Quick Release for Motorcycle Saddle Bags

I've had bikes since I was 17, up and down the power range from 70cc to 800cc. I really enjoy the 2012 Suzuki C50T I have. It looks great, fuel injected and has a windshield and saddlebags for taking items and rain gear.

BUT, as a passenger bike, it's lacking. Oh, it has plenty of power and the seats are comfortable enough, but the passenger pegs sit too high and far back to be comfortable for my wife. That and the saddle bags are quite wide adding about 12" to the width of the bike.

A set of peg extenders and mini floorboards solves one problem, but to make it easier for the missus to mount and dismount the bike, I wanted to remove those bags for short rides together. But I still wanted to put them back on for the daily commute. Breaking out the allen key and wrench was not an option.

Here's a quick instructable to make those bags quick release. It should work for other models brands, and bags using a bolt-though mounting system.

Supplies

4 Universal Clevis Pins for correct size (stainless or zinc coated)

4 R clips sized to fit clevis pins

Step 1: Size the Bolts to Buy Pins

Your first step is to take those old bags off.

The exact steps and sizes are for my bike's model and year with the stock bags. I understand the Australian model has differently shaped bags, so double check sizes before going out to buy those pins.

So, grabbing an allen key and adjustable I undid the two bolts on each side and popped the bags off the U shaped holder.

Being a metric bike, I used the calipers and measured the bolts to be M8 25mm. So off I go online to find suitable pins.

Finding metric clevis pins was difficult, stainless ones even more difficult. Luckily, it doesn't have to be and exact fit. So, I search 5/16 by 1". There's a few more options, but delivery is over 2 months away.

Turns out, Home Depot has 5/16 by 2" universal clevis pins with clip. They may be a bit long, but are 'adjustable'.

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Step 2: Putting in the Pins

Since the pins are too long, I can't put them through the bag, into the bracket, and clip them outside. The clip will have to be on the inside of the bag.

But not so fast. I can't get the pin between the wheel and bracket. Bigger allen key and socket wrench later, I've pulled the bracket back, and inserted the pin and tightened it up. The second pin can be pulled in and out freely.

Step 3: Putting the Bags Back On

Now comes the easy part. Hang the bag on the lower bracket and line up the holes to the new pins.

Push the pins though the holes while adjusting the bags. Pull tightly and push the R clip though the hole in the clevis pin on the inside of the bag.

I found using needle-nose pliers made it easier to grab and push when you're right up against the side of the bag.

If you find there's play you can get a washer or spacer. I used 3/8 nuts as spacers (a little bigger than the 5/16 pin)

Now, to remove the bags, pull the clips and take off the bags. Remember to take the front pin out or secure it with the clip, if not you will lose it on your next ride.

I'm going to see if I can find a rubber washer to keep the rear pin from rattling when the bag is not installed. For now I just wrap a rubber band around the the base to quiet things down.

And now the missus is much happier getting on and off the bike.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride!