As I have owned a 2010, 2011, and 2012 models, I seem to remember that the 2010 model had the best attachment method. The front end of the bar that attaches to the bike had a "loop" in the end that fits over a post and slides backward (the same direction the wind will blow it and other "Newton" forces will act upon it as you are going down the road. That seemed to work very well. For the next 2 years they cut that "loop" in half and now there is only a ''C" that pushes forward. I do not and will never understand why MoCo digressed on this issue. It is all mechanical, this mounting method for our saddlebags, and it is so important to thoroughly understand how the mounting system works. It is not "magic"; it is mechanical. If the locking mechanism doesn't function properly, get it replaced with one that performs that function correctly. People treat their bikes differently at any given time. I don't know anybody who "always" does this or "Never" does that. We are just people and we ride bikes that can be unforgiving if we don't check every one of about 2,000 parts/pieces EVERY time before I ride. I don't take the time to do all those checks every time. I have no doubts there will be plenty of people to point out to me my failures if or when I have an incident. If it makes someone feel better adding zip-ties to their saddlebag mounts, have at it. If you are confident that your equipment performs as designed (AND you check that it is assembled as designed) then ride in confidence. I am not going to resort to zip-ties as long as I am convinced that those 2 locking points at the top of my saddlebags are attached correctly. That is what all that saddlebag is really depending on. Where the 2010 model had a "locking, so to speak" point at the front of the bar, these 2012 and 2011 models only have a slot. If it isn't in the slot, it probably isn't lined up at the top of the bag either. Not the very best design I'll agree. Something else to consider is how much weight do you put in your saddlebag? seems like the limit is 10 lbs. How many people put 50 lbs in there? Another question that will lead to more questions. Pork