Joined
·
259 Posts
The Gunner is a thin, lean bike and I wanted removable saddlebags that were thin, useful, expandable, and modular. I had the thin Condor utility pouch on the swing arm. Great for riding and stashing my glasses, registration, house keys and whatnot. But, when I ride with my wife, we need a little more space. I made some measurements and ended up going with the Condor Outdoor 137 shoulder bags- $25 each- and some Easy Brackets made for the Vegas- $160. I ended up at Home Depot buying a 2x4 sheet of 1/2" plywood- $9. Total cost $229 plus shipping. We have a ride coming up and I paid extra for express shipping...
Anyhow, I mounted the Easy bracket spools and attached the brackets. I then measured the bag- 8"x 11.25"x 5". I cut the plywood 8x11.25 and sanded slightly until it fit against the back wall of the inside of the bags snugly. Then, I took the piece of wood, held it to the easy bracket and used a small level and maneuvered it until I got it level and placed where I wanted it. I used a marker to trace the bracket onto the wood and then took the bracket off, placed it onto the wood, and traced out the holes. I drilled the holes and then used that piece of wood as a jig for the second piece to ensure the placement of the bags was identical. Then I put the wood on the outside of the bag and used it to drill the holes through the back of the bag. I had a piece of wood inside the bag to stop from drilling though the entire bag. I mounted the brackets and then checked fitment on the bike. Perfection! They are thin but each bag is over 400 sq inches. Plenty for a rolled up sweatshirt, her purse, some glasses, or anything else that goes in a saddlebag. I then mounted my swing arm bag onto the outside and it fit great! I plan on adding some small modular pouches to the outside, and I may even buy two more of these bags in case I want expanded capacity. The molle straps work awesome. I can even bungie things to the outside of the bags like the little folding three legged stools we take to bike events to have a place to sit. Let me know what you think!
Anyhow, I mounted the Easy bracket spools and attached the brackets. I then measured the bag- 8"x 11.25"x 5". I cut the plywood 8x11.25 and sanded slightly until it fit against the back wall of the inside of the bags snugly. Then, I took the piece of wood, held it to the easy bracket and used a small level and maneuvered it until I got it level and placed where I wanted it. I used a marker to trace the bracket onto the wood and then took the bracket off, placed it onto the wood, and traced out the holes. I drilled the holes and then used that piece of wood as a jig for the second piece to ensure the placement of the bags was identical. Then I put the wood on the outside of the bag and used it to drill the holes through the back of the bag. I had a piece of wood inside the bag to stop from drilling though the entire bag. I mounted the brackets and then checked fitment on the bike. Perfection! They are thin but each bag is over 400 sq inches. Plenty for a rolled up sweatshirt, her purse, some glasses, or anything else that goes in a saddlebag. I then mounted my swing arm bag onto the outside and it fit great! I plan on adding some small modular pouches to the outside, and I may even buy two more of these bags in case I want expanded capacity. The molle straps work awesome. I can even bungie things to the outside of the bags like the little folding three legged stools we take to bike events to have a place to sit. Let me know what you think!
