T-Bag Install

[Mickeetwo]

I have the BDM Touring T-Bag with the Roll Bag. I've always had a problem keeping the bag off the rear fender. Whenever you load the bag full with a lot of weight it starts to sag and the the bag rest on the fender. The way the luggage rack is designed it doesn't keep the bag off the fender. When I went on my trip last week I knew I would be loading my bags full. So I came up with this idea. Thought it might help.

Went to a glass shop and purchased a 9"x14" piece of lexan. It is 1/4" thick. Trimmed it down to the size of the T-bag. Marked and cut out holes for my velcro to loop threw. The velcro first wraps around the luggage rack and then through the lexan and then back around. The soft velcro keeps the lexan from marring up the chrome luggage rack. When the T-bag is installed you cannot see the lexan. Takes less than a minute to remove the lexan. The lexan keeps the T-bag clear of the rear fender no matter how much you put in it. just thought it might help save a paint job

Road over 900 miles and the lexan never moved. Another plus to the lexan is that when it rains it will help block some of the rain water that comes off the rear tire.....keeping your stuff a little dryer.

 

[Raywood]

Great post Mick, my problem with the bag shelf is that it's not 90 degrees to the sissybar causing it to deform. Gonna have one of those custom bars made as others have here with a proper fitting shelf.

I've been thinking of doing the same as you did here.
Thanks,
Ray

 

[seatmaker]

Been there done that, mine needs rubbed out because of the same thing. Think I'm gonna design a leather hammock of some sort which would look good when nothings on it yet keep the fender free of the bag when it is.

 

[dingo]

Great Post Mick :2thumbs: :2thumbs: ......I know what I'm doing this weekend.

 

[Gas Man]

Great idea!!!!!

 

[Slow Vince]

Sure wish that I'd thought of it BEFORE I got some chafing on the fender...

Was so kicking myself in the butt that I did the same thing with a piece of plywood and tie-wraps. The Lexan sure would look better - Winter Project.
;^}

 

[Tim]

Great idea, thanks for sharing with us all.

 

[scubaman15]

Good idea ...

 

[RRRUFF]

I was thinking of putting something like lexan or plywood in the bottom of the bag.

 

[Whistler]

Good idea Mick. Another option to experiment with would be to cut a piece of plastic in a rectangular shape to snuggly fit in the bottom of the bag then pile your stuff in on top of it so that the bag has a firm bottom and shouldn't sag. This way nothing shows outside the bag. Just a thought - I'll try it and see how it works.

:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

 

[PROFLYER]

damn good idea...wanna make me one?

 

[Mickeetwo]

damn good idea...wanna make me one?

Pro...I know you can pull this one off. Took less than 30 minutes to complete. Cost is $10.00 for lexan and $2.99 for velcro. Thought about installing it inside the bag, with the BDM T-bag there is a zipper on the bottom that is real close to the fender no matter what you do. Was worried about the lexan ripping a hole in the T-bag after a while. Went on a ride a few week ago and got caught in a downpour. Slipped the waterproof bag over my T-bag and took off. After the rain stopped removed the waterproof cover and noticed everything in the bottom of the T-bag was wet. When you install the waterproof bag over the T-bag theres still a small area that water can get in. With the lexan on the outside of the bag, it should help block the water. Also used my ROK straps that I purchased with the group buy, and they really work. I highly recommend the ROK straps. Made strapping things down a lot easier. Used D-rings on the T-bag and ROK straps off the D-rings.

 

[Raywood]

Mick, the cover is not designed to be used while rolling down the road. I figured this out after reading the instructions after mine shreaded while riding in the rain at Little Sturgis a few years ago!!!

:2thumbs: :2thumbs:

Pro...I know you can pull this one off. Took less than 30 minutes to complete. Cost is $10.00 for lexan and $2.99 for velcro. Thought about installing it inside the bag, with the BDM T-bag there is a zipper on the bottom that is real close to the fender no matter what you do. Was worried about the lexan ripping a hole in the T-bag after a while. Went on a ride a few week ago and got caught in a downpour. Slipped the waterproof bag over my T-bag and took off. After the rain stopped removed the waterproof cover and noticed everything in the bottom of the T-bag was wet. When you install the waterproof bag over the T-bag theres still a small area that water can get in. With the lexan on the outside of the bag, it should help block the water. Also used my ROK straps that I purchased with the group buy, and they really work. I highly recommend the ROK straps. Made strapping things down a lot easier. Used D-rings on the T-bag and ROK straps off the D-rings.

 

[Mickeetwo]

I never new that. At least mine didn't shread to pieces. Who would have thought to read the instructions

 

[RenoMoe]

Great Idea!! I used a piece of wood, but the lexan is a much better looking option - Great Job!!

 

[wuudogg]

If you need a quick fix while on the road for your "Saggy Bags"... just grab a friendly realtor or advertiser sign. You often find them littering the roads. They are usually made of Coroplast Plastic. Basically corrugated plastic. In between cardboard and lexan but it can handle getting wet.

Cut it with a pair of scissors or a knife you can get something to fit and stuff inside your bag to help it hold shape.