Saddlebag support brackets?
 

Hey there,

I'm getting ready for my first long trip on my motorcycle, and I'm new to figuring out luggage for my bike (1985 Honda Nighthawk 450). I've been trying to figure out saddlebag support brackets - there's a lot of information out there, and it's pretty overwhelming for a novice. I'm wondering how versatile these brackets are? Do I need to get some that support my exact bike, or is there some flexibility? I would really appreciate some advice -I don't really have access to a shop or tools, so anything that would minimize any fabrication would be great...

Thanks!

Is there anything purpose made in the Highway Hawk catalogue?

http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-ssHtJhk-L.jpg

1985 Honda Nitehawk 450

Assume your bike looks something like the above?
Given the Low pipe, I think you may do fine with simple and inexpensive throw over soft bags. No racks or brackets needed. If going with hard case panniers then you will need proper heavy racks to mount on. I prefer lightweight and cheap! :thumbup1:

http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-S4xVqqC-L.jpg
The above Tourmaster are OK, but not waterproof
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f...0/P1000224.JPG
Look at Nelson-Rigg bags like these, I sprayed mine with Scotch Guard and have rain covers for downpours. $100 for these Nelson-Rigg bags.

Mollydog, that's my bike exactly! The bike is in what I call "winter bike prison" right now, so my heart nearly jumped out of my throat to see a picture of its twin just now, so thanks for that!

And thanks for the response! I have been thinking the same thing - all of the danger spots I've been warned about for other bikes seem to not make sense for my bike because of the low pipe, but I'm new to this and without access to my bike for another 2 months (deep freeze season in Toronto!) I've been struggling. I've been thinking that throw overs would be my best, simplest solution in this case. Thanks so much, I'm feeling encouraged! :)

...I've never heard of this catalogue. Hmm... To the Google!

I made some very simple support brackets for soft throw over bags on my Honda rebel, out of landscaping stakes. Very easy! And they give added support, even for bags like mine that don't require supports. Search on YouTube.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Here's a link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d9oC2RDR0ms


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk