New Saddle Bags on Suzuki M800 / M50

I've just bought these bags at the Belfast Motorbike Show. Question: Do I need support arms ?. They sit perfect at the moment. I can get the arms on eBay if required.

Nice bags, as long as they don't touch the wheel when you are riding they should be fine.

they look kool mate......but the problem i had with saddle bags was when we went to Spain the leather got a tad warm and sagged onto the exhaust.....nasty mess it made

They look sweet

Very nice indeed, I like the shaped ones

If you can get an old printing plate, it is a very flexible metal, and can easily be cut to any size and shape,
and stuck under panniers with strong double sided tape to protect the exhausts form marking if they sag a little.
Beware when cutting plates, as the edges are razor sharp, and will open you up
like a box knife.

Guys I've another question regarding these. Can anyone recommend a good leather crime to protect the leather?

Badger wrote:

If you can get an old printing plate, it is a very flexible metal, and can easily be cut to any size and shape,
and stuck under panniers with strong double sided tape to protect the exhausts form marking if they sag a little.
Beware when cutting plates, as the edges are razor sharp, and will open you up
like a box knife.

Thanks

Those bags really suit the style of the bag. You've nothing to lose by buying the proper support arms and if you can afford the bags then I think you can afford the proper support arms. If you are into doing your own fabrications then by all means make your own.

CycleBiker wrote:

Those bags really suit the style of the bag. You've nothing to lose by buying the proper support arms and if you can afford the bags then I think you can afford the proper support arms. If you are into doing your own fabrications then by all means make your own.

Think I will order the proper supports, hate doing things by half... Thanks

I have support arms and use cable ties to hold the bags in tight, just cut
the ties off when you want the bike bare.

Campbell59 wrote:

Guys I've another question regarding these. Can anyone recommend a good leather crime to protect the leather?

I used to use liquid shoe polish. I took the attitude that if it works on leather shoes that really do take punishment when you thing about it, its gotta work on leather saddlebags

Maybe I was just being a cheapo but it made sense to me

I've got these on my saddle bags.... work well to clip the bag to the support arms and mean you can lift the bags on and off easily.

My saddle bags have a sleeve/envelope type of thing on the back and you slide them over the saddle bag supports, works well.

I fabricated my plates to support my bags from old computer cases,I cut the shape of the outside of the bag and riveted the plate to the bags, thats what biking is all about to me,saving money,and messing around till a plan comes together.

alfie92 wrote:

I fabricated my plates to support my bags from old computer cases.

Thats a good idea

I love it when a plan comes together

Hi Campbell.
I've just noticed that your bike is the same as mine.
The only difference is you have a screen fitted.
I like the black and white and red paint colour.
Those saddlebags are nice.

Regards
Rich.

Hi Campbell,

Really smart looking panniers

You are possibly only going to have an issue when the panniers are full. Support arms are a good idea simply to eliminate the chance of the panniers contacting the rear wheel, as damage from contact during a long tour could be significant.   

As for looking after the leather .... try a local equestrian outlet ..... I use 'natural' & 'black' dubbin for my 'leather gear' (Hope Valerie's not listening ). They also sell 'saddle soap' & 'leather food' etc. to help keep leather in good condition. We have a local equestrian shop, & the prices are reasonable .... if you are stuck you can also find such products on 'e-bay' etc.

Hope that might help

   Yam

Awsum bags. Absolutely love them. I have the same support and clips, from metric cruisers. 
As for protection  I just use good old Kiwi parade gloss boot polish.
Works on my army boots. Cheap as chips.