Topic: Hardbag Security and shocks questions

[manjisann]

Two different questions here.

I am going to be mounting hard bags on my 650 and they have latch tops that I don't have a key for. In all honesty it wouldn't take much to defeat them even if they did. Does anyone know where I can find after market latches for hardbags? I ran a google search and nada. I'm toying with the idea of taking some 1\2 inch solid round bar and making a frame around them to help protect them in case of a wreck and was toying with the idea of just building a arm that swings over and locks, but this seems really gaudy. Any suggestions? Or just don't keep anything in them I don't care about?

Second question kinda relates to the first. I weigh approx 250 lbs and if my wife rides with me we come close to maxing out the bikes limits. I'd like to tour on this bike, so what are my options for increasing the capacity of the bike? Would better shocks allow me to take more or am I limited by the design of the bike itself?

Thanks,

Brandon

[myhondas]

Will only address the first half. First and formost, post a pic of the bags. Depending on that, you might be able to get a set of keys for your bike bags.

[HavocTurbo]

Shocks shouldn't be too hard.

I weigh 250 and use the progressive shock assemblies with HD springs. That seems to work great with luggage and a girl on the back.

As for weight limits... It's really about rear wheel travel than anything else. These old bikes were WAY over engineered and the old steel tube framing can take almost 1000lbs before you start to see some deflection. So don't worry about the frame.

Set the preload down low for a single rider and set it mid level for 2 up riding and go from there. Should be relativley simple to get dialed in.

PM me and let me know what you are thinking in terms of shocks and I'll see what I can do.

[medic09]

Show your local locksmith the bags, and ask what he thinks.

[fishhead]

Alot of those old bags use the same lock assemblies as the truck tool boxes use (walmart,etc,- get matching #).
 Suitcase repair shops, locksmiths, shoe repair shop (that fix suitcases) should have the latches, hinges and probably the locks also.

 Locks will keep the honest people out. If some one wants to get in the bags, they will.
 

[manjisann]

Alot of those old bags use the same lock assemblies as the truck tool boxes use (walmart,etc,- get matching #).
 Suitcase repair shops, locksmiths, shoe repair shop (that fix suitcases) should have the latches, hinges and probably the locks also.

 Locks will keep the honest people out. If some one wants to get in the bags, they will.

That's the sad truth of the matter.

Brandon

[manjisann]

I know it would take a little bit of work and fabricating, but can anyone see any reason not to use locks like this?

I'd make a front and rear plate out of sheet metal, and a striker plate sorta thingy that would attach to the lid.

Brandon

[Gordon]

I know it would take a little bit of work and fabricating, but can anyone see any reason not to use locks like this?

I'd make a front and rear plate out of sheet metal, and a striker plate sorta thingy that would attach to the lid.

Brandon

The only real problem I can see with those is the length of the lock because they're made to fit into thicker material like a desk drawer.  Other than that they work the same as the stock locks on my Bates hard bags.  Maybe if you can find a lock that's made to be mounted in thinner material, like for a tool chest, it would be easier to make work.   

[razor02097]

For the shocks I agree with the progressive springs.  The heavy coils can handle 200lbs each with ease.  On the third click of the preload cam; me and a lady friend have ridden Rina with no problems... I weigh about 210 with gear and she weighs.... um... almost half that 

[manjisann]

I weigh about 210 with gear and she weighs.... um... almost half that 

Now you're just bragging. Next thing ya know, she'll be stretched out on your bike in a photo on the babes thread, or your avatar 

The only real problem I can see with those is the length of the lock because they're made to fit into thicker material like a desk drawer.  Other than that they work the same as the stock locks on my Bates hard bags.  Maybe if you can find a lock that's made to be mounted in thinner material, like for a tool chest, it would be easier to make work.

That is a good point about the size. I'll check around and find something smaller.

Thanks everyone for the info! Havoc, I'll PM you when I get a bit closer to reassembling the bike and I see what my budget still looks like. Hopefully it'll still be there 

Brandon

[super pasty white guy]

I was investigating this a while back.  Here are some options. 
http://www.mcmaster.com/#cam-locks/=3e4axz

You can also find tubular key cam locks as well.

spwg

[manjisann]

Thanks everyone, and especially for the link SPWG!

Brandon