C14 Saddlebag Latch Handle/ Covers

[speedracersworld]

How many are missing & have lost the Saddlebag Latch Covers & the little plastic retainer pieces on their C14's?

[maxtog]

I have seen postings about it on the forum, but I think it is fairly rare.  Hasn't happened to me (and my bags are always on, and I open at least one of them multiple times on every trip).

Are you just curious, or do you have signs of such a problem?

[Rexter]

Ive lost both sides with yhe last 6 months. There are some replacements on alibaba.

[Cuda]

Same here those bags are the worst part of the whole bike.

[lather]

i lost the left. i made a replacement out of sheet metal.

[maxtog]

I guess we need a poll.  I will start one.

[muguvian]

The glue gets soft with age and heat, but I was able to discover the problem before they blew away.  Both sides came loose within six months this past year (it's a '08 I got new).  I used the old covers as a form and made some quick plates from CF, attached with non-hardening RTV.

[speedracersworld]

I have seen postings about it on the forum, but I think it is fairly rare.  Hasn't happened to me (and my bags are always on, and I open at least one of them multiple times on every trip).

Are you just curious, or do you have signs of such a problem?

Yes, I had lost 1 on my first 08 then the other one came off after I sold the bike; that I ended up buying back. This other 08 is missing both sides. Couldn't find replacements then I saw some on Amazon for $55 each but remember buying a pair on Alibaba for $20 each a long time ago. I just ordered another set. If it's a common problem, maybe I should get more if anyone else is interested.

[speedracersworld]

The glue gets soft with age and heat, but I was able to discover the problem before they blew away.  Both sides came loose within six months this past year (it's a '08 I got new).  I used the old covers as a form and made some quick plates from CF, attached with non-hardening RTV.

I wonder if 3M Double sided Molding tape would work good to hold them in place? That stuff is super strong!

[maxtog]

Yes, I had lost 1 on my first 08 then the other one came off after I sold the bike; that I ended up buying back. This other 08 is missing both sides. Couldn't find replacements then I saw some on Amazon for $55 each but remember buying a pair on Alibaba for $20 each a long time ago. I just ordered another set. If it's a common problem, maybe I should get more if anyone else is interested.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847668281.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.1c314778fzqblw&algo_pvid=3efebbe0-1a73-41ff-9f49-608cb067da41&algo_exp_id=3efebbe0-1a73-41ff-9f49-608cb067da41-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2265191030959%22%7D

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847668281.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.1c314778sEFTgT&algo_pvid=15d0bf17-2b69-4d86-8da3-76610b749088&algo_exp_id=15d0bf17-2b69-4d86-8da3-76610b749088-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2265191030959%22%7D

"for Kawasaki Concours 14 / ZG1400 / GTR1400 ABS Side Luggage Saddle Up Cap Backrest Pad Top Cover Boxes Bags Trunk Tool Case Cap"  $23.44 each

That?

[speedracersworld]

Jes!

[VirginiaJim]

Locked temporarily...please do not adjust your sets.  And don't click on anything yet!  Ok, it's been dealt with.

[Rexter]

Got my Chy Na covers. I think they look better than the factory (right one in pic).

[maxtog]

Got my Chy Na covers. I think they look better than the factory (right one in pic).

Still seems like an outrageous price ($45+) for a few little pieces of black plastic, especially when straight from China.  We can assume you installed and they work?  Glue??

[Rexter]

Just got them last night. Gonna install tomorrow. They were $54 after tax…high, in my opinion,BUT….mama Kaw doesnt have them available. Only in a $350+ complete latch assy. Even used/busted bag bases are more than that.

[Rexter]

Took a minute, but here they are installed. I used LocTite super gel glue, and used a lot more than the factory did.

[maxtog]

Took a minute, but here they are installed. I used LocTite super gel glue, and used a lot more than the factory did.

Looks good.  Let's hope it holds!  I haven't had much luck, ever, with any type of "super glue", especially on plastics.

[Big Red]

I use lots of different adhesives for different applications. My choice for that would be PC-AutoBond. I've had great luck with that and I use that for plastics on rockets that go near the speed of sound. It's less brittle that other glues as well.

[maxtog]

I have seen postings about it on the forum, but I think it is fairly rare.  Hasn't happened to me (and my bags are always on, and I open at least one of them multiple times on every trip).

HA!  I should have shut my damn mouth.

Went to open it today, and the top came off in my hand.  It looks like it and the two hinge-things are held in place by a single bead of black RTV.  So I guess I have to find some, scrape off the old, and glue it back.

[maxtog]

HA!  I should have shut my damn mouth.

Went to open it today, and the top came off in my hand.  It looks like it and the two hinge-things are held in place by a single bead of black RTV.  So I guess I have to find some, scrape off the old, and glue it back.

This is more irritating than I thought.  The adhesive must be gap-filling and plastic-compatible. It is not RTV, which is too soft.  It is not epoxy, which is brittle and has no vibration resistance (flex).  I can't find anything close except for the previously mentioned idea of "PC-AutoBond"

https://www.pcepoxy.com/products/permanent-repair/pc-autobond-epoxy/

and that product is impossible to find locally, and has crazy shipping prices from unusual 3rd-party Amazon vendors.  Any other ideas, or should I just give up and pay double?