eventually wear down a bit. Now, a few months later, they are perfect. Hope this makes sense and helps.

I'll be sure to subscribe so I see any more replies.

 

["Mose"]

My straps and loops are fairly tight at this point but will keep your idea on the back burner. BTW, they look pretty cool.

 

[PA1195]

I added another hole in the belts 3/4" closer to the top with a heavy duty paper punch. That still allows the plastic snaps to close with room, and keeps the belts from turning sideways ('cause they're tighter) and catching the wind.

 

["Mose"]

I added another hole in the belts 3/4" closer to the top with a heavy duty paper punch. That still allows the plastic snaps to close with room, and keeps the belts from turning sideways ('cause they're tighter) and catching the wind.

This is what I'm doing to mine. The leather isn't to tough to hole once you've conditioned it once or twice. Good job!

 

[11_FLSTC]

I added another hole in the belts 3/4" closer to the top with a heavy duty paper punch. That still allows the plastic snaps to close with room, and keeps the belts from turning sideways ('cause they're tighter) and catching the wind.

And this helps the ends stay in place?

This modification was to keep the ends from flying out of the retainer loops... and add a bit of style. Otherwise, my straps seem tight enough up top.

 

[PA1195]

Sorry for the late reply. When in the last top factory hole mine were still loose enough between the buckle and bag top to turn sideways in the wind. When they did, they'd blow sideways and the lower loose ends would pull out of the retaining loop. Adding another top hole above the factory's prevemnted that from happening.

However, your mod looks very good and is another option.

I'm going to add a rim stiffener to the top of the bag. That's to maintain the bag's shape, and prevent the top from collapsing and the straps loosening.

 

[11_FLSTC]

I appreciate the dialogue. I already have the Got Saggy Bags system WITH the Invisiloc system as well (leaving the bags and tops very stiff) and that didn't even help floppy strap problem. As I discovered with installation of the 2 systems and the ensuing calls to their support line, these Heritage soft bags certainly differ from bag to bag. ( I had to make modifications to BOTH systems to get them to work correctly)

Ultimately for mine, at least 2 of the retainer loops for the strap ends were larger and looser than normal but I had already added the conchos, which I discovered last weekend now prevent removal of the straps from the buckle (oops).

Hopefully this discussion will just help the next guy down the line determine what mods his bags might need before he make them.

 

[PA1195]

Yesterday I installed HD's internal bag supports, P/N 88373-10 as they were available locally. Glued the plastic top reinforcements to the lids with E-6000 adhesive, and bolted the heavy steel rim supports inside the lid tops.

Much better now as far as sagging. The setup is heavy...heavier than a hard saddle bag would be as the leather and steel support weighs quite a bit. Have not bought the optional keyed locks yet.

The Saggy Bags setup is probably better as it allows more room at the top opening.

The straps fit the same as before so will see if they flop around much in the wind. Maybe I need to ride faster than our poor Alaskan roads allow.

I like the setup, leather maintenance and all. For me the Heritage fits and looks better than the other HD's I've owned.

 

[flyingmanx]

Like stars, but!!

I'm digging those Texas stars!

I do like them stars, but what I did was put one half of velcro on my strap and the put the other half on the inside of the bottom loop.
Stick the strap in and push. It stays great..
But my question is!!!!
Why does the right side come out but the left side doesnot. Some funny air currents I guess???
Thanks;

 

[11_FLSTC]

But my question is!!!!
Why does the right side come out but the left side does not. Some funny air currents I guess???
Thanks;

In my case, the retainer loops that the loose strap ends slip into are actually slightly different sizes. I was told that this is an inherent property of leather bags. Even the tops and the bags themselves vary in size slightly from bag to bag. I had to "tighten up" 2 of the 4 loops even after adding the conchos by gluing some thin rubber material into both sides of the loose loops so the edges of the straps squeeze in slightly.

I didn't even think of a velcro option but those are likely to get gnarley after a while from picking up dirt etc. Let me know how that works out for you.

 

[cycle crazy]

Nice touch