Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Snype on September 01, 2014, 01:04:55 PM
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Ok.. I said it would never happen to me and it did. Zipping to work in the am my side bag popped off.
I need to find a new side bag cover or a way of redressing this one without breaking into my kid's college fund. A new one is about $325.
I was thinking of sanding it and spraying it with a bed liner or something, but was worried about look and adhesion.
Suggestions?
Snype
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I had a pickup bed done in "LINE-X", it was professionally applied to scuffed paint and lasted forever. It looks good and I've even recommended it for luggage racks to protect the finish.
I think it will do your job perfectly.
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Did you hit a bump or it just disengaged? What year bike is this?
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Did you hit a bump or it just disengaged? What year bike is this?
another point: do you take the bags off often? when was the last time you put it on, and did you check that the latch was properly closed? not blaming you, just checking possibilities before I start worrying about my bags :-\
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Based on looking at his previous posts, it appears to be a 2012.
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my 09, 74k miles, the bags are feeling loose, but never lost one. usually have some stuff in them.
not sure if there is a way to tighten the fitment up some.
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Pin 'em.
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Pin 'em.
Which means what?
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Reply #18
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1152.15 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1152.15)
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That'l work, thanks ;)
They have retainer pins for tractors that have a locking bale: http://www.mcmaster.com/#linch-pins/=tjs394 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#linch-pins/=tjs394)
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I have a set of retainer clips that don't require any modification to the bike or bags. Got them off of ebay and they are made specifically for the C14. Can't remember the gentleman who made them but will see if I can find his ebay name.
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I have a set of retainer clips that don't require any modification to the bike or bags. Got them off of ebay and they are made specifically for the C14. Can't remember the gentleman who made them but will see if I can find his ebay name.
That's what I use but I cannot find them anymore.
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Zteve was his name here..I think.....
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=473.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=473.0)
Not sure if he frequents here that much anymore or if he makes the brackets. You can try sending an email through the forum. That's all I can tell you to do.
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Yeah, we have seen this before. I believe the basic problem is that there is sufficient looseness for the bags to come off the bike under exactly the right circumstances of forces generated by that very specific bump. One bag on my bike is pretty loose but the other one is reasonably tight.
There are a few solutions for this- the already mentioned 'pinning the bags'. Another is the steel rods that someone sells on Ebay. A third option is a tie- wrap wrapped around the handle on the saddlebag and onto the lifting rail above it on the bike. Of course that must be cut every time the bag is removed and a new one fitted.
I am going to just shim the latch on my bags so when they latch, there is a little pressure on the latch and no real 'jiggle room'. No evidence that that will prevent the problem but I think it will, it adds nothing that must be dealt with to put the saddlebags on / take them off, and basically will make the latches behave as they always should have IMO.
Brian
my 09, 74k miles, the bags are feeling loose, but never lost one. usually have some stuff in them.
not sure if there is a way to tighten the fitment up some.
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Some people who have done this find the holes wear after a lot of miles (Easy Boys!) and the pin is quite loose. The block on the bike can be replaced easily enough but the tabs on the saddlebags cannot. Just something to consider before doing this IMO.
Brian
That'l work, thanks ;)
They have retainer pins for tractors that have a locking bale: http://www.mcmaster.com/#linch-pins/=tjs394 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#linch-pins/=tjs394)
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Here you go....just found them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr)
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Here you go....just found them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr)
Thanks. Lost my right one and haven't bothered to replace it but this thread makes me want to go ahead and get it now.
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Here you go....just found them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Concours-14-GTR-1400-All-Years-Saddlebag-Retaining-Brackets-/281423678321?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4186288b71&vxp=mtr)
Yep. I have used those for years, just as a safety precaution although I probably could just have well used nylon zip ties, since I almost never take the bags off.
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The cases should not depth charge. At the very least, whomever this happens to, should complain to Kawasaki directly. The more people that complain, the better chances of Kwak Central doing something about it.
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Some people who have done this find the holes wear after a lot of miles (Easy Boys!) and the pin is quite loose. The block on the bike can be replaced easily enough but the tabs on the saddlebags cannot. Just something to consider before doing this IMO.
