Backpack Saddlebags

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by Aardvark892, Aug 9, 2007.

  1. Aardvark892

    Aardvark892 New Member

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    Has anyone here ever tried making a set of soft saddle bags out of backpacks? Soft bags are so expensive... I've got a backpack that matches my bike, and I can get another one just like it. How reasonable would it be to remove/reinstall the straps so that they work to hold the two bags on either side of the seat, mounted horizontally? Any stoppers I've not considered? BTW, I've got an 05 Interceptor.

    Thanks!
     
  2. VsVFR

    VsVFR New Member

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    It would probably need to be a pretty rigid backpack for this to work. But I'm betting with the right resources, a little money and some good engineering you could make it work. However, you've got to consider heat resistance, keeping the bags out away from the undertail area and a few other things, so it may be worth a little more money to buy bags online.

    You can find soft saddlebags online for around $69 at Newenough.com plus $8 for shipping, and sometimes they have really good deals for less than that. They had a set of Nelson Riggs Standard saddlebags for $50-55 late last year that I should have bought. Good luck either way that you go!
     
  3. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    Now this is an original thread. I have thought of a lot of things to do to save money on bags, but this one I missed. I was thinking like stiff suitcases or something but they'd sure be butt-fugly...
     
  4. masonv45

    masonv45 New Member

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  5. Spike

    Spike New Member

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    Bungee cord a milkcrate to your passenger seat! if you want to go cheap!

    I would recommend against making your own. Several big bike luggage companies have stopped making them at all, because of constant problems.
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2007
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