Saddlebag mounts and dual seat

[emjayw]

Chief:  I've just finished my own Re-gearing project.  Went from stock 17/40 setup  (waaayyy too tall!) to the 18/38 combo.  Bike is much more fun to "cruise" around on and tons more fun at 70 to 80MPH.   I actually feel as if I could take an extended road trip on it now (that is providing I come up with a satisfactory mounting for my Osprey bags.)  think i'm going to go back to the stock solo seat so's I can really give the Osprey's a shakedown test.  Neat bike... could use a few more CC's of displacement, but as I said earlier... "I'll take 50MPG any day!"  Mike in TX

[chief]

Yeah, the fenders are swing-arm mounted on both models. I have seen the 800 turned into a "hardtail". It has that look already.

Some folks re-gear the bike which makes it feel like you have more hp.

[emjayw]

Thanks for setting me straight Troll.  I didn't realize that as I've never been around a 1500 Drifter enough to give it a close look.  All other things being even....I prefer the "look" of the 800 over the 1500.  Just wish it had a few more ponies.... but I'll take 50MPG any day!   Mike in TX

[Troll]

The rear fender on the 1500 is mounted to the swing arm, just like it is on the 800. Saddlebag mounts are attached to the frame under the seat, similar to the 800. The rear fender moves up and down with the 1500, too.

[emjayw]

I envy you guys with the solid-rear 1500's.  That good-looking but bouncing-all-over-the -place rear fender on the 800 really hampers any real carrying capacity.  My Osprey Traveleer sale went bust so I still have them to consider if I really need the capacity.  I just don't like the looks of that Osprey/Corbin solo seat modification.  I may go back to the stock solo seat for a while just to try out the Osprey's and see if I like them on the bike.  Mike in TX

[chief]

Well I do have a corbin two-up and have some US Cav horse saddle bags, a thermal bag and a backpack deal from my harley days that will fit the backrest on the rear seat. That helps a bunch. A windshield bag also helps.

[emjayw]

Just as well.... I consider my 800 a "solo" bike only.   BTW: I wear a backpack while on trips and it's not half bad for carrying a few things... also, a smallish magnetic tank bag is a great thing to have when you actually travel other than around town.  Mike in TX

[chief]

"Busy"...

You don't see anything but the bags and the seat... same as with any "bag/seat" combo. The mounting is the same as with the oem seat. 

I too prefer not to use bags... had Ospreys previously - sold them after a month or so. However, not having bags means I have to come up with other ways to carry stuff... just going to the PO or store means having to mount a back on the rear seat. Fortunately, my wife prefers not to ride the Drifter anymore  (spoiled by the goldwing).

[emjayw]

Tdowns, Yes, I am interested in selling both the mounts and bags.  Mounts are new and unused.  Bags were "used" by a PO who must've over filled them while using Scootworks mounts because they are slightly cracked around several of the mounting holes.  Not broken, but cracked.  Shouldn't be any problems using Osprey mounts as they sit in a different location and mount up tight on the inside and outside of each bag.  I can't be sure, but from the looks of things the scootworks mounts don't appear to have had any inside stiffeners used around each hole.  The bags have minor scrapes and a few scratched conchos from the PO's laydown.  I'll sell 'em at a good price.  PM me if you're interested.  Mike in TX   PS: Chief, I've looked at that solution and it just seems very "busy" to my eye.  Besides...I like the naked bike look better on the Drifter.

[chief]

Have a look at this...

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/corbinosprey.html

Corbin solo and Osprey bags - no drilling.

Just a reminder ALWAYS look in the MODS/TIPS section of the website. There is a LOT of stuff over there that can be useful to you.

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php/cat/47

Or just go to http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com and click on the button.

[Tdowns]

Thanks Mike. Are you going to sell your mounts or mounts & bags?

[emjayw]

The osprey mounts will work with the OEM seats, but not with my Corbin solo (at least not without drilling holes through the front hole locations.  Ouch!)  I have a nice set of tan ospreys with the Osprey mounts, but won't drill my corbin to mount them.  (yes, the Corbin is so much better than the OEM solo that I prefer it.)  (looks better too)  Mike in TX

[Tdowns]

I recently bought a 2001 Drifter 800 with solo seat. I would also like to have a dual seat and saddlebags, so I have a couple questions.
It seems the mounts sold by Osprey (Treveleer) @ $99 that mount to the seat are the best value I've found. Is that correct?
My second question is will that mount fit both the single and dual oem seat? How about the Corbin dual seat?
I have read a lot on this site about bags and mounts and it seems some of the manufacturer's claims aren't accurate, so I'm asking the "experts" here. Thanks!