Topic: Mounting Shoei Hardbags

[sammermpc]

I have a '72 CB500 with a rear rack.

I picked up a pair of Shoei hardbags -- mounted brackets included -- and I am having some trouble figuring out the right way of mounting them. Does anyone have good photos of how they go into their bike? I test-fit one the other day, and besides needing some smaller hardware so the bolt will pass through the slots in the rack -- it seems like I've got a configuration that would work.







The tail light there is just dangling as I wasn't putting them on for real.

[seanbarney41]

That's not how I did mine, but I don't have the rear rack.  One mount on the top shock mount and one on the grab rail to fender bolt.  I think what you have should work.  I recommend replacing any suspect quality hardware, using loctite, and really torquein' up all bolts, as mine would loosen up, break, and lose bolts on a 1000 mile trip.

[brewsky]

I ended up fabbing my own setup to lower and pull the bags in closer to the bike.

Used a direct bolt on the top shock, home made straight hanger from the handrail / fender attach bolt to the bag frame, and the long strap from the bag frame to rear footpeg mount.

This was on a 750, but getting ready to add another set to my 550.

I'll look for some pics in the am.

[sammermpc]

OK -- good to know. I wasn't sure if there was a 'right' way I should be doing them, or anything -- for aerodynamics or balance, even. Sounds like you just do what sticks em'. I have to change the light covers, too, as they're red and I want them to be my winkers.

[brewsky]

If your seat still hinges open, just make sure the bags won't interfere.....other than that, just mount them the way you want.

The lower and closer in they mount, the less you will feel the added weight.

[bjbuchanan]

+1 about the seat and bag interference, check that out before just swinging the seat straight open

[PeWe]

I had a black set of these on my CB750 used during the 80's
I remember that the lid is very fragile where the hinges are attached. I think I used a luggage strap around the entire bag just for sure.
I might have some old holiday photos somewhere

[70CB750]

Anybody tried to ditch the original enveloping frames and attach them permanently through the bag wall?

[brewsky]

Anybody tried to ditch the original enveloping frames and attach them permanently through the bag wall?

I thought about it, but I don't think the material is strong enough without some extra support.......maybe if you added something under the bags welded to the flat mounting frame?

But even then, one bump without the protection and???

I have a set (not shoei) I'm getting ready to mount that doesn't have the bumper rails, but the bag construction is much stronger.

[70CB750]

Yeah, i was thinking to sit them on a ledge and attach at the top, but I  did not actually measure or check anything yet.

[brewsky]

I remember that the lid is very fragile where the hinges are attached.

+1.
Mine had one hinge replaced already with a door hinge when I got it!

I added a cord to prevent the lid from opening too far and breaking the hinge area.

[ekpent]

Here are some pics of some that were mounted on a 500 that I bought. Think you can see how they were mounted.  Anybody ever interested in them let me know and make an offer but can not get to them until a better thaw. Shipping would probably be a killer though. Eric
 WHoops just realized those are Bates. Have pics of Shoei on a 750 

[sammermpc]

Thanks, this is all really helpful. I'll get some pics up when I get them mounted. Not sure how it will look with the white and the sunrise orange. The fiberglass is yellowed from the sun, a fair amount. Has anyone had good look re-painting and finishing these guys? No keys, either, which is a bummer.