Occasionally, I'd like to use my Willie & Max throw over bags on my Night Rod. I have no desire to install permanent HD bags especially considering the cost. I like the lines of the bike without bags. Therefore....I decided to fabricate brackets to hold the bags off and away from my fender and wheel areas. After several hours using two 36" lengths of 1/4" steel rods and some tygon tubing, I fabricated a set of bag supports that go on and come off in seconds. Nothing to drill, unbolt or uninstall.

As the brackets do not support the weight and are only intended to hold them at a proper distance to keep them upright and away from the wheel, the 1/4 steel rod is more than adequate.

Up front, They hook over the shock mount with tygon tubing over the rod to where it doesnt scratch anything. Tubing was also used on the end that goes over the rear signal lights.

At the rear, they fit tightly over the turn signal. Note the rear of the rod/bracket extends down a few inches beside the license plate which provides a handle for releasing the tension holding the brackets tightly in place.

Bending was accomplish using a simple propane torch and a small vice. These fabricated brackets will be painted black to match the bike. Easy On....Easy Off....total cost...$6.28 and some spare time.

Anyway...thought some of you might like to see an alternative to HD bags.

I have several pics....



Weatherman

interesting idea dude, i like it. i don't want permanent saddle bags either..even the removable ones cuz they leave an ugly footprint. how much were the bags? do they work okay with two up?

cheers.

Two up is fine with this set up. I had my wife on with me today and they did not interfer at all. The bags I'm using are Willie & Max Compact Slant Saddlebags. They are somewhat small but necessary to avoid the heat from the Night Rod mufflers. They are $131.99 from DennisKirk.com

I failed to mention earlier that once the bags are over the rear of the passenger seat, they are secured to the fabricated bar with 12" reusable cable ties. This setup is very sturdy.

Weatherman

So was your purpose to mercilessly tease us or what!!!! You should sell these, I would think that you would get a ton of business (myself included)

So was your purpose to mercilessly tease us or what!!!! You should sell these, I would think that you would get a ton of business (myself included)

kinda what i was thinking. :stupid:

neat solution!

OK Spinedoc...I'll look into making these available. The design is simple yet the bending of the rods to get them just right is a bit trickey. I'll approach some metal fabrication shops in my area this week.

These brackets are a simple solution. They go on in seconds and come off the bike with nothing left behind leaving that clean night rod look that I like.

I'll also check with a friend's street rod to see if they will fit it too. If not, I'm sure a few minor adjustment will allow these brackets to fit any v-rod.

I'll repost when I have new info.

Weatherman

I posted a few months ago asking anyone if they did or could do throw overs. To my surprise not one response. I have a really nice set of small slant throw overs also. Wanted to find a way to get them on my Nightrod! After lots of research and phone calls I found a solution! Dennis Kirk has Saddlebag Guards from a company called MC Enterprises ( part # 50-5193) and they cost $120.99. The shipping was free. I spoke with the company first before I ordered and they stated if they do not work just return them! Mc enterprises also e-mailed me detailed directions and actual photos to preview prior to the order. The guards work great on the Nightrod! Not one problem. Took only 20 /30 mins to install. Only thing is that I had to alter/cut the bags layover piece in the middle to allow the Nightrod's seat to match up with its rear catch/ mount.

I realize you may want to fab and try to sell your creation. I do not mean the above post to steal away from your creation. Just want to share my findings. If your alternative was to be cheaper you would have something.

Hey MJM....Didn't rain on my parade...I wish I had known about the brackets you found before I made mine. I would have ordered them and saved the trouble. Unfortunately, not knowing of those you found, I felt my only option was to fabricate my own.

They work fine, cost very little, and go on and off is seconds with not unsightly brackets left in place. My objective was to not have a permanent bagger. Problem solved. Your finding brackets did provide another readily available option for fellow Night Rodders. I'm sure your infor will help.

Doubt there would ever be enough interest to do these brackets as a sales venture anyway, but I still plan on checking to see if I can find someone to build a jig to make the rod bending easier.

Later,
Weatherman

I recently purchased and installed the Harley nylon bags for my Nightrod. Unless I am just unlucky, don't bother. With the D's lower ride height the mounts protrude too far into the wheel well. Works OK with out a passenger on a very smooth road. But add some weight or some bumps and the rubber from your sidewall flies (this is with a factory 180 much less the 200 in my future). Cannot find a way to eliminate tire contact with the mounting bolts. Going to return the bags and would love to buy or make the throwover support bracket (preferably buy).
Unless you want to lift your Nightrod I wouldn't bother with the factory bags.

P.S. So far not particularly impressed with any of the fit of factory accessories that I have tried (mid sport shield also). Design seemed kind of rushed.

