Saddle bag tethers

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

I know that the NorCal Voyagers sold what may have been these at the rally, but for those that may need them before or after the rally I have found these. They are called Lid Keepers and are available from http://www.RudysProducts.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Rudy's also makes Fender Keepers which are good for Honda GL1500 riders who would like to keep the little fender part that snaps on just behind the fork tubes. They also have a few other items that may be of interest. JFYI

[ghostler]

There was another here who figured out a cable system to retain his saddle bag lids. I've just learned to keep all my latches locked at all times. That keeps them from popping loose. Also learned the trunk latches can pop loose too, so now I lock both of them. However that ready made retainer kit seems a good idea.

[chevyman1]

There was another here who figured out a cable system to retain his saddle bag lids. I've just learned to keep all my latches locked at all times. That keeps them from popping loose. Also learned the trunk latches can pop loose too, so now I lock both of them. However that ready made retainer kit seems a good idea.

FYI
I have known even locked lids to come off.
It is wise and cost affective to add tethers.

[jre258 in SoDak]

there was a posting earlier this year where someone used hinges on their saddle bag lids allowing it to open to the side. they also had short tethers to keep the lid from flopping all the way over.
Jim

[Mr Jensee]

IMHO you don't need to spend $60 for lid tethers. Get a pack of electrical#15 Ring Terminal connectors, a roll of the blue weed whacker line and make your own. For best results cut the line to no longer than 7.5 inches. Using a terminal tool crimp the ring terminals on each end of the cut line. Using a rivet tool which you can purchase with the rivets from a Home Depot or Lowes, remove the inner most rivet on each end of the lid (rivet closest to the motorcycle). Rivet the ring terminals on the inside portion of the lids using a steel rivet. Then attach the other end of the tether to the outter most tiny acorn nut on the inside of the front and rear of each bag (farthest from the motorcycle). If necessary get someone to hold the lid to the side of the bag while you this. I used a little blue Loctite to ensure the nut would not come loose. That is all there is too it. When done the tethers will be on the inside of the bag hidden from sight when the lids are closed. I spent less than $10 total because I had everything but the weed whacker line.

For those who've never done so, a rivet can be removed using a drill with a small drill bit to drill out the rivet. Use a bit the same size as the rivet to avoid damaging the existing hole.

[richardb, austin]

IMHO you don't need to spend $60 for lid tethers. Get a pack of electrical#15 Ring Terminal connectors, a roll of the blue weed whacker line and make your own. For best results cut the line to no longer than 7.5 inches. Using a terminal tool crimp the ring terminals on each end of the cut line. Using a rivet tool which you can purchase with the rivets from a Home Depot or Lowes, remove the inner most rivet on each end of the lid (rivet closest to the motorcycle). Rivet the ring terminals on the inside portion of the lids using a steel rivet. Then attach the other end of the tether to the outter most tiny acorn nut on the inside of the front and rear of each bag (farthest from the motorcycle). If necessary get someone to hold the lid to the side of the bag while you this. I used a little blue Loctite to ensure the nut would not come loose. That is all there is too it. When done the tethers will be on the inside of the bag hidden from sight when the lids are closed. I spent less than $10 total because I had everything but the weed whacker line.

For those who've never done so, a rivet can be removed using a drill with a small drill bit to drill out the rivet. Use a bit the same size as the rivet to avoid damaging the existing hole.

^this. I used elec terminals & nylon cord

[Me Again]

IMHO you don't need to spend $60 for lid tethers. Get a pack of electrical#15 Ring Terminal connectors, a roll of the blue weed whacker line and make your own. For best results cut the line to no longer than 7.5 inches. Using a terminal tool crimp the ring terminals on each end of the cut line. Using a rivet tool which you can purchase with the rivets from a Home Depot or Lowes, remove the inner most rivet on each end of the lid (rivet closest to the motorcycle). Rivet the ring terminals on the inside portion of the lids using a steel rivet. Then attach the other end of the tether to the outter most tiny acorn nut on the inside of the front and rear of each bag (farthest from the motorcycle). If necessary get someone to hold the lid to the side of the bag while you this. I used a little blue Loctite to ensure the nut would not come loose. That is all there is too it. When done the tethers will be on the inside of the bag hidden from sight when the lids are closed. I spent less than $10 total because I had everything but the weed whacker line.

For those who've never done so, a rivet can be removed using a drill with a small drill bit to drill out the rivet. Use a bit the same size as the rivet to avoid damaging the existing hole.

^this. I used elec terminals & nylon cord

I used electrical connecters and heavy duty work boot shoe strings (the kind that look woven or braided)work great and no scratching.

[Orangejbird]

I used a cat leash cut to the lengths I needed and loosened the latches enough to slip them under and then snugged it all up.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

IMHO you don't need to spend $60 for lid tethers.

Actually, the $60 (minus shipping) is for a complete whole bike kit with several tethers for different body parts. $46 which includes shipping will get you two straps and mounting hardware for both saddlebags (two straps per lid). Is it cheaper to do yourself? Sure, most things are when you do it yourself. But these don't require the time to find the parts, drill any holes or remove rivets, buying any tools for the rivets, crimping tools etc. You can also either leave the straps on the lid with it hanging off the side, or with a quick release, disconnect it and lay off to the side if you desire. Reconnection is just as simple. Sometimes cheap is not the best way to go, and if you have to buy connections, and worse yet tools to do it, you're probably going to have just as much or more money into it than just buying a ready made kit. To each his own.

[Mr Jensee]

IMHO you don't need to spend $60 for lid tethers.

Actually, the $60 (minus shipping) is for a complete whole bike kit with several tethers for different body parts. $46 which includes shipping will get you two straps and mounting hardware for both saddlebags (two straps per lid). Is it cheaper to do yourself? Sure, most things are when you do it yourself. But these don't require the time to find the parts, drill any holes or remove rivets, buying any tools for the rivets, crimping tools etc. You can also either leave the straps on the lid with it hanging off the side, or with a quick release, disconnect it and lay off to the side if you desire. Reconnection is just as simple. Sometimes cheap is not the best way to go, and if you have to buy connections, and worse yet tools to do it, you're probably going to have just as much or more money into it than just buying a ready made kit. To each his own.

Maybe I'm just cheap!