Saddlebag Lock

[westave]

I recently had the misfortune of losing a saddlebag from a large bump in the road. so i actually have two questions:

1. I purchased new bags on ebay from a reputable seller who mentioned there would be no key for the bags, however, they did list the key code. where can I get a new key? and/or how do you replace the locks when you can't get into the bag (the seller left the bag locked.)

2. when i do get the into the bags and get them installed, is there a type of locking bolt/screw that i can use in place of the standard bolts that keep falling out as i ride?

Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated.

[westave]

Nevermind. it seems my key works, didn't think to try... however the second question is still in play. thanks

[billmac]

I bought bolts with knobs to replace the standard saddle bag 10mm bolts. Then whenever I get the urge while in the saddle bag, I can just reach over and check the tightness with my hand. I regularly find one or both loose, but never one out. I purchased the bolts on Ebay for around 10 bucks shipped.

[IntheWind]

Originally Posted by billmac

I bought bolts with knobs to replace the standard saddle bag 10mm bolts. Then whenever I get the urge while in the saddle bag, I can just reach over and check the tightness with my hand. I regularly find one or both loose, but never one out. I purchased the bolts on Ebay for around 10 bucks shipped.

Those bolts come loose? Geez! I'd better check mine. Seeing one of my bags bouncing down the road in my rearview mirror? Now that would really suck.
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

[westave]

thanks Bill, I bought the bike used and the bolts have a large knobs as well, I think the threads might be worn though. i shall get new ones.

thanks again.
happy riding.

[cactusjack]

A little dab of blue Loctite should keep them from vibrating loose.

[Jared]

I tighten mine up with a wrench and have never had one loosen up. Guess I've been lucky.

[wolfmil042370]

I made mine by going to the hardware and buying some 10 mm Bolts and the large plastic wing nut used on a lawnmower handle. once made i put on with a lock nut and haven't had them come loose yet.

[macmac]

The cap bolts have 10mm caps but the bolts ate 6mm x I forget how long.

The 1500's have the shorted bolts the 1600's have the longer bolts.

I have never had one of the 2 bolts per bag come loose once, and i use no thread locker.

I had knobs on my 01 too that I installed and they never got loose by them selves either.


Now the key code is interesting...... I assume the key that works is not the same key code.

SO after all these years can a guy with nomad keys open anyone else saddles bags?

[nomadtom69]

next rally I guess everyone can get into everyones saddlebags have to hide the liquor somewhere else

[VulcanE]

When DKdixie still had his Nomad ('08 1600), I tried my key ('05 1600) in all his locks (switch, gas cap, and both saddlebags) and it would not work. On the saddlebag bolts, they are M8 bolts by 75 mm long on the 1600s, and shorter on the 1500s. When I made my quick release bolts for the saddlebags (big knob pressed onto the SHCS) I couldn't find M8x75mm stainless bolts, but I could find M8x80mm stainless bolts so I got them, pressed the knobs on and use them as is in the length. I have the opposite problem with mine, if I let it go too long without checking the tightness, they get too tight, and I have to use a pair of channel locks to get them loose.

[roadhawg]

Just dont scratch them bags!
As it is about impossible to fix a scratch in them without repainting the whole thing!

[talon]

For others interested in another quick way to remove those saddlebag bolts; If you have a welder, just weld a 2" piece of steal rod centered on top of bolt to create a "T" and paint it. Did that after buying mine and have had no issues. Yes, I check them more often since I don't have to grab a wrench.

[billmac]

Originally Posted by talon

For others interested in another quick way to remove those saddlebag bolts; If you have a welder, just weld a 2" piece of steal rod centered on top of bolt to create a "T" and paint it. Did that after buying mine and have had no issues. Yes, I check them more often since I don't have to grab a wrench.

I really enjoy hearing the ideas of of people with similar stuff. I have welders everywhere in my shop but stupid me ordered the small plastic knob bolts on ebay for $10. I am going to find my old bolts and weld a rod or another bolt on top. I am sure that would tighten down better. Thanks for the tip.