Jack Phelps' Pages
|
Leatherlyke
Saddlebags
WHY?
Though I have liked the quality of the Carolina Leather bags I have
been using, I decided to change the look of my bike to more of a
dresser look. I also wanted the practicality of having a set of bags
that were easily lockable. I have owned a set of Leatherlyke bags
before and liked the looks and functionality. Some earlier editions
of these bags, including mine, had exhibited problems with cracking
around the mounting points; the manufacturer stood behind the
product, though, and I understood that the mounts have been
redesigned for added strength. I decided to buy a new set, and found
the best price on the Cruiser model bags from my friends at Yamaha
Sportscenter. Though they offer online ordering, I like to call
just to say hello to Brad and Randy.
SERVICE. These
guys are incredible. As usual, they had the best price I could find.
As usual, they had the item in stock. As usual, they shipped same
day. I received the bags 21 hours later! Okay, I only live 250 miles
away so UPS shipping is fast, but this kind of service is just not
found anywhere else. The bags arrived packed in the original
manufacturer's box, complete with all parts and instructions.
INSTALLATION.
These bags are really designed for the 1100 Custom, but I like the
looks of the slightly smaller Cruiser bags. I mounted the bags with a
"hard mount" directly to the fender and did not use the
quick-release fasteners that were included with the kit; using them
would have required some minor modifications to the metal support
bracket. The entire installation took me about 20 minutes. Removing
the bags can be done in less than 5 minutes, so I didn't miss having
the quick release feature.
RESULTS. Pretty
darned good. I like the looks of the bags, they fit the look I'm
trying to achieve, and they're very handy. These bags hold a pretty
good sized load, and I can lock them easily.
WORTH THE
MONEY?
You bet. these bags aren't cheap, but they are less expensive
than other hard bags. The locking feature is nice, and they hold a
pretty good load. |
