Attemping cutstom saddlebags...

I find my bike has been lacking 2 things recently; side covers and storage space.

My wife thinks the bike looks ugly and unfinished since the side covers have been sold. They didn't fit right with the lines of the new seat so I was going to customize some new covers. Anyway, I was at the store the other day and and saw an isle stacked with tons of fabric, sold by 2 & 3 squares. Since I sometimes have to ride with a back pack, I figured I'd pick up some fabric and make some bags for the bike resolve both of my issues. I found a nice, thick, cool pattern and also found a synthetic, water proof, material as well.

This is my first attempt at stitching something of this magnitude. I've got about 5hr into planing, molding a frame, fabbing side supports, and cutting some fabric. I have been taking pics all the while and will update later tonight as I, hopefully, get to a finishing point.

 

Extra points for recycling campaign signs !!

Boat shops have stainless snap buttons, or are you going with Velcro??

 

I got some clips and straps from walmart, camping section. They should work well. Heres what im going for:

 

I am still working on the bags. I tried using a couple small cheap sewing machines. I had tons of troubles with the first 2 machines so I borrowed my mother-in-laws good machine. Turns out, it too was on the brink of failure. In short, I have become quite familiar with the inner workings of the Brother XR-33 sewing machine. I tore it down to find some loose gear and got it all sorted out.

The "bags" themselves are almost finished. I just need to add some flaps to close them up, add the buckles and straps, and connect them like traditional saddle bags.

I took one out to check it against the bike last night and I think they are gonna work out well. They turned out a slightly longer than I expected since I wasn't able to bend the frames where the supports are tacked on. I plan to use the traditional cross strap, under the seat, and should be able to arrange some sort of bracketing system, to support the bottoms from flapping, secured to where the passenger pegs originally were.

 

2 points for originality (saddle bags for a solo bobber)
2 points for going green (re-use of election signs)

Not sure what "stuff" you are thinking of carrying given the bags are so close to your legs, but you should get an idea of the max weight you can take after completion. Get a 2 gal ZipLock bag and put it in one of the carriers. Start filling with water until the rack/bag starts to deflect. Take ZipLock bag out of saddlebag. Weigh bag of water.

I'd guess that the rather thin metal tubing you showed will not hold much weight but maybe you are looking more for a courier bag of paper. In either case, I would also suggest looking for a good, large magnetic tank bag to augment your saddlebags. Nelson-Rigg, Wolfman, Helen2Wheels, others make good bags; many can be found very well priced used.

Here's some general guidance between tank/saddle/tail bags: AdvRider forum discussion

Here's the link to the WebBikeWorld tests: WebBikeWorld tests Scroll to the area for "Motorcycle Luggage Reviews".

 

Taking a close look inside my Willie & Max saddlebags, that sign material is the same stuff they use to stiffen the inside of the bags to keep them ridged when empty. The fabric can be purchased at some apolstery shops locally here too, so they wouldn't be too hard to duplicate if one had a good industrial type sewing machine.
My bags are around 7-8 years old now and look like new, mainly because they use the man made leather instead of real leather, which holds up better to the elements (rain and sun)
You could also make a cheap tool/fork bag to match with some smaller peices of that stuff too.

 

I don't plan on packing the bags full of heavy stuff. They're really just meant for convenience if ever needed and also to cover the eye sore of missing side covers. I'll admit, I'm getting sick of having to tuck objects into my waist line for transport. I'm really not worried about the weight issue too much.

My plans are to fabricate some sort of cradling bracket to hold the bottom of the bags up and against the bike. The bottom of the bags lie right at where the rear pegs were so I'll attach the brackets there. In theory, all should work well!

 

I fabricated L-shaped brackets to mount my saddlebags to, so the bottom of each bag has a shelf of sorts to actually sit on, keeping them from sagging and touching the exhaust pipes.
We use my saddlebags for ong trips, so they get packed pretty full (rair suits, leathers when we're not wering them, and various other articles needed for a long trip. With the L-shaped brackets, there's no worry about them ever touching the pipes (had that happen with the old bags)
I used 3/8" round stock coming off the fender rails bent 90 degrees out for the bags to sit on. With two bolts holding the brackets on, they're easy to remove.

 

That is essentially what I was talking about only mine will be supported from the bottom. I just drafted this in paint for a better visual. The red bolt is where it will bolt into the peg mount on the bike.

 

Dude, why don't you try to baseball stitch them together. I think the home sewing machines will not be strong enough to sew up the sides. here is a picture of what I'm talking about. Let me know if you need help.....

 

I think that if you were to put pods on that sewing machine, re-jet it and instal new "NEEDLES" it would perform better! :roll:
Yeh, I know, a cheap shot at the "POD" guys, but it's been so quiet in here for a while! :wink: :wink:
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