Good video. I just did the same thing to my wife's Rebel. I drilled holes in the flat stock brackets and bolted back of saddlebags to flat stock. Keeps the front of the bag from trying to fly out. Also allows much more weight in saddlebags. Ride Safe!!
We got ours in the garden section of Lows. You might also try Home Depot. I should have painted them before install because after awhile they developed a fine coat of rust.
They sell aluminum bars (about one inch wide) at Lowes or Home Depot for about $5 for 3 ft lenght, 2 of those should be more than enough to do the same thing, and they are a lot easier to drill through. you could make a 3 sided square shape (using 3 pieces) bolt them to the bike and the bag, and use another 2 pieces plus 2 L brackets to hold the bottom. Aluminum is super light, really easy to round the corners with a file, you can easily cut it with a metal saw (it takes about 5 strokes to cut by hand) and it will hold it's shape very well, not to mention it is rust resistant.
Good idea ! I just installed this morning a set of purpose made low cost brackets instead of MC Enterprise brackets or something like that of higher quality because I couldn't afford the nice ones . These cheaper ones off of Ebay needed the bolts shortened and spacers made to get them on right so it took a little work and some extra tools to do the install . If I had seen this video before I made the purchase I would have used this suggestion and it would've been easier as well as less expensive . I swear it seems like every time I do a project I shortly thereafter have a TH-cam video magically pop up out of nowhere to taunt me ! Lol . Oh well ........ y'all ride safe n thanks for your video !
Hmm...interesting concept. I've heard of a similar technique using L-shaped metal brackets. Good vid, very informative, although, I'm afraid that I might scratch up the chrome and/or paint on mine...I think I'll use a spacer and get longer bolts.
My wife sold her Rebel so I am going off of memory (and I'm over 50) but seems like I felt up under the back fender for the end of the bolts that held the back seat on and then was able to remove the back seat. You might try to Google Honda Rebel and find a forum and ask a question on their forum or as a last resort, ask your Honda dealer.. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Best wishes !
Would these be strong enough to not bend, flex, and fatigue over time? What happens if they do? I'm not sure its a good idea to advise people to do this unless you know it will last and what may be the load capacity. I'm no engineer but I'm not sure this is safe.
Gotta love all the critic in the comments...ha ha. I personally could care less about chrome scratching...they make rubber washers you can use if you're so worried about scratching your precious chrome thats hidden under the bag anyways. It's ridiculous what Harley charges for the supports and/or mounting hardware... or any one of the parts distributors. F'n China/Japan made crap anyways. At least if you make them yourself like this guy did you know its American made! And i got more than enough chrome on my bike so a hidden homemade part ain't nothing. And dude holding the part while drilling it? Well thats his prerogative, he's a big boy if he gets got then he'll learn respect for the tools he's using. Damn, I better not video some of the shit I do cuz y'all would freak the f out! I give this guy credit and kudos for a great idea...Thanks Jim.
never hold a piece of metal in your hand while drilling through it even to open up the hole. if the bit catches the metal will become a lawn mower blade spinning into your fingers.
I bought ome chrome bracket for my Harley softail, but I don't like the looks of them becaue they go over my beautiful chrome belt guard. o I am simply going to get two lengths of metal around 1 to 3 inches wide and about 5 inches long. Go figure, with the saddle bags on who the hell will see them, LOL. I am going to buy the slim man made leather type at amazon for around 50 dollars. I don't like big plastic saddle bags because to me it looks like it is built into being a damn car.
Good video. I just did the same thing to my wife's Rebel. I drilled holes in the flat stock brackets and bolted back of saddlebags to flat stock. Keeps the front of the bag from trying to fly out. Also allows much more weight in saddlebags. Ride Safe!!
We got ours in the garden section of Lows. You might also try Home Depot. I should have painted them before install because after awhile they developed a fine coat of rust.
You were doing good right up to the zip tie
just what we were looking for! Thanks for that.
I love it!! it's genius Jim. Beats paying $50 like I did!
Thanks for the excellent ideas! I'll be doing similar on my mt-03
They sell aluminum bars (about one inch wide) at Lowes or Home Depot for about $5 for 3 ft lenght, 2 of those should be more than enough to do the same thing, and they are a lot easier to drill through. you could make a 3 sided square shape (using 3 pieces) bolt them to the bike and the bag, and use another 2 pieces plus 2 L brackets to hold the bottom. Aluminum is super light, really easy to round the corners with a file, you can easily cut it with a metal saw (it takes about 5 strokes to cut by hand) and it will hold it's shape very well, not to mention it is rust resistant.
Tanx, will go out and look at them. However, isn't aluminum to soft and bendable?
@@WilsonBradleyTheOfficial no you’re thinking of gay people
@@joshdeveaux6936 True dat. Lol..
Wow, fantastic!
I appreciate your video, came in handy. Also would like to ask Laury to please post more cooking videos.
