diy hard bags?

I have been tossing around ideas for saddle bags around since I got my bike. I think I saw my solution today in a magazine, I glimpsed through at Barnes and noble today. They looked like old 60s or 70s suitcases, only they were the same shape as the frame. Then I did a Google search and found out samsonite made bags for BMW and goldwings in the 70s and 80s. Too cool. Now, because I'm cheap, I may just go to goodwill and try to find a couple of matching size old suitcases and break out the welder. Anyone done this?

Have you yhought about Ammo Cans?

www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-glide-models...can-saddle-bags.html

www.instructables.com/id/Ammo-Can-Saddlebags/

I think that's how they do it so far out in the backwoods that the sun rises on this side of 'em. :lol:

Krauser also offered some pretty good suitcase-style easily removable plastic bags. Had a pair on 1976 BMW R90S. Also mounted the same set on 1979 KZ1300.

Good Fortune!

The Z1 and KZ900-B1 LTD readily accommodate soft or leather throw-over saddle bags with the rear turn signals relocated to a different position where they aren't in the way of the bags.





Good Fortune!

Krauser






Samsonite



(Probably needs a wheelie bar)


Note the sculpted mold whereby the bags fit securely into the brackets.

When touring with these "remove-and-carry-inside-the-motel" suitcase style saddle bags, they are usually dirty-nasty with road gunge and therefore unpleasant to deal with once inside the room.

Always enjoyed packing separate shirt and shorts in zip-loc baggies, carrying only one baggie plus a Dopp kit into the room, then visit the bar.

Good Fortune!

I gave some thought to the ammo cans, but they are rather small. I have a pair of .50 cal cans, and I could fit more in a cheap Walmart backpack than in 4 of those cans. I am making an old school sissy bar and rack, but for my long camping trip every year, which is 1300 miles round trip and 4 or 5 days, I need room for gear. I thought about pelican cases, but the price is deterring. Leather is out because of propane tanks for cooking.