Custom Bags

bcar00 said:

Just sharing my attempt at bags (panniers). For a lot of reasons, I hate the triumph bags. I have a decent shop, including a TIG welder, so this might not be a solution for everyone. Appearance is subjective, so even though I love how these turned out, you might hate them.

My objectives: Something that complements the look of the bike (modern-classic). Narrow enough to lane split and tucked in tight to the fender, not hanging inches out. Sturdy mount, top opening. Water resistant, lockable, and preferably opening out (really nice to be able to reach into your bags at a stop without getting off the bike. I wanted something big enough to carry an extra half helmet, soft lunch cooler, spare gloves, googles, etc, as well as a folded up leather jacket. Also, anything my date might bring (purse, extra sweater, etc). I wasn't looking for something big enough for a week on the road. I'll use a duffle for that.

Here's what I came up with. Viking Bags Raven Leather covered hard bags (40L). Made my own mounts with some thin walled steel tub I had laying around that bolt to the factory bag mounts. It was NOT easy or quick. A lot of measuring, fitting, recutting, welding, etc. etc. They're a LOT sturdier than the stock brackets with the flimsy swivel arm. I'll never ride without them, but they can be removed fairly easily with the four main bolts. Yes, the bolts protrude further than the factory aluminum mounts, but I measured a good 5in clearance to the tire. More than enough for the suspension travel spec. And for those of you with some welding skill, yes, I ground the welds down before painting. It's been a few years since I welded thin wall and I'm out of practice.

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A1A Rider said:

Ha, I have these bags, just a hard surface version on my other bike. Never thought I'd seen them on a rocket.

My only concern if the left bag is going to hit the swing arm when bottomed out.

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bcar00 said:

Just sharing my attempt at bags (panniers). For a lot of reasons, I hate the triumph bags. I have a decent shop, including a TIG welder, so this might not be a solution for everyone. Appearance is subjective, so even though I love how these turned out, you might hate them.

My objectives: Something that complements the look of the bike (modern-classic). Narrow enough to lane split and tucked in tight to the fender, not hanging inches out. Sturdy mount, top opening. Water resistant, lockable, and preferably opening out (really nice to be able to reach into your bags at a stop without getting off the bike. I wanted something big enough to carry an extra half helmet, soft lunch cooler, spare gloves, googles, etc, as well as a folded up leather jacket. Also, anything my date might bring (purse, extra sweater, etc). I wasn't looking for something big enough for a week on the road. I'll use a duffle for that.

Here's what I came up with. Viking Bags Raven Leather covered hard bags (40L). Made my own mounts with some thin walled steel tub I had laying around that bolt to the factory bag mounts. It was NOT easy or quick. A lot of measuring, fitting, recutting, welding, etc. etc. They're a LOT sturdier than the stock brackets with the flimsy swivel arm. I'll never ride without them, but they can be removed fairly easily with the four main bolts.

Click to expand...

Renigma said:

Looks extremely well done. I have a few questions
1. Did you cut those holes in the plastic under the seat or bought that part from triumph accessories ?
2. Can you share the dimensions of the mounts you used ?

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