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[SIX38]

We had just crossed into Tennessee on our yearly road trip when I noticed the right saddlebag on Jay's new 2010 SEUC ( about 600 miles new) shaking back and forth. We all pulled over and as I suspected, the 1/4-20 bolt that secures the saddlebag bracket and the passenger grab strap was GONE! No surprise, the same thing happened on my 2009 SEUC. This is the result of a poor design, IE; the grab strap is at the end of a bracket that is 2 5/8" center to center of the bolt and the strap fastener, providing a lever. Any upward motion of the strap (Jay had fastened the bottom of his T-Bag on the passenger seat to the strap) will twist that little 1/4-20 bolt counterclockwise, causing it to loosen and soon fall out. Two possible outcomes:
     Saddlebag falls off, sucks for you, deadly to your buddy riding in staggered position to your right rear and rides over it!
     Bolt falls out while making a tight right turn. Your honey who is holding on to the passenger strap for dear life, get thrown off the bike, into oncoming traffic!
I am not convinced that loctite and the reccomended 12 lbs of torque is the solution. This need a better design. Your valued opinions?

Tom P.   

[NVTHIS]

Thanks, I have a 2010 SEUC coming next month so I will have my dealer check it out. Thanks for posting this issue.

[Eqcons]

One of the first things I do with every new bike is remove the butt ugly grab strap and its bracketry. A pain when removing the seat, and never used (or required) anyway....

Jim

[Sean M Cary]

One of the first things I do with every new bike is remove the butt ugly grab strap and its bracketry. A pain when removing the seat, and never used (or required) anyway....

Jim

took mine off as well...made getting to the battery a PIA

[DICKW]

Before I leave for any trip (extended) I always check as many nuts and bolts to ensure they are not loose.

Something I have done for some time now and will continue to do, if there is one that continues to be a PIA I use Lock Tite.

Just saying..... Pre - operational checks takes about 45 minutes and saves a ton of time while trying to enjoy a vacation.  

[MOBlue]

I had 50 miles on my new SESG and lost the bolt on the right side. I was taking the bag off to clean the bike and the bracket fell off

[timo482]

the grab strap is one of those legal requirements...........

ive never had anybody ever use one on any bike i have had

but my wife did like the grab bars at the side of the seat on the 2000... solid and convenient.

to

[iski]

One of the first things I do with every new bike is remove the butt ugly grab strap and its bracketry. A pain when removing the seat, and never used (or required) anyway....

Jim

Agreed.  No useful purpose here either.

[Diamondback]

 

No use at all for the strap. 

Gone from my bike and I had the same problem from th factory, the bolt and nut came apart.

 

[NVTHIS]

I get the point, off it comes.  Thanks, sounds like good sound advise.

[SteveFLHTK]

Another for get rid of it.  I pulled both those brackets and the strap off the day I got the bike.

[smkymtnboy]

  on my flhtcuse3 i lost the same bolt also at very low mileage!

[joeymaq]

I will certainly be checking mine for security more often!  Thanks for posting that info.

[Trapperdog]

Agreed.  No useful purpose here either.

However...when your buddies bike breaks down and you have to give him a ride and you have no passenger backrest/tour pack, he won't have to put his arms around you.  Don't ask how I know this  Got a solo saddle right after

[Diamondback]