Topic: FLSTSE3 Saddlebag falling off (Read 13461 times)

mdraper · « **on:** October 26, 2014, 06:08:50 PM »

As it was the first time I actually used the saddlebags on my FLSTSE3, I took special care to ensure the bags were installed correctly and the locking pin was actually locked in correctly. Then went on a 860km (500mile) ride. Some where in the last 60km (35miles) the left hand bags fell off.

Very disappointed with Harley Davidson Australia as they would not replace the bag as a good well claim. They stated that HD had do rigours testing on the mounting system and if the bag is installed correctly it will never come off. Interesting that if I grab the bag and shake it for 5 seconds, the locking pin move back and would eventually it would come unlock and the bag would fall off.

Poor design Harley Davidson and very disappointing that you would not do the right my me and replace the bag. The bag cost $1855 in Australia !!!

Mandrew13 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2014, 06:25:00 PM »

That stinks. You're certainly not the first owner to experience this. Pick up some zip ties when you replace your bag to help prevent this from happening again.

2 ROSE · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2014, 07:23:26 AM »

Yeah I had the right one fall off the very first time I used them. Ever since I have taken extra precaution to make sure they are properly installed. I do not and refuse to use plastic ties on my 30K Harley. I haven't had a problem since then...so in my case I admit it was my error. And in my personal opinion I do believe that if installed properly they will stay on...it is just very damn difficult to do so and know that they are on properly. You would think that for 30K the MoCo could have come up with a better more user friendly locking mechanism...maybe something like what the new Road Glides have would have been better.

Ozoneman · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2014, 11:17:59 AM »

Quote from: 2 ROSE on October 27, 2014, 07:23:26 AM

Yeah I had the right one fall off the very first time I used them. Ever since I have taken extra precaution to make sure they are properly installed. I do not and refuse to use plastic ties on my 30K Harley. I haven't had a problem since then...so in my case I admit it was my error. And in my personal opinion I do believe that if installed properly they will stay on...it is just very damn difficult to do so and know that they are on properly. You would think that for 30K the MoCo could have come up with a better more user friendly locking mechanism...maybe something like what the new Road Glides have would have been better.

Yes I agree that you have to be careful and make sure they are properly installed. The only time my wife had problems was after having the bike serviced. After servicing the bike they wash and clean them. Two times the bike cleaning guy didn't put them back on right after removing them to clean the bike. The first time we didn't catch it and one bag fell off the same day we picked up the bike. The dealer replaced that bag. The second time I checked it before we left the dealer and found it not installed right. I regularly check it now. It is so important to get all three contact points lined up right before locking it in place. BTW my wife has 40K miles on her bike so there has been many opportunities for the bags to fall off, so I really think that installing them correctly is the key.

mdraper · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2014, 06:10:07 PM »

As it was the first time I had used the bags, I took special care to make sure all three contact points lined up right and that the locking pin was engaged through the mount brackets.

I have checked the system and it appears to be secure, however after losing a bag, I now have no faith in the mounting/locking system and will use a cable tie as added security.

Ozoneman · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2014, 11:26:43 AM »

Just one more point to add:
One time I didn't have one of the slots on the correct post location. Since we usually don't have the passenger backrest on the bike, it is possible to place the slot of the bag's bracket on the part of the post for the backrest's location. The locking pin locked too. I didn't realize it and thought the bag was on good. Fortunately I caught it before it fell off.

2 ROSE · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2014, 08:22:03 PM »

Ozoneman that is very interesting. Thus far everytime that I have used the bags I have also had the passenger seat and backrest/sissy bar on. If ever I intend to ride with the bags only I must keep that in mind. Thanks for the heads up.

lunker · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2014, 02:44:47 PM »

My wife lost her left side bag this past weekend on I70. From the time we realized it was gone until I found it along side of the highway (15 min tops), some dirtbag had stopped and cleaned it out, including her purse w/credit cards, drivers license, gloves, glasses, etc. They did leave the key fob laying on top of the bag which was good as she had turned her bike off when we stopped. So if anyone has a left side bag (brown) available let me know!

