How to swap 84-86 saddlebags

[tufftom4]

Does anyone know if it is hard to switch from 84 to 86 hard bags ?

TOM

[bongobobny]

No, it's pretty much bolt on. You have to buy the bags AND the saddlebag crash bars...

[Yammer Dan]

Bob has that one. You can change them but must change frame they mount on and bags and crash bars. i like the 83-85 because you can remove then so easy. Carry them inside if you need to. Just another reason 83-85's RULE!!!

[tufftom4]

Ok so I think I will keep my 84 bags now cuz I do like being able to take them off and now I know you can't with the 86 but I do like the extra space they have.

[bongobobny]

Whereas I'm ditching MY saddlebags in leu of the larger ones because we never used the "removable" feture. My particular conversion is a bit more complicated because I have the aftermarket Ventureline rear bumper assembly so I have to do some minor hacking to the bottom rear of the bags to get them to clear. Also, I may have to become creative with the turn signals as the bag mounted ones will have to go with the mod. Should be done with it next summer...

[Yammer Dan]

Another reason I really like the Snatch-off ones you can take them off and ride a Crotch Rocket!!! Different ride without them!!

[Squidley]

Ok so I think I will keep my 84 bags now cuz I do like being able to take them off and now I know you can't with the 86 but I do like the extra space they have.

 

 

There you have hit on the quandry, if your into longer touring the larger bags on the 1300's are great. I had a problem with the saddlebags not staying closed on my '84 and I hated that. Of all the Ventures the 1st gen MkII bags are the best as far as space and being able to carry more goes

[Neil86]

If you do the swap, you may want to consider (if you are running stock 83-85 pipes) putting the extension tips from the 86-93 mufflers on....otherwise the exhaust may impinge on the bottom of the longer saddlebags.