Great idea. Thank you!
thanks for the idea!
Good idea ! I just installed this morning a set of purpose made low cost brackets instead of MC Enterprise brackets or something like that of higher quality because I couldn't afford the nice ones . These cheaper ones off of Ebay needed the bolts shortened and spacers made to get them on right so it took a little work and some extra tools to do the install . If I had seen this video before I made the purchase I would have used this suggestion and it would've been easier as well as less expensive . I swear it seems like every time I do a project I shortly thereafter have a TH-cam video magically pop up out of nowhere to taunt me ! Lol . Oh well ........ y'all ride safe n thanks for your video !
excellent video. I would've used black zip ties but otherwise awesome. Thanks for the idea.
thanks you so much you saved me 80 bucks
ty for sharing. cool idea
Great Idea Thanks.
I'm doing this, except I'm going to drill a hole inside of the bag to bolt it to the bracket.
I DID THE SAME THING , seems like it will work out great .
Yes, a spacer and or a plastic washer against the chrome would be a good idea. Thanks for the comment !
Simple rattlecan of rustoleum? And thanks for the fast reply! Ill be doing this tomorrow, And hopefully recording or capturing some of the work we do!
Check the plumbing or electrical department at HD or Lowe's...it is a commercial product that contractors use mostly.
That sounds like a good idea but I have never heard of cold galvanized spray. Where do you get it ? Is it in the paint section ?
Hi Jim,
Great video. How do you take off the back seat in order to make the saddlebags permanent?
Hmm...interesting concept. I've heard of a similar technique using L-shaped metal brackets. Good vid, very informative, although, I'm afraid that I might scratch up the chrome and/or paint on mine...I think I'll use a spacer and get longer bolts.
Dude ziptied that bag to the shock spring! Hes a hack!
My wife sold her Rebel so I am going off of memory (and I'm over 50) but seems like I felt up under the back fender for the end of the bolts that held the back seat on and then was able to remove the back seat. You might try to Google Honda Rebel and find a forum and ask a question on their forum or as a last resort, ask your Honda dealer.. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Best wishes !
Would these be strong enough to not bend, flex, and fatigue over time? What happens if they do? I'm not sure its a good idea to advise people to do this unless you know it will last and what may be the load capacity. I'm no engineer but I'm not sure this is safe.
Seems to me that the 90 degree angle at the bottom of the brackets will wear a hole in the back side of the bag.
You might get some rust on that raw metal where you drill and grind. How abot some cold galvanize spray ?
OMG cut the bags? Cheapo
Can anyone tell me what the body part is called that the support bracket bolts to? I am trying to find replacements for mine...
anyone know where i can get these landscaping stakes?
Holy shit cutting holes in your new leather saddlebags, so not right.
interesting way to demolish well designed products
not really its actually a good idea and works great
After u cut amd ziptiue the leather a lil bit of clear all purpose silicon on the holes goes a long way
I would have bolted it to the stakes. You cut it anyways, put a 1/2 bolt on the bottom.
Oh man, I could have saved so much money. . .
Nice job buddy , I ruined a set of bags by my tire wearing a hole trough em
Gotta love all the critic in the comments...ha ha. I personally could care less about chrome scratching...they make rubber washers you can use if you're so worried about scratching your precious chrome thats hidden under the bag anyways. It's ridiculous what Harley charges for the supports and/or mounting hardware... or any one of the parts distributors. F'n China/Japan made crap anyways. At least if you make them yourself like this guy did you know its American made! And i got more than enough chrome on my bike so a hidden homemade part ain't nothing.
And dude holding the part while drilling it? Well thats his prerogative, he's a big boy if he gets got then he'll learn respect for the tools he's using. Damn, I better not video some of the shit I do cuz y'all would freak the f out! I give this guy credit and kudos for a great idea...Thanks Jim.
never hold a piece of metal in your hand while drilling through it even to open up the hole. if the bit catches the metal will become a lawn mower blade spinning into your fingers.
Wes thisdoesntmatter good advice,I cut the tip of my one finger off doing that when I was 16.
I bought ome chrome bracket for my Harley softail, but I don't like the looks of them becaue they go over my beautiful chrome belt guard. o I am simply going to get two lengths of metal around 1 to 3 inches wide and about 5 inches long. Go figure, with the saddle bags on who the hell will see them, LOL. I am going to buy the slim man made leather type at amazon for around 50 dollars. I don't like big plastic saddle bags because to me it looks like it is built into being a damn car.
The zip tie will rip out as soon as the shock moves.
nooo it hasnt yet after 3 years on my bike
😢😢😢😢😢😢
Actual saddle bag brackets are only like 35 bucks LOL
I was impressed until he cut a hole in the bag with a razor knife. WHY????
this cheapens the whole bike in a way, don't cheap out on the brackets they're not that expensive
2X4's would look better, lol.