Breeze3at
Experienced Member
There are a few articles on the web and You Tube telling/showing how the saddlebags on a touring bike can be detached in less than 10 seconds with only a screwdriver. Here's a CHEAP trick to thwart the casual thief. Get a 5/16"-18
U- nut, bolt and lock washer from almost any hardware or home center. Remove the stock spring clip, and substitute the U-nut, NO TOOL REQUIRED. Then use the big flat washer that was on the spring pin, with a lock washer and a 5/16" x 1 1/4" (not critical length) bolt to attach the bag. Don't tighten too tight and crush the rubber washer. I use blue locktite and only go finger tight. When the locktite drys, it won't allow vibration to loosen the bolt. I only used one per side, on the front of the bag, which is the easiest one for a thief to pry off. Total cost, less than $1.50 per side.
Remember, professional thieves will get what they want, this if for the amateur opportunist type low life.
U- nut, bolt and lock washer from almost any hardware or home center. Remove the stock spring clip, and substitute the U-nut, NO TOOL REQUIRED. Then use the big flat washer that was on the spring pin, with a lock washer and a 5/16" x 1 1/4" (not critical length) bolt to attach the bag. Don't tighten too tight and crush the rubber washer. I use blue locktite and only go finger tight. When the locktite drys, it won't allow vibration to loosen the bolt. I only used one per side, on the front of the bag, which is the easiest one for a thief to pry off. Total cost, less than $1.50 per side.
Remember, professional thieves will get what they want, this if for the amateur opportunist type low life.