2 ROSE · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2014, 09:20:25 PM »

Hey Lunker,
I am sorry to hear that...that really sucks!!! And then to have some jagoff (thats Pittsburgh talk for dirtbag) break in and steal your stuff. That double sucks!!! I was on my way to Erie, PA bike week traveling north on I79 two years ago when I felt an ever so slight change in the feel of Rose...thats my 2012 cvo convertible. I look in my mirror and theres my right side saddlebag bouncing and spinning in circles in the middle of the interstate. Thank God no one was riding behind me...they could have been killed. Luckily you were leading and not behind the Mrs. when the bag fell off, otherwise who knows what would of happened...it could have been a lot worse. The one good thing in my case is that I had the bags locked and it never popped open...and I mean to say it was bouncing, jumping and dancing on that pavement pretty good traveling around 70mph.
I apologize for discussing things they we both have already learned the hard way, but for those who may own a convertible and would like to avoid the experience we have shared, keep in mind the following:
Visually make sure the there (3) contact points of the saddle bags are properly attached and secured.
Visuslly make sure the small metal post on each bag extends into and through the bracket on the back of the saddle bag and visually confirm the lock was secure beneath the two upper contact points.
Make sure the knob is fully engaged in the locked position.
When you are sure of the above three steps grab the bottom of the bag with both hands and shake the damn thing as hard as you can then repeat the first three steps.
Then grab the bracket that attaches to the lower frame with both hands and shake that damn thing as hard as you can and then again repeat the first three steps again.
Then if you feel like your still not sure it will stay on feel free to install a tie strap to it.
I refuse to do so.
What else we have learned is always lock your bags...especially when traveling interstates.
Never leave your keys/fob in your bags.
And above all...never ride behind a H-D CVO Convertible.
Good luck with your future convertible experiences.
Stay Safe!!!

2 ROSE · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2014, 09:40:37 PM »

Heaven forbid, but someday someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed because of dancing cvo convertible saddlebags. If the MoCo had any sense they would do a recall to fix the problem before someone does get killed. However, knowing the MoCo like we do the fix would probably be nothing more than another warning lable like they slap all over your new bike when you first pick it up. It would probably read something like the following:
"CAUTION-STAY BACK 500 FEET
MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OUR DEATH"

To all of you CVO Convertible riders...STAY SAFE!!!

paconico1992 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2014, 08:13:11 PM »

Or just put hard bags on

Willie D · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2014, 09:35:08 PM »

I have a 2012 Satin Pewter with 26,555 on the ODO. Had the bags on and off many times for cleaning and have yet to have a "Drop Off" IMHO - if the bag is propourly installed and ALL three point are alligned and the the lock "SNAPS" into place - the bag will NOT come off.

Good luck to ALL new owners.

WD

JQCVO · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2014, 10:40:26 PM »

I tend to agree with Willie D. I have a 2011 with 12k miles and have had the bags on and off many times with no issues. The key is to insure it is properly mounted on all three points.

2 ROSE · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2014, 11:44:37 PM »

I also agree with both of you. I do however believe a more user friendly locking mechanism could have been used. The bag falling off did happen to me once...it has not and will not happen to me again.

Ripcord · « **Reply #14 on:** December 15, 2014, 07:40:12 AM »

I had a brand new, painted-to-match King TourPak fall off the back of my RK coming back from the dealer! Heard a crash, saw my wife swerve (driving the car behind me) and saw my Tourpak lying in pieces on the road. HD investigated and ended up firing the install tech and I got a new Tourpak. I always triple check install on the tourPak and the saddlebags.

grc · « **Reply #15 on:** December 15, 2014, 08:58:22 AM »

The mounting method Harley chose isn't terribly robust, and there is obviously some variability as well. Some folks have had issues, some have not. The folks who haven't had issues tend to disbelieve those who have, claiming if the bags are installed correctly they won't fall off. The folks who have had bags fall off, some more than once, proclaim they did indeed make certain the bags were properly mounted and double checked them after the first mishap. What all of this tells me is that the mounting system design and execution are very poor. This stuff should be foolproof, and not dependent on someone being ultra-diligent when installing the bags. I won't even go into how many people with these things have resorted to zip ties to insure the bags stay attached to the bike.

Jerry

JQCVO · « **Reply #16 on:** December 15, 2014, 08:09:00 PM »

Does anyone have pictures of how you've used ties to insure the bags don't come off?

I've been fortunate to not have it happen (unlike some of you), but now you've got me thinking that you can't be too safe.

grc · « **Reply #17 on:** December 15, 2014, 09:31:06 PM »

Here's a link to one thread that talks about the zip ties.

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=68930.msg1043645#msg1043645

Jerry

JQCVO · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2014, 10:20:14 PM »

Jerry,
Thanks for sending me the link. I just read it. Clearly has been a big issue.
Zip ties here I come.....can't be too careful. Never say never.
JQ

2 ROSE · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2015, 02:00:42 AM »

Hey out there,
I just thought of something. I have a right side saddlebag that fell off and has the leather torn up. Does anyone have a left one that is beat up from falling off. Maybe they can be redone together some how with a matching finish.

lunker · « **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2015, 12:34:42 PM »

I have a left bag that hit the pavement. Insurance paid for a new one but it does not even come close to matching the undamaged right side bag in color (much darker of course). I looked into dying the leather but was told that it would not work. So, I am trying to get the insurance company to pay for a new right one as well - but was denied initially. My options will then be to either buy a new right to match the new left or find a used undamaged left and send the new one back. Maybe set the new one in the sun and fade it out? What a PITA....