Let me know if you decide to sell your brackets.

Sean

Weatherman . Thanks. Also let us know if you do find a way to produce these rather easy. I would still be interested with a way to quick remove and have the option of not having a permenant bagger also.
Have you had any negatives so far( rubbing scrapes, etc)?
Do keep us up to date on any type of production efforts.
Ride On!
:biker:

Appreciate hearing of the problem with the HD nylon bags as they were my initial consideration before fabricating the brackets for the throw overs.

No problems yet. Note in my initial pics that the throw overs are high enough above the Night Rod's mufflers to eliminate heat problems. the throw over bags are laced up to where the top of the bags ride almost even with the top of the seat. This was no problem for the wife riding behing. Also, when designing them, I built a sort of bow outward to hold the bags well clear of the fender and wheel areas. This too is visible in the first photo.

I've had no adverse effects from the bags using these rods. All the weight is pulling down on the bags over the seat with no pressure on the bracket rod.

I'll post more info when available.

I posted a few months ago asking anyone if they did or could do throw overs. To my surprise not one response. I have a really nice set of small slant throw overs also. Wanted to find a way to get them on my Nightrod! After lots of research and phone calls I found a solution! Dennis Kirk has Saddlebag Guards from a company called MC Enterprises ( part # 50-5193) and they cost $120.99. The shipping was free. I spoke with the company first before I ordered and they stated if they do not work just return them! Mc enterprises also e-mailed me detailed directions and actual photos to preview prior to the order. The guards work great on the Nightrod! Not one problem. Took only 20 /30 mins to install. Only thing is that I had to alter/cut the bags layover piece in the middle to allow the Nightrod's seat to match up with its rear catch/ mount.

i think the main appeal of weatherman's fab is that the 'brackets' pop right off with the bags..no footprint. that is my biggest concern. with the ones you purchased, how easily do the brackets come off? or are they meant to stay on?

cheers.

It may seem difficult to visualize, but the bracket rods are quite tight when installed over the shock and the turn signal. They do not slip into place. There is significant tension applied by the bend of the rod. Once hooked over the shock, the rod is brought down on top of the signal. It does not simply snap into place. One must apply a significant pull to the handle portion beside the license plate to allow the rod to slip over the turnsignal. Once done and the rod is in place, you release and find rod is rather tight. You can grab it, shake it, apply up or down pressure on it and it will not move. One must again use the handle portion to apply a bending pressure to the rod to slide it over the back of the the turn signal to remove it. Once removed, there are no indications whatsoever that bags were ever installed.

Weatherman

Awesome. I'm bummed though, I reread the original thread and did not realize you use the turn signals for the rear mount. I threw away my rear turn signals and dogs ass a long time ago, sigh.

If you think up something for me I will gladly pay!!!

Rick

OK Spinedoc...I'll look into making these available. The design is simple yet the bending of the rods to get them just right is a bit trickey. I'll approach some metal fabrication shops in my area this week.

These brackets are a simple solution. They go on in seconds and come off the bike with nothing left behind leaving that clean night rod look that I like.

I'll also check with a friend's street rod to see if they will fit it too. If not, I'm sure a few minor adjustment will allow these brackets to fit any v-rod.

I'll repost when I have new info.

Weatherman

I posted a few months ago asking anyone if they did or could do throw overs. To my surprise not one response. I have a really nice set of small slant throw overs also. Wanted to find a way to get them on my Nightrod! After lots of research and phone calls I found a solution! Dennis Kirk has Saddlebag Guards from a company called MC Enterprises ( part # 50-5193) and they cost $120.99. The shipping was free. I spoke with the company first before I ordered and they stated if they do not work just return them! Mc enterprises also e-mailed me detailed directions and actual photos to preview prior to the order. The guards work great on the Nightrod! Not one problem. Took only 20 /30 mins to install. Only thing is that I had to alter/cut the bags layover piece in the middle to allow the Nightrod's seat to match up with its rear catch/ mount.

Post some pics, maybe in a new thread so as to not hijack. Are the mounts removeable?

With the H-D brackets there is a significant "footprint" actually looked better with the bags left on.
Sean

Salieri the gaurds I got are more fixed. You have to take the rear seat, alarm and then fender cover off to install or remove. Once you have done this a few times it should only take 20 to 30 mins. That is why I am also interested in Weatherman's fab also! I have left the small slant bags on for now amd are happy with the capability of carring some stuff. I think they look fine on there.

Here's a photo of my fabricated saddlebag rods off the bike for those interested. They go and come off in seconds.

Weatherman

weatherman I would gladly buy a set with you once you have it down pact.

i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

This really sounds like a great fix. I am trying to decide which saddlebag option to go with, and was disappointed to hear of the rubbing issue with the stock setup on a D.

