Saddlebag woes

[B.D.F.]

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.

[B.D.F.]

Well Rich, it sounds like you can use your bit to poke a pretty tight hole (that is how you generate an 'Easy Boys!'). 

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). 

[VirginiaJim]

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? 

[AlbertaDoug]

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). 

Would you happen to have a pic of these pins and holes?

[B.D.F.]

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?

[Rhino]

Would you happen to have a pic of these pins and holes?

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828

[Zteve]

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.

[Scaffolder]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203839673184070&set=pcb.10152311327893309&type=1&theater



Click on the picture for other pics.

[AlbertaDoug]

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2689.msg30828#msg30828

Perfect, thanks Rhino. 
I happen to have a few of those pins in my garage. 

[rocknrod]

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)

[MAN OF BLUES]

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.

[MAN OF BLUES]

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.

[rocknrod]

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.

[JS_racer]

...........
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

[Snype]

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

[jimmymac]

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.

[MAN OF BLUES]

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.

[leisyman]

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

[Snype]

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