Saddlebag supports

I was torn over whether this should go here or in the Chassis forum. Oh well.

Now that I've got my bike running (first test ride is scheduled for tomorrow!) I'm starting to look into luggage. I'd like to get some saddlebags but I'm not sure about supports that will fit my KZ550. Does anyone have any recommendations either for specific saddlebag supports that will fit the KZ550, how to fashion some supports, or saddlebags that don't require supports?

There are a few options out there for bags on your 550. Joe Rocket, Nelson Rig and some others make a set of nylon bags that flop over your seat and are held in place by straps. You can get leather bags with universal mounting hardware (this usually means some cutting, drilling etc. Another option is to just search ebay for "Vetter" find a set of used Vetter saddlebags with the mounting frames. These frames were bike specific (supposedly) but I see little difference between the mounting frames and they are fairly easy to adapt to any bike. There are also many makes of vintage saddlebags you can adapt. My 550 has a set of K&G bags that bolted right up pretty easy. I personally like hard bags over the leather or nylon ones. They hold a constant shape and are more weather resistant a lot of the hard bags have additional lights built in.

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure the Vetter bags are for me (going more for a ratty/streetfighter-ish look for my bike eventually). I've been looking at the saddlebags for sport bikes, namely the Rapid Transit Recon 77 bags. It seems like that style would be pretty simple to fit to the passenger seat of the KZ...

this is what i did
(try this again, i am having trouble with links lately)

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=6&id=198781#199793

insignia100 wrote:

Does anyone have any recommendations either for specific saddlebag supports that will fit the KZ550, how to fashion some supports, or saddlebags that don't require supports?

I worked at a dealership from 2001-2007 and don't recall any specific saddle bag supports for your bike. There is universal fit supports from Willie and Max that we used to stock. You can check out what they look like here .

Or if your handy with fabrication just go to the local hardware store and pick up som spacers and a couple lengths of 1/4" round rod and make your own. I've attached a picture where I used the same method to make some headlight brackets. Maybe it'll give you some ideas.

Later, Doug