The one question that keeps popping up in my head when I look at Weatherman's setup, is whether or not the plastic turn signal can hold up to the "significant tension" that is applied to them.

It would seem that setting up a jig would make reproduction of this really easy. I hope your search for a machine shop is successful. I would definitely be interested.

Russ

These look like they will work. If nothing else the spreader bumper concept looks doable. It beats have hardware hanging off the bike.

http://www.bossbags.com/vrod.html

I emailed bossbags and they told me that they do not have anything for the DX.
FYI.

WXMan, I have been looking for some brackets, I am definitely in if you decide to market these. Please do!!!!

I emailed bossbags and they told me that they do not have anything for the DX.
FYI.
figures they don't make anything for the DX. the spreader bumper give me some ideas though. i'll share what i figure out. it'll be after i get my new seat and sissy bar. that's the glory of a black bike, and bolt on accutraments, you can modify, weld, and then powder coat as needed.

Nice idea, Weatherman!

I'm with you, I don't like the look of ANY saddlebags on a V-Rod, so I couldn't see ponying up the dough for the HD ones, when I'd be yanking them off as soon as I got to my destination. Good to see that a little ingenuity makes the universal fit bags workable.

I have a big bender, but I'm guessing something as manueverable as a brake line / fuel line manual bender would be adequate for something that thin?

Thanks for posting - always good to see another fabricator's ideas.....

- Jerry

Fabricators help please...

I'm looking to build two jigs for bending the 1/4 steel rods. One for the right rod and one for the left. I'm told it's doable, however, I'm told that I need a blueprint or tech drawing to assure exact dimensions. I'm lost here and don't know where to go to get such a blueprint/drawing. I need some advise on how to get these brackets built.

Ideas appreciated

Weatherman

Bump.

Hey WEATHERMAN, did you ever get any closer to building a jig? If not, could you post a couple of more pics, if possible. I would also like to see a closer shot of the bags on the bike. This is a great idea.

Russ




Fabricators help please...

I'm looking to build two jigs for bending the 1/4 steel rods. One for the right rod and one for the left. I'm told it's doable, however, I'm told that I need a blueprint or tech drawing to assure exact dimensions. I'm lost here and don't know where to go to get such a blueprint/drawing. I need some advise on how to get these brackets built.

Ideas appreciated

Weatherman

The previously posted pics are the best I could get. I had a jig built but am not content with it. Am now looking for a shop to produce them for me. I'm thinking about powder coat them in black and hope to have them in stainless.

I'll post my progress....

WX man, great news, I am still interested. I would be the first in line for the black powder coated brackets.

WX-man

Let us know when you have some for sale. Could sure use some carrying capacity on trips.

Do you put the bags on over the seat or under and what keeps the bags from floating while doing 75 mph? Or better. I have through over bags too which I'ld like to use, but have no way of keeping them from fling up.

Hey Ed,
As posted earlier,
...the bags are over the rear of the passenger seat, they are secured to the fabricated bar with 12" reusable cable ties. This setup is very sturdy.

I think I may have a shop to manufacture them....I keep ya posted.

Thanks, sorry for not seeing the earlier post. Thanks for letting me know.

Hey Ed,
As posted earlier,
...the bags are over the rear of the passenger seat, they are secured to the fabricated bar with 12" reusable cable ties. This setup is very sturdy.

I think I may have a shop to manufacture them....I keep ya posted.

Weatherman,

Any update or progress. Nice weather is right around the corner and I'm going to need bags in order to make some trips.

I'm willing to pay you for a set just PM me with cost, shipping (El Paso, Texas), and throw in cost of a 6 pack of your favorite beverage.

Weatherman
Put Me On The List For A Set Of Those Brackets. Great Concept!

Great Idea!

I'm in for a set as well if you've been able to find someone to produce these.

Thanks
Pete

Im:moped: :dance: a pair,Saddleman.Great Idea.Tell me when.. Kicker

Count me in also. Would like to use the heck out of them this year.

Hey Weatherman,

Any more word on the brackets. I'm keeping my taillights just so I can use your brackets.

Thanks Sean

Weatherman hasn't been on for a couple of months. Might have to look towards a different route.

Weatherman has survived the winter and is now ready to readdress these throw-over saddlebag brackets.

FYI..I have finally settled on a jig that lends itself well to these brackets. I have also decided to provide them unfinished and ready to paint or powder coat. This will keep the cost down.

My primary concern is that they have been designed on my 06 Night Rod. I dont know if they fit other models. The distance between the shock mount and the factory turn signal light might be different for different models. To answer that question, post the length from the center of the shock bolt to the rear signal where the signal lens meets to turn signal housing for other models. This is not the length of the brackets but will provide a reference of this distance for different models.

