Harley Tri Glide Saddlebags

[Sheriff42]

Hi guys,

My Tri Glide currently has the passenger armrests. I just purchased the Tri Glide saddlebags. I just eyeballed the potential setup and it looks tight to fit the bags under the armrest. Has anyone encountered this installation situation?

 

[14TG]

Hi guys,

My Tri Glide currently has the passenger armrests. I just purchased the Tri Glide saddlebags. I just eyeballed the potential setup and it looks tight to fit the bags under the armrest. Has anyone encountered this installation situation?

No issues on mine… yes, the clearance is close, but not any fitment issues.
My TG had the HD “Saddlebags” already installed when I bought it, and then I installed the HD armrest kit last winter.
Great combo!!

 

[Sheriff42]

Thanks 14!!

I think I’m going to use the template to sort of estimate the final position. My initial thoughts were that it was probably a tight fit but doable.

Your scoot looks great!!!

 

[14TG]

Thanks 14!!

I think I’m going to use the template to sort of estimate the final position. My initial thoughts were that it was probably a tight fit but doable.

Your scoot looks great!!!

Thanks Sheriff!
I always customized all my bikes in the past and this TriGlide was no different. (It will most likely be the last one that I do a complete make over like I did, lol).

FYI: the top of the saddlebags are 3” from the top and still allows room to get in and under the armrests to clean.

Here’s a video I posted a few months ago.
(Since the video, I added the HHI 9 degree rake kit, SoftBrake levers, Müller hydro clutch kit, and the Freedom touring style windshield).

But the video also shows the saddlebags and armrest pretty good.

Link:

 

[Sheriff42]

Thanks 14!

A rake kit is on my shortlist but that’s beyond me mechanically. I’m searching for a reasonable mechanic to do it.

My dealership wanted 4 hours labor @ $180 an hour to install the saddlebags. I’d hate to hear what the rake kit would cost!!!

 

[14TG]

Thanks 14!

A rake kit is on my shortlist but that’s beyond me mechanically. I’m searching for a reasonable mechanic to do it.

My dealership wanted 4 hours labor @ $180 an hour to install the saddlebags. I’d hate to hear what the rake kit would cost!!!

Not a problem Sheriff!
That rake kit REALLY is that good!!!!
Definitely reach out to some of your local Indy’s (Independent bike shop) that is reputable.
Not only will they be much cheaper than a dealership, but also supporting a small local business.
If they are familiar with changing & adjusting neck bearings, then they can definitely do this.

I have a good amount of knowledge and skills, along with a nice selection of tools, and even a bike/trike lift, but never adjusted, nor changed out neck bearings.
It definitely does not sound hard, and a full disassembly of the fairing (both inner & outer) and handle bars…. Basically it will be fully disassembled to check adequate torque and movement. (What’s funny is last winter when I did my whole complete make over, it was completely disassembled already and I should have just done it then. I was still “researching” about it and was still slightly hesitant at that time…. Boy I could kick myself for not doing it then! Again, it is such a total pleasure to steer it and so much easier now! (definitely recommend keeping it on your short list, as it really is that good).

My local Indy shop and I trade favors back and forth, so mine did not cost me anything other than it’s my turn for a return favor, lol.
But just to give you a rough estimate, any customer would normally be charged $750-$950 on his labor rate. (He also was a senior tech at a local HD dealership that closed years ago and they did these all the time at the dealership…. Which was almost double the price, FYI)

Attached are 2 other pics I just took this morning for you to help show the clearance better between the saddlebags and armrest kit on mine:


- Brett

 

[Sheriff42]

Thanks for the info 14! I need to find an Indy. Going to check Fort Myers and Cape Coral. It’s a short ride there.

Amazing that my dealership wants similar cash to put on Trike Saddlebags than what your Indy wants for a rake kit!

I have the templates in place to do the saddlebags. I walk out to the garage and look at them every once in a while. Building courage to drill holes!

I start after church tomorrow!

Thanks for the advice and info.

 

[PanheadSteve]

I attached my saddlebags with 3M Dual Lock. https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/dual-lock-reclosable-fasteners-us/

Used the 250 and 400 combination for maximum strength. After a good alcohol cleaning on the paint to remove any wax. The bond is so strong she has accidentally stood on them getting off and on. No movement at all.

They lock together so hard it takes a block of wood and hammer from the inside to set them. Best of all no holes in the fenders.

 

[Sheriff42]

Panhead, I thought long and hard about those holes! Said a prayer at church this afternoon, came home and did it! Turned out great!!

I’m not sure who the patron saint of motorcycles is, but he or she helped!!!