Honda OEM Pearl Blue Hard Bags '07

[benjammer]

Finally got around to posting some pictures of the Honda OEM Hard Bags I ordered from Interceptor Hard Saddlebags BLUE '07 - 08L52MCW1E0 by: Honda -.
They had the best price, $769.00 compared to the $1000.00 the Honda Dealer wanted.
Bags are great, BUT the instructions were horrible. I'm sure like allot of you out there you plan on saving some bucks by installing something you buy yourself......well that was my thoughts as well, but this was one case where about half way into it I wish I had just paid the money and had the dealer do it. There are lots of upgrade (heavier) brackets & bolts that are needed to reinforce the back end to hold the additional weight of the brackets/bags. I hope someone that has installed them before is reading this, because I'm curious if they had as much trouble aligning the grab rails to the hard bag brackets as I did. Word of advice to anyone doing this in the future.....keep all bolts loose until everything is installed.
It would also have helped to have a buddy around to "drink" with and help. How many of you guys out there try and get the wife involved only to get more pissed off!
OK, back to the bags. Quality of the bags/paint is top notch. Also, the locking mechanism, & latches are great quality. Don't feel cheap. You also get 4 keys and a spare locking mechanism.
I really can't tell a difference in the way the bike performs. It does feel like the bags are going to scrap when going into a curve, but I'm sure I'll get use to that.
I've only had them a week, but they have already come in handy. Take for example yesterday. I changed the oil in my Tacoma, and realized I didn't have any oil or filter at the house. Use to, I would have to take the wifes car, but with the bags I went to Autozone, bought everything needed, put in the bags, and headed back to the house.
If anyone reading this ever needs some advice/help on intalling them, look me up. I'll be glad to help you avoid the mistakes I did!
Y2KViffer don't let those shiny bags blind you when looking at the pics

[ewryly]

The bags look great, Benjammer. I agree about the instructions. My copy was faded, and it took me a bit to decipher that some parts were being replaced and others added. Not what you would expect for the money. And I definitely agree about the challenge of aligning the grab rail bolts. I ended up taking off the passenger peg brackets as well. Once I did that it aligning everything was manageable.

[benjammer]

Originally Posted by ewryly

The bags look great, Benjammer. I agree about the instructions. My copy was faded, and it took me a bit to decipher that some parts were being replaced and others added. Not what you would expect for the money. And I definitely agree about the challenge of aligning the grab rail bolts. I ended up taking off the passenger peg brackets as well. Once I did that it aligning everything was manageable.

I appreciate the feedback. Glad to know that it just wasn't me! I also had the same problem as you about knowing what items were being replaced and added. Would have been a huge help if they would have just put (R) for replace next to items being replaced.

[benjammer]

Originally Posted by benjammer

Finally got around to posting some pictures of the Honda OEM Hard Bags I ordered from Interceptor Hard Saddlebags BLUE '07 - 08L52MCW1E0 by: Honda -.
They had the best price, $769.00 compared to the $1000.00 the Honda Dealer wanted.
Bags are great, BUT the instructions were horrible. I'm sure like allot of you out there you plan on saving some bucks by installing something you buy yourself......well that was my thoughts as well, but this was one case where about half way into it I wish I had just paid the money and had the dealer do it. There are lots of upgrade (heavier) brackets & bolts that are needed to reinforce the back end to hold the additional weight of the brackets/bags. I hope someone that has installed them before is reading this, because I'm curious if they had as much trouble aligning the grab rails to the hard bag brackets as I did. Word of advice to anyone doing this in the future.....keep all bolts loose until everything is installed.
It would also have helped to have a buddy around to "drink" with and help. How many of you guys out there try and get the wife involved only to get more pissed off!
OK, back to the bags. Quality of the bags/paint is top notch. Also, the locking mechanism, & latches are great quality. Don't feel cheap. You also get 4 keys and a spare locking mechanism.
I really can't tell a difference in the way the bike performs. It does feel like the bags are going to scrap when going into a curve, but I'm sure I'll get use to that.
I've only had them a week, but they have already come in handy. Take for example yesterday. I changed the oil in my Tacoma, and realized I didn't have any oil or filter at the house. Use to, I would have to take the wifes car, but with the bags I went to Autozone, bought everything needed, put in the bags, and headed back to the house.
If anyone reading this ever needs some advice/help on intalling them, look me up. I'll be glad to help you avoid the mistakes I did!
Y2KViffer don't let those shiny bags blind you when looking at the pics

Y2KViffer I forgot to add....How does that Sargent Seat Look

[VFRShorty]

very nice!

[landlover]

That is a pretty bike!

[Y2Kviffer]

Looking good Jamma. Now just measure about 1/2" below your tag, get the dremel out,
and buzz off that access trolling motor
Are those led lights on either side of the tag?
As for the Sargent seat comment.... you BASTAGE!!
Where is your mug shot. Looks like your gonna prove derstuka right....

[benjammer]

Are those led lights on either side of the tag?

The led lights are "Hyper Lites"...........Hyper-Lites Motorcycle Safety LED Lights and Bungie Buddies
Work Great at getting cagers attention.

[jasonsmith]

Jammer here is a tip for ya. Go out and get a clear protective tack sheet and put some covering the lower rear corners (out facing) and on the top facing surface on the front of each bag. The lower corner is where your bag will contact if you set the bike down and the top fronts is where your feet will hit occasionally when coming on or off the bike. My boots don't do damage on there own, but the rock or two that may be stuck on the sole will.

The other thing... With the bags on, take a good look at the space in between the area where the top latching mechanism locks in. Imprint that space in your mind so if one day you don't install them correctly they won't go sliding down the road. I haven't done it but have heard of a few that have.

The trick with the install is keep everything loose and tighten/loosen the bolts to help you. I had them all loose and tightened some and loosened some as needed. It all went together as good as the design would allow.

[benjammer]

Originally Posted by jasonsmith

Jammer here is a tip for ya. Go out and get a clear protective tack sheet and put some covering the lower rear corners (out facing) and on the top facing surface on the front of each bag. The lower corner is where your bag will contact if you set the bike down and the top fronts is where your feet will hit occasionally when coming on or off the bike. My boots don't do damage on there own, but the rock or two that may be stuck on the sole will.

The other thing... With the bags on, take a good look at the space in between the area where the top latching mechanism locks in. Imprint that space in your mind so if one day you don't install them correctly they won't go sliding down the road. I haven't done it but have heard of a few that have.

The trick with the install is keep everything loose and tighten/loosen the bolts to help you. I had them all loose and tightened some and loosened some as needed. It all went together as good as the design would allow.

Hey Jason, and appreciate the advice. I took your advice and took some left over tankslapper 3m film and cover the top right front where I could see it would be easy for my 12s to hit the bag.
Again, thanks.