| Author |
Message |
    
Slowride
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 07:45 pm: | 
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Thanks Lowflyer,
I was looking at the tourtech, carabou, etc... but just can't get over the square look on such a sexy bike. You can buy the exact same set new, non branded Buell from a company (i don't remember)for $700.
I also tried the soft shaped saddle bags, but they were just to small for a 2 week romp around the country.
highjack off.... |
Andrejs2112
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 07:49 pm: |
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Can you buy the "fix" from Buell before it becomes and issue? I would be nice to be able to take care of it soon after it happens and not have to deal with the dealer B.S. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 08:11 pm: |
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Yeah, the looks of the boxes aren't much to brag about, but then I don't plan on looking at the bags much. 
Flynuly has some decent pics of his Happy Trails bags here: http://tce1987.smugmug.com/gallery/2050341#1082007 12
I think it must be an acquired taste because they look cool to me. |
Buelet
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 08:25 am: |
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I don't know about anyone else, but the new latch looks identical to the old one to me. (Besides the obvious break, of course.)  |
Chinook
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 04:43 pm: |
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yes. i had mine replaced at the dealer yesterday. it is identical and the design hasn't been beefed up. that means a webbing strap stays in my case at all times in case one latch explodes! |
Gearloose
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 06:53 pm: |
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To bad HB couldn't fab up a alum.one,or at least beef up the fracture points. |
Honu
| | Posted on Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 09:14 pm: |
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Same story here, latch broke while at MBIV, I was being super careful ( I was fully aware that there was a breakage problem) trying to close lid while bag was on a pic nic table. Dealer replaced under warranty. Same as old latches!!
I too would pay for a heavy duty version!! |
Skrobe
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2007 - 11:16 am: |
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Does anyone have a broken latch they would be willing to send to me? I have access to a machine shop with some very creative fabricators. Perhaps they could develop a solution for a stronger latch. |
Ulywife
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2007 - 11:30 am: |
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Skrobe - I might. I should know more by the end of the day and will post again.
Kristi |
Chinook
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2007 - 12:42 pm: |
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Dealer took my broken latch and said he had to send it in for warranty exchange. |
Pso
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 07:40 am: |
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Skrobe: I get the feeling that if you and your folks are able to pull that off there may be a line to your door. I would bbe interested. |
L_je
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 12:37 pm: |
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Skrobe,
I can put a broken latch in the mail on Monday. Though, if you'd like something to work with sooner, I can show you where to put your bike, so that you, too, can have your very own busted latch!
Just say "dibs", and my latch is yours! |
Lduly
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 05:29 pm: |
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I'll send you one that isn't broken if'n you want one. My bags now collect dust in the corner of the garage, I can't stand the thought of one deciding to give up the ghost going 75 down the freeway in heavy traffic. |
L_je
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 08:36 pm: |
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I don't know of anyone who has had a clasp break on them while moving.
A sidecase opened up on me at 60-70mph, but that was only because I didn't close it properly, and the latch never caught the lip on the lid. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 10:22 pm: |
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I think if I were riding with those bags, I would simply back up the latch with a strap or bungee. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 10:40 pm: |
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Still 0 issues with my bags, but i am extra careful about them now. Bungee cord is kept in my topcase just incase i put a real load on them. |
Crusty
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 07:53 am: |
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I've had no issues with my bags in almost a year and a half, and I'm in them at least once a day, usually more (Not so much in the winter). I've ridden in rain that had traffic on the Interstate down to 25 MPH, and the bags didn't leak. The latches have given me no trouble whatsoever.
I spoke to an engineer from the factory at Daytona last year (2006) and he told me that an upgraded latch was in the pipeline.
Now, I don't know, but possibly the latches could be made stronger without any visible evidence. Maybe the new latches are out, and nobody is realizing it because they don't look any different. I can think of a couple of ways to make them stronger without changing their appearance, and I'm not an engineer. I know that Hepco & Becker is mentioning stronger latches for the Journey bags on their website.
Buell Customer Service has gone to great lengths to replace broken latches. Way beyond what any other manufacturer would do. When is the last time BMW or Honda overnighted a warranty part to a post office, so a customer wouldn't be inconvenienced? Would Buell keep doing this if they thought the latches were junk?
In my experience, every time Buell has addressed a problem with one of their designs, it never resurfaces.
I also think that there is a bit of "Internet Amplification" going on. A few people have had problems with their latches, so all the latches are junk.
I am not trying to make light of people who have had latches break. I remember sitting in a campground in Illinois, trying to get into the bag on my S3-T, and not having the "Security Allen Wrench" to remove the button heads. It sucks when it happens.
Anyway, I don't worry about my latches. I carry a couple of bungee cord in my bags just in case, and if the worst should happen, I know that Buell will do the right thing.
With all that said, I wish that the Caribou bags had been available when I got my Uly. I think that they're the cat's ass! |
Irelage
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 10:48 am: |
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This topic is well covered and has been verified as a legitimate issue. I had two break within a two week period. I didn't abuse them and used them like all my other luggage. My dealer had heard about the problem and gladly took back the Buell Luggage System. HD/Buell do a great job and I love there products. Never thought I's say that. I thought I would be riding a Beamer now but the Uly won out. I just installed the Caribou system and it is spectacular. Fit and Finish is perfect. It is a big assembly job compared to Buells luggage. The Buell bags definately more sexy but the Caribous boost my testosterone. |
Skrobe
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 08:53 am: |
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Sorry, I haven't responded sooner - was out of town the last few days.
Thanks for all the responses.
L_je,
Dibs on your broken latch. I'll PM you an address to send the latch to. |
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