2 ROSE · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2015, 02:18:04 PM »

Hey Lunker,
One day when I get some free time I will go to a leather place around here to see what it would cost to have both your and my pavement beatened saddlebags releathered together so that they match. To see if it would be cost effective to do so. I will let you know what it will cost. Or maybe even painted although I do not know what type of finish is beneath the leather.

FADBOY · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2015, 08:30:00 AM »

They are not leather they are plastic leather look a alike

lunker · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2015, 09:45:47 AM »

The saddlebags are indeed plastic but are covered in leather. After one fell off my wife's 2012 (brown distressed leather covered bags) the new replacement bag was much darker as the other leather had faded. I had very good success using Fiebings leather dye to darken the other bag, seat and pillion. Followed up with a couple of treatments of Lexol leather care and they look as good as new and all match. From now on we will make sure that the mounting is correct, lock is in the correct position and use zip-ties for added insurance - once is enough!

Chains · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2015, 10:29:15 AM »

I have to agree, if you are selling to the masses then the system for mounting must be foolproof. Shame on MOCO again. I do know if GM had hardtops or t-tops flying off there would be a federal investigation.

Found 4 on eBay, all used in different stages of damage.

Good luck to those that have them fall off.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=harley+cvo+convertible+saddle+bag&_from=R40%7CR40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xharley+cvo+convertible+saddle+bag+oem.TRS1&_nkw=harley+cvo+convertible+saddle+bag+oem&_sacat=0

FADBOY · « **Reply #25 on:** February 23, 2015, 11:36:49 AM »

The black ones are definitely man made leather, as mine fell off and got scuffed and ripped.

Old Spice · « **Reply #26 on:** August 11, 2015, 11:01:49 AM »

I know that this is a dead horse but I'm whipping it anyway. Have to add my two cents. Shortly after purchasing my '12 Convert. I removed the bags to clean the rear rim. I was careful when I put them back on to make sure I heard the "click". Then off I went to dry the bike off. Cranked it up on the back roads and as I hit a big bump I heard a horrible noise. Yes, it was my right saddlebag! Found it in the ditch and was able to get it back on the bike and it has some definite road rash. I was so angry....my "new" bike already had ugly places on it. Since I am a woman rider I sure do not want people thinking that I had laid my beautiful bike down. I was ready to go toe to toe with HD. My brother came over the next day and I was showing him the damage and also illustrating to him how I had been careful to listen for the "click". We both heard the click and I went to show him where the pin engaged into the mounts....Oh no!....Not engaged!!! I jiggled the bag a little and "click" it fully engaged. A very humbling moment. That was about 1 1/2 years ago and I have had the bags off several times with no issues. I am crazy diligent now about looking to check that the pin is fully engaged. If I have an oil change and the dealership washed my bike I check even if they say they did not remove them. No more problems....well I still make sure that everyone knows that the bag fell off the bike and that I didn't lay the bike down.

Lever · « **Reply #27 on:** August 11, 2015, 07:18:31 PM »

just testing the waters here .... I would sell my oem 2010 bags since I did the custom hard bag change over if any body is in need of them ?

porkypig · « **Reply #28 on:** August 19, 2015, 10:40:01 AM »

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

Old Spice · « **Reply #29 on:** August 23, 2015, 02:09:09 PM »

Porky, I am with you about the zip ties. I am not a fanatic about checking the saddle bags. I only check them if I have had them off or if I suspect someone else might have (mechanic). Only then am I very sure that all is good. It was a horrible feeling finding my saddle bag in a ditch with big scuffs on it but hey the bag still functions and I am more careful now. It's all good! As far as how many lbs. I typically put in them...HA! I am a woman...I put as much as I can cram into them! Honestly, normally I have leathers, my tuner, a quart of oil, and a few bungees in one and a small tool pouch, rain gear, a long sleeve shirt, and a brush in the other. That leaves quite a bit of room for things I might pick up along the way and I am ready for most things that might come up. I have not weighed all that but I would say that unless you try to fit your tool box into these, it would be hard to overweight them. They just aren't that big. Guys this isn't a challenge though...I know someone out there can find a way to prove me wrong!

Mach · « **Reply #30 on:** October 06, 2015, 02:21:46 PM »

has more to do with design flaws that caused saddlebags to fall off

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/harley-davidson-suffering-major-recalls-153052038.html

Enjoy!

Author Topic: FLSTSE3 Saddlebag falling off (Read 13461 times)