drifter saddlebags

greenbarn · June 13, 2015, 20:44:15 PM

If DriftinGirl would do it, that would be great, too.

Watch out for that dog...

CDNRatMan · June 12, 2015, 22:38:17 PM

Your asking Fred to take pictures, perhaps you should have asked Driftingirl to do it seeing as she cannot ride yet what with her broken leg from walking the Fred's killer hound around the yard. Seems the dog is too strong for her....

greenbarn · June 12, 2015, 21:34:26 PM

Got any pictures? It would sure be nice to see what they look like... Especially that heat shield.

For $99, if you like them, it's not worth trying to make them, is it???

MikeakaFred · June 12, 2015, 19:05:07 PM

Currently recommending Osprey mounts for 800 Drifter bag attachments.
Put the finishing touches on mine today...including a heat shield between right bag and exhaust. Works well.

Osprey mounts are not showing on their website but call them and they have 'em in stock for $99 US dollars plus shipping.

Mike in NS

MikeakaFred · May 17, 2015, 20:13:34 PM

Geeze
30 years of teaching English and can't read myself..
Tks
Mike in NS

49Reo · May 17, 2015, 14:37:37 PM

J&P Cycles is a real good source of saddlebags, trunks, roll bags, tool bags, etc. good prices for the most part. I bought a fringed trunk about 4-5 years ago, love it.

CrshOverride · May 17, 2015, 10:18:31 AM

They're not listed anywhere on his site. I originally sent him an email and eventually called to place the order.

The brackets shipped the day after I ordered and were at my house the next day. I couldn't have been happier.

MikeakaFred · May 17, 2015, 09:15:49 AM

CrshOverride
Where exactly did you go to get the brackets for the single seat 800?
I can't find anything listed at Osprey for $99.00.
I have plans for a home made set but wanted to see what I would get for $99...lol

Tks

Mike in NS

kw-retrorider · May 14, 2015, 17:35:12 PM

Thanks...glad you got something that works.

CrshOverride · May 14, 2015, 07:52:31 AM

I picked up a cheap set of bags on Amazon (can't afford the good ones yet, so I figured I might as well use my Discover Cashback bonus for something useful). They're Auburn Leather (which looks like they're now owned by the same parent company that makes Willie & Max):

http://www.amazon.com/Auburn-Leather-30-8206A-03-Sturgis-Saddlebag/dp/B003XU0BY4

Unfortunately the dimensions on Amazon were way off. I was hoping for a large set of bags but they're 11" x 11" x 7". Luckily all of my laptops and everything are small enough to still fit. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for a larger set of bags int eh future.

As for the lacing, there is hardware attached to the bag right were they would sit against the bracket. I contemplated trying to remove the hardware but didn't want to compromise the structure of the bag. Even with the two bolts at the top, the bags weren't moving around or banging against the bracket so I'm not worried about the support of the third bolt. I'm sure that'll be a different story when I get the larger set of bags.

kw-retrorider · May 14, 2015, 06:05:08 AM

C.O....Glad it worked out. Whose saddlebags are those and what is there length measurement?

My only regret with the factory accessory is that I can't get my laptop in the saddlebags.

Also note the bottoms are laced instead of using the bottom bolt hole in the brackets....small black tie wraps would pull those bags right in and be trimmed to be almost invisible....(unless the lacing is part of the bags)...just a thought, since the bags will always be on the brackets.

Being somewhat paranoid, I bought slightly longer shouldered bolts to make up for the 1/4 inch bracket width when I put the bags on.

You will enjoy the utility of having bags on the bike.

greenbarn · May 13, 2015, 20:33:27 PM

Looking GOOOOD.

CrshOverride · May 13, 2015, 19:49:26 PM

So, I've had the brackets since Friday but just got the saddle bags in today. I completely forgot to get pictures of the brackets alone, but needless to say the brackets are fantastic! Huge props to Osprey for still making these at a reasonable price ($99 plus shipping) and having them in stock!

CrshOverride · May 07, 2015, 23:00:44 PM

Quote from: CDNRatMan on May 07, 2015, 22:41:23 PM
found this on e bay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOUNTING-BRACKETS-OF-KAWASAKI-DRIFTER-VN800-SADDLEBAGS-/251943068992

I saw that as well when I was looking around. Unfortunately it requires the factory two-up saddle. Not to mention that I just realized that they're asking more for that than Osprey is asking for their mounts.

As an update, I got my shipping notification from UPS today that my Osprey mounts are on their way and should be here tomorrow afternoon. Talk about a fast turn-around! I'll post pictures as soon as I check them out and get them on the bike.

CDNRatMan · May 07, 2015, 22:41:23 PM

found this on e bay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOUNTING-BRACKETS-OF-KAWASAKI-DRIFTER-VN800-SADDLEBAGS-/251943068992

kw-retrorider · May 06, 2015, 17:24:08 PM

The Osprey brackets work like a champ and are your best bet other than fabrication....easy on; easy off too. Have mine with Kawi bags....no issues. Found the brackets on Craig's list.

CrshOverride · May 06, 2015, 14:22:31 PM

For what it's worth, I just got of the phone with Osprey. While I couldn't find a reference to the 800 bag mounts on their website, I confirmed via email that they are still making/stocking/selling them.

I just placed my order. $99 a set plus $17 shipping/handling. I was told that they'd be shipping tomorrow so I'll update everybody as soon as they arrive!

Pete · May 02, 2015, 13:10:52 PM

Assuming that you have a dual seat, I recently got a set of the OEM VN800 Drifter saddlebag brackets from a dealer specialising in new old stock (NOS). Try CMSL for starters.

oldschool · May 02, 2015, 08:54:58 AM

Good Morning. I also have a 02 800 Drifter and wanted saddlebags on a solo seat set-up. This past week I fabricated some bag mounts and are going to tweek the design. I bolted the brackets and bags down and went for a ride. No problems, no issues.
Seems like this is a common problem with this bike. Being a former Harley rider, and now own the 02 Drifter, I absolutely love this bike. As soon as I have a finished proto-type, I will post some pics to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing a pair.
I have already had fellow riders in my CMA group comment how awesome the bags look with the solo seat set-up.

CDNRatMan · May 01, 2015, 08:18:30 AM

KF that is one awesome looking travel trunk, really nice set up, you have enough room to pack for a year long trip.....

kfoster · May 01, 2015, 04:54:18 AM

I ordered detachable mounts from Scootworks last August. It is now May. No Bags........excuses.............un-anwsered emails..........no refund. I've moved on. I will never do business with them again.

I found this set of bags and Osprey mounts on craigslist. A guy was selling a bike in Jamestown NY. I asked if he would separate the bags and mounts from the bike. He did!

greenbarn · April 30, 2015, 20:45:46 PM

Noteworthy: I have dealt with Scootworks twice, and had good service both times.

However, I've seen a lot of comments about them being VERY SLOW to respond to questions, concerns, orders, shipping, etc.

CrshOverride · April 30, 2015, 20:36:21 PM

Quote from: Nazarene on April 30, 2015, 19:56:50 PM
Honest to God Crash? Even the new quick detachables?

Their response to my email said "We should be completing another batch in three weeks". I never got an email back after that letting me know that the run was completed and the website still says that they're out of stock.

To be clear, that email was over a month and a half ago.

Nazarene · April 30, 2015, 19:56:50 PM

Honest to God Crash? Even the new quick detachables?

CrshOverride · April 30, 2015, 13:21:12 PM

The last I talked to Scootworks, they were out of the mounts and weren't sure when they'd be producing more.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any other options either. It's all quite disappointing really.