Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models
Created:
Updated:
// //
Information
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebags were manufactured in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the more common flat-top lids.
Photo courtesy of eBay auction.
DB saddlebags with the more common flat-top lids.
Photo courtesy of eBay auction.
Comparison: Tonti vs. Loop
I extracted this photo and information from Alan Dunphy off of the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io) and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private e-mail.
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 inch × 0.125 inch mild steel strapping and the lower rear, U shaped bracket is made out of 1 inch × 0.19 inch 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.
DB left side saddlebags. Tonti bag is on the left, Loop bag is on the right.
Left side saddlebags. Saddlebag on left is for a Tonti; saddlebag on right is for a loop.
Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Left side saddlebag. Saddlebag is for a loop.
Photo courtesy of eBay auction.
Right side saddlebag. Saddlebag is for a loop or a Tonti (interchangeable); brackets are for a Tonti.
Photo courtesy of eBay auction.
Brackets
I extracted these photos and information from Alan Dunphy off of the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io) and from John Ulrich in a private e-mail and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private e-mail.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit to the passenger foot peg mounts.
Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit to the rear seat bolt.
Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit between each bag and are secured to the fender.
Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. Not sure of application.
Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. Complete set of brackets for a Loop.
Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
DB saddlebag lower rear bracket that links the two bags together. Loop bracket is shown on top; Tonti bracket is shown on bottom.
DB saddlebag upper front bracket that attaches to the top shock mount. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag.
DB saddlebag lower front bracket that attaches to the muffler bracket. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag.
DB saddlebag upper rear bracket that attaches to an existing hole in the frame. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag.
Another view of the upper rear bracket that attaches to an existing hole in the frame. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag.
Thanks to Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing for sending me this information in a private e-mail.
For Loops: DB crash bars, light bar, new correct hardware, and DB rocker gearshift for DB surfboard running boards. All with new triple chrome thanks to the Austin, Texas Police Department.
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).
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io). Brent Eyster sent me some additional information via email.
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 inch Trapezoid Wheel Well Molding). It runs USD $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 (no longer in business) the original hinges and latches for the DB Saddlebags. The M-016A hinge sells for USD $0.99 each and the L-178 chrome latch with #2133 key sells for USD $6.60.
Thanks to Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle for sending me update information on where to source this components. In Charlie's own words:
It seems Hardware Elf is out of business from what I can tell. Couldn't find the hinges or latches on Ohio Travel Bag either (although I gave up too easily). A Google image search of the hinge brought me to this website. There are a bunch of other sources as well. I found the latch here but the same deal - other sources.
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io).
I used Dennis brand Super Firm Sponge-Rubber tape1⁄4 inch × 3⁄4 inch10 ft roll. Purchased at either The Home Depot or Menards...bad memory!
Thanks to Dan Eberhardt for sending me this information via email. In Dan's own words:
I thought you might like the Dan Brown saddlebags I am just completing. With a lot of trial and error I was able to work out what I believe is the best way to seal the lid to the base.
I purchased the seals from my favorite place ever! - McMaster-Carr
The seal for the lid is McMaster-Carr part number 1120A181 Weather-Resistant Vinyl w/ EPDM Seal 13⁄64 inch diameter bulb, fits 1⁄16 inch edge.