Brian
I've got 40k milez on my pinned bags... and never have an issue with the pins being loose. If drilled correctly, and not oversized to start with, the 3/16 pins work perfectly, if located correctly, the go thru the metal tab on the bracket also... wear ain't an issue. Mine are as tight as the day I drilled them....(easy boys). 8)
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Agreed but that is not likely to do anything for those of us who have existing C-14's, even if Kawi fixes / alters the future bikes. Unless there is a DOT safety recall of course and that would work for all of us but I think the reports are just too few and sketchy. Losing the saddlebag is kind of a gray area that is virtually impossible to prove that the owner did not do something wrong. I do not believe this is what is happening but still, I doubt there will be enough conclusive evidence to generate a recall.
Brian
The cases should not depth charge. At the very least, whomever this happens to, should complain to Kawasaki directly. The more people that complain, the better chances of Kwak Central doing something about it.
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Well Rich, it sounds like you can use your bit to poke a pretty tight hole (that is how you generate an 'Easy Boys!'). ;D
But seriously, you are probably right- I was just passing along the info. 'cause I saw the photos of a really pretty badly egg- shaped hole with a really rattly (technical term) pin dancing around in there.
I have some pressed felt that I am going to glue to the top of my s'bag latches and 1) take away any sloppiness in the latch and maybe 2) put just a tad of pressure on the latch when it is engaged.
Right at the moment though the saddlebags are off the bike, the bike is elsewhere being tinkered with (being fitted for new and exciting farkles but not my farkles) and my saddlebags have already been slid down the road so until they are filled and painted, I have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Brian
I've got 40k milez on my pinned bags... and never have an issue with the pins being loose. If drilled correctly, and not oversized to start with, the 3/16 pins work perfectly, if located correctly, the go thru the metal tab on the bracket also... wear ain't an issue. Mine are as tight as the day I drilled them....(easy boys). 8)
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Agreed but that is not likely to do anything for those of us who have existing C-14's, even if Kawi fixes / alters the future bikes. Unless there is a DOT safety recall of course and that would work for all of us but I think the reports are just too few and sketchy. Losing the saddlebag is kind of a gray area that is virtually impossible to prove that the owner did not do something wrong. I do not believe this is what is happening but still, I doubt there will be enough conclusive evidence to generate a recall.
Brian
They recalled them once, Brian. And let's see, how many times on the rear brake now?
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I've got 40k milez on my pinned bags... and never have an issue with the pins being loose. If drilled correctly, and not oversized to start with, the 3/16 pins work perfectly, if located correctly, the go thru the metal tab on the bracket also... wear ain't an issue. Mine are as tight as the day I drilled them....(easy boys). 8)
Would you happen to have a pic of these pins and holes?
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Yep, the OE saddlebag was recalled. Twice on the rear brake.
But there were quite a few failures of the original bag latches, and when they failed it was because the latch itself broke. Very obvious fault there. In the current situation, there are very few failures and when they do pop off (Easy!), the latch is fully intact and there is no physical damage to the mechanism. That is why I doubt it will turn into a DOT recall.
And from what those who have contacted Kawasaki have reported on the forums, Mama Kawi ain't fessin' up to nothin' regarding any design flaw.
Look at the KiPass activation switch- more than 6 years and they have not fixed the problem, never admitted to having a problem and the change they made to the spring (which did not fix the problem) is a secret- a part without a part number and a service procedure without a service bulletin.
Of course I may well be wrong but I do not think there is a factory sponsored fix coming to use 'already paid' C-14 owners.
Brian
They recalled them once, Brian. And let's see, how many times on the rear brake now?
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Would you happen to have a pic of these pins and holes?
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828)
(http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2689.0;attach=3510;image)
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Ok.. I said it would never happen to me and it did. Zipping to work in the am my side bag popped off.
Snype
I hate when that happens!
Send me a PM and I'll send ya a set of brackets.
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203839673184070&set=pcb.10152311327893309&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203839673184070&set=pcb.10152311327893309&type=1&theater)
Click on the picture for other pics.
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http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828)
(http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2689.0;attach=3510;image)
Perfect, thanks Rhino.
