Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: RE: DB saddlebag questions

Author: Charlie Mullendore

Date: Oct 4, 2003, 6:28 PM

Post ID: 1714754912



Hi Alan,
I had everything figured correctly then but the grab handle attachment.
I'll have to fabricate that and the lower u-shaped brackets. There was
gentleman that contacted me about some BMW bits I had for sale that had
a chrome rear mount/fender protector. Maybe I should check back with him
and see if he still has it! These DBs are off of an Eldo judging from
the stuff that was still inside. I may replace the lights with LED units
but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Funny you should ask about the reflectors....
I needed a pair for my '71 Ambo - the amber lens is all cracked and
falling apart. As luck would have it, the same shop I bought the bags
from was loading up to go to the British & European bike show in
Leesburg, VA tomorrow. In one of the bin boxes were three NOS amber
Lucas reflectors still attached to brackets for some Brit bike. As soon
as I have a chance to look through all my stuff, I'll decide if there
are any to spare. Remind me in a week or so if I don't get back to you
by then.
Alan R. Dunphy wrote:
 
Charlie,
I have used the DB bags before and I can attest that they are not as
"homely" once installed and they do not look as large either. Each of
the
original brackets had a bolt welded to the saddle bag end. The longest
of
these is flat and goes on the lower front and bolts to foot peg mount.
The
two that are angled in the center go on the top of the bag. one to the
shock
bolt and one to grab handle bolt, not sure which is which but it will
only
work one way. The "U" shaped bracket hooks to the fender and to the
lower
rear hole in the bag and looks to be made 1/4 " bar stock and nickel
plated.
On my '73 the holes were already in the fender but they are not present
on
my '74. Even though these bags are huge they fit really close to the
bike if
mounted correctly. There are two versions of the bag also, the early
loop
bags tend to be very stout and heavier than the later bags which are
slightly different to clear the brake caliper on the Tonti framed bikes
and
lighter built. The later bags will fit on a loop but I believe you will
need
the loop brackets.
DBs look really nice with the rounded Wixom trunk (#306 I believe).
I have some Digital pictures of the bags with the brackets not
installed
and of the bags on my old bike and on my brothers bike if that would
help.
Plus I have a few spare lenses and or light assemblies that I could be
persuaded to part with if needed. I do, however, believe that the lenses
are
available at most any parts store or truck stop and maybe the whole
light
assembly as well. I did not use the lights that came with the bags but
instead used a set of truck lights mounted flush. It really improved the
look of the bags a lot. Have any Ambo reflectors you don't need?

Alan
'74 Eldorado LAPD
MGNOC 4352

Alan R. Dunphy
adun-@midmaine.com
Pittsfield, ME 04967-1426

----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie Mullendore" <li-@loopframe.com>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 7:01 PM
Subject: DB saddlebag questions


 Hi All,
I bought a set of DB 'bags (and a Wixom trunk) today for cheap and
wondered how the DBs mount up. There are two brackets on the forward
part of the bag - one up top that mounts to the upper shock stud and a
lower one that bolts to passenger peg/muffler hanger tab of the frame. I
remember seeing (But don't have) a u-shaped bracket that ties the lower
rear of the bags together - does this also attach to the fender somehow?
There's holes on the upper rear of the 'bags that are in alignment with
the rear grab rail mounting tabs - are there bolts and spacers that go
here or something/nothing else?

Are the "Grote" marker lights used on these originally (?) still
available? I'm missing one lens on each 'bag.

I'm trying to decide if I should use the DBs on "Freebie" or not. They
are quite large and rather homely looking compared to Wixoms. But the
DBs along with the trunk would give me lots of storage capacity for the
planned trip to the 2004 National in SD. Thanks,

Charlie.

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