gregory bender
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender
Updated: Dec 16, 2009
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebags were manufactured in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I extracted this photo and information from Alan Dunphy off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private email.
Information from Charley Cole:
The differences in Dan Brown saddlebags used on Loop frame Moto Guzzis and Tonti frame Moto Guzzis are as follows.
- Each Dan Brown saddlebags was made in two halves which were joined together crudely with fiberglass and then the seam was covered on the outside with a riveted piece of aluminum trim. The right saddlebags on the Loop and Tonti versions have identical halves, inside and out.
- The outside half of the left saddlebag is identical for the Loop and Tonti versions. The inside of the Tonti left saddlebag has a much larger cutout to make room for the disc, caliper and caliper carrier.
- Dan Brown made special rear crash bars for these saddlebags and they are different for Loop and Tonti applications. The Loop crash bars are a simple "U" shape. 'The Tonti crash bars are of a similar shape, but with a welded on, offset bracket to attach to the frame at the lower end of the crash bar.
- Of the four mounting points for the saddlebags, all of the bracket are different with the possible exception of the lower rear bracket which ties both saddlebags and the fender together. The two I have are very close in size and shape. If they are missing, they would all be simple to make. Three are made out of 1" x .125" mild steel strapping and the lower rear, "U" shaped bracket is made out of 1" x .190" steel.
- The light bars for both versions of DB saddlebags are the same.
- If they are fitted, you also need a small contoured mounting which bolts to your rear fender and has a slotted tongue sticking straight out of it. One of the straight sections of bar the comprises the light bar has a matching tongue and a bolt goes through both tongues to support the back of the light bar. At the front, they mount to the crash bars which are pre drilled for this purpose.
- The hardware and lights are identical on both versions.
They are cavernous and are my favorite saddlebags on a Guzzi.
Before I got my Indian sidecar rig, I used to pop the top off my right bag and my dog Zydeco could come riding with me. It was her favorite thing in life to do.
Dan Brown made many other popular and now, valuable accessories. Dealers for Dan Brown products used to get catalogues of the accessories they offered.
I extracted these photos and information from Alan Dunphy off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group and from John Ulrich in a private email and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private email.
Thanks to Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing for sending me this information in a private email.
I extracted this information from Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Charlie's own words:
Truck-Lite part number 99041R (red) or 99041Y (amber) *should* be what you need if I remember correctly. Measure yours to be sure.
Truke-Lite Part Number 99041Y
Thanks to Charles Hamer from sending me this information in a private communication.
For certain versions of the DB saddle bags, like the one on my Eldo, one bag comes with 2 red lights which lenses where made by Dietz (very hard to find). You can get the exact same one and really the exact same one, (except of Dietz it says Signal-Stat).
Truck-Lite part number 9093 (red) (picture is amber only)
Napa part number 6802189
Truke-Lite Part Number 9093NAPA sells the complete light casing with lens for USD $5.49.
Truck-Lite part number 1259 (red)
Napa part number LIT 1259
Truke-Lite Part Number 1259
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
For replacing the factory metal trim strip, I used a chrome body side molding from Custom Auto Trim and Graphics kit# MDGWW-TP (5/8" Trapezoid Wheel Well Molding). It runs $39.00 for a 20 ft roll. It does use 3M adhesive so once it's stuck on, it's for good.
Mike Harper of Harper's Moto Guzzi put me on to Ohio Travel Bag who supplies Hardware Elf the original hinges and latches for the DB Saddlebags. The M-016A hinge sells for $0.99 each and the L-018 chrome latch with #2133 key sells for $7.49. Shipping is $7.98.
I extracted this information from Rick off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
I used part number 12335 A561 (same as 12335A56) at McMaster-Carr. Works great for me.
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
I used Dennis brand "Super Firm Sponge-Rubber tape" 1/4"x3/4" 10 ft roll. Purchased at either Home Depot or Menards…bad memory!