Thanks for your feedback.

W

My primary concern is that they have been designed on my 06 Night Rod. I dont know if they fit other models. The distance between the shock mount and the factory turn signal light might be different for different models. To answer that question, post the length from the center of the shock bolt to the rear signal where the signal lens meets to turn signal housing for other models. This is not the length of the brackets but will provide a reference of this distance for different models.

Thanks for your feedback.

Weatherman,
The measurement on my 07 DX is 21&7/8th". I am really interested in a set of these brackets. If you need any other measurements or a "test fit" I will be glad to help out.

I have 20 11/16" on my 05 B... from center of shock bolt to signal lens... but I'm not completely certain that this was the measurement you were intending.

I have an 06 D so what ever you have works for me.

I am replacing my DA with one from an 07. Once that is installed I will measure the distance. Do you have a price in mind?

Thanks, Sean

OK...I found 1/4" rod in stainless steel for the brackets, unfortunately, stainless doesn't work well with the jigs and torch I have. After working with the stainess rods all day, it seems to takes more heat that my propane torch puts out to facilitate easy bending of the stainess. Seems to work fine with the standard stock from local hardware stores, but stainess seems a better way to go.

I'll post progress on these stainess brackets soon.

Actually for me stainless is overkill. I would probably coat the brackets with Plasti-Dip or another flexible rubberized coating in black anyway.

Sean

Well...many hours of frustration has convinced me too that stainless is not only overkill for the intended purpose of these throw-over bracket, but also that stainless is much too difficult to work with.

Back to stock 1/4 steel stock from the hardware. I'll try it tomorrow.

I'll post my progress Friday evening.

Hello Weatherman,

When are you going to bring some warm weather to the Central Plains so the riding season can start?

Sorry, with your name I couldn't help myself.

On a serious note, I too have a 2006 Night Rod and would be perfectly happy to be able to buy duplicates of the set that you first fabricated for your Night Rod.

Please put me down for a pair if you are able to work out the details.

Regards,

CBrider

Hey MJM....Didn't rain on my parade...I wish I had known about the brackets you found before I made mine. I would have ordered them and saved the trouble. Unfortunately, not knowing of those you found, I felt my only option was to fabricate my own.

They work fine, cost very little, and go on and off is seconds with not unsightly brackets left in place. My objective was to not have a permanent bagger. Problem solved. Your finding brackets did provide another readily available option for fellow Night Rodders. I'm sure your infor will help.

Doubt there would ever be enough interest to do these brackets as a sales venture anyway, but I still plan on checking to see if I can find someone to build a jig to make the rod bending easier.

Later,
Weatherman


Add me to the list of those interested. I would also buy a set if you manage a way to market them or make an additional set in your spare time...material cost plus a little extra for your time of course.:notworth:

After many, many hours and days of work, I have determined that my production of these brackets is beyond my capability with the limited tools and resources I have available to me. I was unable to find a shop to manufacture them without a huge order. I can see their point..

Tolerances for length was very difficult to maintain when bending by hand. Logically, a machine set up for the bending is the answer; unfortunatley, not in line with producing throw over saddlebag brackets cheaply.

Unfortunately, this project consumed too many hours that should have been on the Night Rod or with the family. I also ended up putting several unsightly scratches on the bike when trying to adjust the fit after bending.

Considering the problems encountered, I have abandoned my plans of makeing these brackets.
Sorry guys....I tried...

Considering the problems encountered, I have abandoned my plans of makeing these brackets.
Sorry guys....I tried...

Hey Weatherman -

Appreciate all the effort - It was a worthy attempt.

Thanks!

Pete

Weatherman,
Thanks for trying.... I still like the idea and may try to make a set from your pics if you don't mind. Enjoy the bike and most importantly enjoy the family.

yup. cheers for the effort brother. :thumb:

Add my thanks for at least offering up the idea. Keep us in mind if anything changes in your ability to get these produced.

I love the Boss Bags removable. They cost a bit however you can remove them completly with no evidence of a bag. The also hold alot and are great quality. If you sell your bike you can sell the bags on eBay for a great return.
I also sell them at a lower price then anywhere else.

I appreciate the supportive comments guys...

Anyone wishing to use my idea as a guide is welcome to build your own. Use my pictures, stock 1/4 stock rod, a propane torch, and a vise combined with patience and your bike as a guide and your're in business.

If I can be of any help, just let me know.

Just wondering if any of you guys have made any brackets for your own bikes including an R. I,ve just bought a set of Oxford Lifetime Throwovers and need a solution to the paint scratching.

Cheers

Bryan Graham

weatherman,,great job.. i am interested in a set of brackets also.. please keep in touch on this... thanks,, jt