Home made saddle bags

[CB2RN]

I wanted to write up another project I just finished as well, my $22 saddlebags. I've been wanting a little extra storage space for grabbing a couple things at the store. I wasn't happy with cargo nets and duffel bags, and I'm not one for backpacks. So I went off in search of a tailbag or a set of saddlebags. I briefly considered putting a rack on the bike with a Givi type trunk, but at around $200, I'm not anxious to jump on that. Plus, I'm not crazy about the way it looks on the bike.

Anyway, I searched the local shops with no luck finding any luggage not intended for a Harley or clone. But a little patience and I scored a matching set of "map" bags at the local Army/Navy for the princely sum of $10 each.





The bags are a medium weight canvas with snap closures. Not water proof, but I don't intend to do much rain riding. And they're removable. So, to attach the bags, I took the straps that came with them and adjusted them to their shortest length.



Then I took and routed the straps over the seat, down inside the bodywork and around the frame, and then clipped underneath. The straps were fed through the bags D-rings that were originally used to attach the straps to. Once the straps were adjusted, I moved the bags up to the right level and took some safety wire, poked it through the webbed strap, and tied it off to the D-ring. The wire is black so you can't really see it. I'm still thinking this part over and have a few ideas on how to redo it, but it will work for now.





They actually look more impressive in person. The pictures make them look smaller than they are. I'll try to get better pictures tomorrow with the updates below.

Since these pictures, I went in and added a stiff piece of wire (coat hanger section) around the top rim of the bags to give them shape, and I need to move the snaps up about an inch, just as soon as I can find a set of snap pliers. It'll be an ongoing project. I'm just too cheap to buy a real set. These worked well tonite. I carried a six pack of Coke home with no problems. Didn't even get warm over the pipe!!

[whitetiger]

Great Job those look good!

[PuddleJumper]

That's cool!
I was looking at an 8 gal Action Packer at Wal-mart last night.
It would be cheap and useful but not very good looking.
Might do it anyway.
I'm definitely visiting the Surplus store when I get a chance.