It depends. Most cruiser saddlebags use brackets, but there are “throw-overs” that don’t use brackets. Throw-over saddlebags are more common in the sport bike world, but there are some styles meant for cruisers.
The brackets will give the bags a better appearance but you may be able to do without them. They cost around $75. You may be able to tie your bags to some part of your bike, I like to use tie straps.
It’s common practice to install saddlebag supports to prevent the bags from getting sucked into the wheel well and keep the bags from flopping around scratching up the fender & shocks. http://www.powersportrider.com/CGI-BIN/ZCATJPG?catalog=ST0206C
Pick – Street Catalog
Go to – Index – Saddlebags – Guards & Supports
I used throw-over bags for years with no problem.
But I attached an aluminum plate to the back of each bag, as big as possible. This adds stiffness, and a little weight to keep bags hanging straight, and down. A couple of holes in the bottom edges give me somewhere to tie them off to.
Speak Your Mind
Tell us what you're thinking... and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
Yes, you will need brackets or supports to keep the bags from hitting against your rear wheel.
Here is one site where you may be able to find them for your particular bike: http://www.jpcycles.com/groups.aspx?LID=c4d1e09d-096e-4e48-b3cd-0c60f58e5a7e&DID=deba4a09-b280-4893-8557-d8f9ffde5c33
It depends. Most cruiser saddlebags use brackets, but there are “throw-overs” that don’t use brackets. Throw-over saddlebags are more common in the sport bike world, but there are some styles meant for cruisers.
The brackets will give the bags a better appearance but you may be able to do without them. They cost around $75. You may be able to tie your bags to some part of your bike, I like to use tie straps.
It’s common practice to install saddlebag supports to prevent the bags from getting sucked into the wheel well and keep the bags from flopping around scratching up the fender & shocks.
http://www.powersportrider.com/CGI-BIN/ZCATJPG?catalog=ST0206C
Pick – Street Catalog
Go to – Index – Saddlebags – Guards & Supports
I used throw-over bags for years with no problem.
But I attached an aluminum plate to the back of each bag, as big as possible. This adds stiffness, and a little weight to keep bags hanging straight, and down. A couple of holes in the bottom edges give me somewhere to tie them off to.