I happen to have a few of those pins in my garage. ;D
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All I could find are 1/4" pins with the round bales. Has anyone found a link for 3/16" pins? (with the round bales)
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Would you happen to have a pic of these pins and holes?
Go back to post 8 in this thread.......and the link is there.
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All I could find are 1/4" pins with the round bales. Has anyone found a link for 3/16" pins? (with the round bales)
The bails are kinda like wearing 2 condoms..... the 3/16" pins when used with a 3/16" drilled hole, carefully so as not to elongate the hole, are all that is needed.... hell, a silly baby diaper pin would prevent them from coming off...., oh wait, there are very few people here that had diapers that were pinned on... sorry for the analogy.
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I like the bails. It's a personal thing so that's what I'm putting on. Just looking for 3/16" units with round bales and wonder if anyone has a link.
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...........
I am going to just shim the latch on my bags so when they latch, there is a little pressure on the latch and no real 'jiggle room'. No evidence that that will prevent the problem but I think it will, it adds nothing that must be dealt with to put the saddlebags on / take them off, and basically will make the latches behave as they always should have IMO.
Brian
i have the rods, they made a nice gouge in both of my grab rails, but things held tight.
interested in snugging the latch also, let me know how this project goes. thanks
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Thank you for all of the replies. Yes it is a 2012 (the faster color). I don't think the bike has changed much for 2014 either. At least they could have restored normal breaks (Rear= rear and front=front, not this mix and match) *break rant over*
I'll try to scrounge up a "complain to Kawi" link and write letters; but I am not optimistic that they'll respond.
I can see the point that the hole/pin method can wear larger (of course the tighter the fit, the slower the ability to wear.. less movement). It is just plastic it is mounting in. I've seen that strange clip that catches the handle/latch and holds it to the grab rail. May have bought it if you hadn't mention the potential damage. The bail clip (?) may be the best methods to prevent this atm... [shouting] Phil! Make something cool to fix this!!
The next question is how to repair the bag cover. I am getting so sick of people thinking I crashed it and having to point out the design flaws in my baby... "Yea.. he's a great kid, if he wasn't so stupid."
I saw a thread a while back on using bed liner; any issues short term/long term? I assume sand and paint is pointless. Are there any good Kawi wrecker sites that may have bag covers? Also open to other ideas to secure them.
Thanks for the replies,
Snype
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I'm using a 3/16th pin with holes on both ends. A ring on one side, and a clevis pin on the other. I don't want them backing out, and don't trust the spring loaded ball.
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Thank you for all of the replies.
I can see the point that the hole/pin method can wear larger (of course the tighter the fit, the slower the ability to wear.. less movement). It is just plastic it is mounting in. I've seen that strange clip that catches the handle/latch and holds it to the grab rail. May have bought it if you hadn't mention the potential damage. The bail clip (?) may be the best methods to prevent this atm... [shouting] Phil! Make something cool to fix this!!
Thanks for the replies,
Snype
The hole is not just thru plastic, if you remove the plastic part you will see there is an internal metal tongue that the plastic slides over, and the 2 retaining screws thread into. When drilling thru, you go thru the plastic and the aluminum tongue, between the tapped holes, if done correctly as seen in the photos I posted showing how to do it.
Mine never backed out. And if you have any worries, you can always add a small zip tie to the ring, tying it to the flange on the bag.
When I searched for the bail type, the smallest I could find were 1/4" diameter, I looked hard also. The 1/4 ones are a bit too big in my opinion, and there is a greater chance of damaging the screws that hold the plastic tip attempting them, ymmv.
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I used Rustoleum bed liner (rattlecan) to cover damage on my saddlebag lids about two years ago. after two years there is not a scratch or mark on the bed liner paint. I am now thinking of applying the same to my lower fairing, as the lower is beginning to show scratches and discoloration from the road debris and rain goop from my 50mi commute each way every day.
tough stuff and it looks good, too, IMHO
08 C-14, only 28k mi. on her
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3/16 pins. Nice to know there is some meat under there. the rack was a structural disappointment.
Leisyman, do you have any pics? Is there a specific type of Rustolium I should look for?
Snype