Correct way to mount saddle bags

[cowboyup3371]

I have a set of nylon saddle bags that I use on my actual saddle when I'm riding my horse. I'd like to use them on the bike for the next couple of weeks so I can still take my lunch to work but let the eldest ride home with me. Since I currently use a backpack, I don't see her having any room and my tank bag is kinda full right now with my other stuff I have to carry.

If I try to put these on, I know the bags will probably lay up against the rear shocks. However, is there anything else I must do to secure them? Looking through the archives I didn't find any concrete answers to folks that will save me the trouble of building brackets (can't afford to right now this week). If I have to build something than I can do that after I return from Ohio.

Thanks.

Here are the bags I'm talking about

[Steve]

Is there anything in the bags to stiffen them up?

They will likely rest against the shocks, but if they are still flexible, they may actually wrap around the shocks, especially when empty or lightly-loaded.

On my wife's bike, there are leather saddlebags that stay there all the time.
Because we don't remove them, I shortened their supports to allow them to go UNDER the seat and rest on the fender.
To keep them from sliding around, they are zip-tied to the seat latch.


I have re-located the turn signals to the license plate mount, so the bags sit back far enough, they are no longer supported by the shocks.


I made some supports from some 1" x 1/8" flat stock and some 5/16" rod that will keep the bags away from the tire.


I put a lower bend on the supports to keep the bags off the pipes, too.


Again, this will work better if the bags don't flop around, so your mounts will vary.

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[cowboyup3371]

Thank you Steve.

I'll have a look see about that after I get ready for Cheyenne's birthday party. Turns ten today.

[Steve]

... Cheyenne's birthday party. Turns ten today.

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[1_v8_merc]

My bags have about 4 straps.

1 large strap that goes Under the seat.
1 large strap that goes Over the seat.
2 or 3 smaller straps that secure it from the Front, Back.


Mine still sag a little bit when I load 'em up heavy...but mine aren't able to get caught in the shocks, the way they are designed.

[cowboyup3371]

Thank you all for the advice but the ones I use on my horse will not work on the bike. They are just too long and I don't have available parts or money left from this payday to do anything about fixing something up. I'll continue to use my tank bag and the pocket on the back of my reflective vest until I head to Ohio.

[littleroot]

Very nice , Steve. I am looking for bags and a solution to keep the bags out of the tires but did not think about the turn signals. Doh!