Category Archives: harley davidson

Update – Heritage Classic Papa Bags Inserts

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UPDATE –

Apparently the Papa Bags company is no longer in business. The owner had mentioned health issues and now the website is gone. I do not make these inserts.  I have attached a link to a PDF of the installation instructions so you can see more of the details. Pretty simple design.

PapaBag Instructions

Heritage Classic Papa Bags Inserts

Do you own a Harley Davidson Heritage Classic with the leather saddle bags?  If so, you probably notice that they lose their shape after a while.  There are lots of options to fix them.  One way is buying inserts and gluing or bolting them in the bags. Or you can even send them off to have them rebuilt. Or you can replace the bags with newer bags or a different type of saddle bag.

Some of the kits require gluing plastic panels into the lids and the bag to hold the shape.

There are also kits that include locks for the lids, which I liked, but decided I didn’t need at this time.

After reading different reviews on the different type of inserts I opted for #PapaBags. The #PapaBag inserts do not require any gluing of panels into the lids. Just install the frame in the “mouth” of the bag and attached to the mounting bolts. Plus the price is right!

I did read a few comments mentioning that you can make them for less than they cost to buy, but why?  Save yourself the time and support small business. They are well worth the money for something that works, fits and easy reasonably priced. And if you have questions, just call and talk to Rick!

So far, I am very happy with the look and the ease of installation.

Check out http://papabags.com/

 

papabags

papa bags

papa bags

papa bags

papa bags

What’s in your motorcycle garage toolbox?

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If you are planning to do any work on your Harley (or other motorcycle), you need to make sure you have good quality, basic tools and equipment. I’m not talking about outfitting your garage like a professional bike shop, but enough to allow you to tackle most owner projects.  And…you can never have too many tools in your shop, right? 
You can work on your bike while its setting on its side stand or a good option is a hydraulic lift that looks kind of like a jack and fits under the center of the bike and lifts against the frame rails.  Stability is the key, make sure if you use the small jack style lift you have the bike supported by additional hands and tie down straps.
If you have the room, a complete “ride on” bike lift is handy. Harbor Freight sells a manually operated hydraulic lift for motorcycles up to 1,000 pounds for around $300, on sale.  With the ride on lift you still need tie downs to make sure the bike is secure. 

Everyone has a tool preference and whether it is Snap-on, Matco, Craftsman or whatever, make sure they feel right.  It is hard to imagine that a wrench isn’t a wrench, but they aren’t.  Even in the same brand, there are different designs.  You need to try out the tools and see how they feel in your hand. If you buy the low end they often have sharper edges and are uncomfortable to put much pressure on.  If you can’t grip them comfortably, they are a waste of money, what ever you paid.  Cheap tools are also prone to rounding and slipping on nuts and bolts.  Usually good quality tools have a good warranty, often lifetime. Breaks or becomes damaged, take it back for a replacement.  Bad tools end up being dangerous and more expensive than buying the better quality right from the beginning. 
Here is a short list of tools that should be in your shop.  Everyone you talk to will have more, less and a different opinion, but this is a start.  And you’ll need both metric and SAE. Both will be on your bike.  Sometimes you can buy most of what you need in one complete set, on sale for a very reasonable price.  Again, make sure the tools are comfortable to grip.   If you get a chance, take a look at Chicago Brand’s new open end ratcheting wrench.  They make a very handy tool for tight spaces!
Short list:
Screwdriver set (straight and Phillips)
Combination (box and open end) wrench set up to ¾ inch to start.
Ratcheting wrench set
Socket and ratchet set, 3/8 inch drive
TORX driver set metric and SAE (get the anti-theft versions with the hollow centers)
TORX screw driver set
Hex wrench set (Allen wrench) in metric and SAE.
Hex drives that fit the 3/8 ratchet
Torque wrench
Pliers
Diagonal cutters
Locking pliers (Vice Grips)
Medium sized ball peen hammer
Plastic or rubber mallet
Adjustable wrenches (Crescent wrench) six and ten inch.
Magnetic parts tray (sticks to the lift or tool box and holds the small parts you take off)
A few additional items:
Good quality safety glasses,
Mechanic gloves
Fire extinguisher
Shop lights (adjustable stand with a couple of halogen lights is nice) 
Mechanic trouble light
Hydraulic roller stool
Rolling tool tray or stand
Drip tray to catch oil etc.
Tank and fender protective pads (or clean soft cloths)
Optional:
Cordless drill
Drill bit set
Dremel tool
Hack saw and blades
Razor knife

The list can go on and on, but to do most owner repairs and maintenance you don’t need a lot.  Check your tool box you probably have most of what you need already.