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Audace Hard Saddle Bags

gfeher

gfeher

Just got it firing!
Joined
May 17, 2023
Messages
13
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16
Location
California, USA
After searching the forums, for saddle bag options, and being disappointed by the only option being either the very expensive hepco becker(and honestly ugly bags), the ridiculously over priced moto guzzi soft bag, or the modified SHAD bags another user posted which while practical seemed to not fit with the bikes aesthetic. I went on the hunt to see if there was anything out there that was universal or meant for something else.

I ended up giving the large Viking bag shock cut out version a shot considering both bags and a universal mounting kit cost under $300.
This bag is originally meant for a harley soft tail, but the simple design with black leather in my opinion matches the bike perfectly.

I threw away most of the hardware that came with the bag as it wasn't applicable. Made a bracket that attaches to the stock bag mounting points under the seat, and another one that mounts to the lower exhaust support.

If the bracket doesn't brake in a couple of weeks and I don't loose the bags somewhere lol. I'll upload the design to thingiverse as it is 3D printed (I know, a questionable choice. I don't have access to metal machining ATM and protolabs wanted crazy money to mfg the bracket out of aluminum. I have stress tested the design and can support over 300lb and not show any signs of issues).

So far I'm loving the practicality of having storage on the bike, and low key admire it every time I get off of it. The bags are surprisingly well built for the price, have a lock, velcro, and outside is a fake buckle with a plastic clip. I don't know how waterproof they are but at the moment not a huge concern as where I am is mostly super dry. Time will tell how they hold up, but considering the all in cost for everything was about $320 I think it was worth it overall.

Back.JPGMufflerBracket.jpgSeatBracket.JPGSide2.JPGUnderSeatBracket.jpgside.JPG
 
gfeher said:
After searching the forums, for saddle bag options, and being disappointed by the only option being either the very expensive hepco becker(and honestly ugly bags), the ridiculously over priced moto guzzi soft bag, or the modified SHAD bags another user posted which while practical seemed to not fit with the bikes aesthetic. I went on the hunt to see if there was anything out there that was universal or meant for something else.

I ended up giving the large Viking bag shock cut out version a shot considering both bags and a universal mounting kit cost under $300.
This bag is originally meant for a harley soft tail, but the simple design with black leather in my opinion matches the bike perfectly.

I threw away most of the hardware that came with the bag as it wasn't applicable. Made a bracket that attaches to the stock bag mounting points under the seat, and another one that mounts to the lower exhaust support.

If the bracket doesn't brake in a couple of weeks and I don't loose the bags somewhere lol. I'll upload the design to thingiverse as it is 3D printed (I know, a questionable choice. I don't have access to metal machining ATM and protolabs wanted crazy money to mfg the bracket out of aluminum. I have stress tested the design and can support over 300lb and not show any signs of issues).

So far I'm loving the practicality of having storage on the bike, and low key admire it every time I get off of it. The bags are surprisingly well built for the price, have a lock, velcro, and outside is a fake buckle with a plastic clip. I don't know how waterproof they are but at the moment not a huge concern as where I am is mostly super dry. Time will tell how they hold up, but considering the all in cost for everything was about $320 I think it was worth it overall. View attachment 32329
Click to expand...
Looks good Gfeher. I bought the Agostini bags for over a grand Can$. Nice bags, they never leak, but I like your deal better. What size are they?
 
You loose a little space though where the shock cutout is, which is unfortunate as my work laptop just wont fit because of that.

From the website:
Dimensions: 20" x 7" x 11.5" (L x W x H)
Storage Capacity: 1586 Cubic Inches (Pair)
Lid Opening: 12" x 6"

Screenshot_20230920_083138_Chrome.jpg
 
I bought a pair of the hard plastic bags for my 1972 Ambassador around 6 years ago. They worked great on it (using the factory bent flat iron brackets) for a couple of years. I then moved them over to my 2014 California 1400 Custom. Was able to find mounting points with the factory brackets (I did need to drill a couple of 1/4" holes with my drill press), but had vibration cracking issues twice. Last repair I had done I had the welder lay two 1/4" rods across the fracture point, and it was stable from then on. All in all, I'm happy with the experience considering what I saved in cost...
 
James Chance said:
I bought a pair of the hard plastic bags for my 1972 Ambassador around 6 years ago. They worked great on it (using the factory bent flat iron brackets) for a couple of years. I then moved them over to my 2014 California 1400 Custom. Was able to find mounting points with the factory brackets (I did need to drill a couple of 1/4" holes with my drill press), but had vibration cracking issues twice. Last repair I had done I had the welder lay two 1/4" rods across the fracture point, and it was stable from then on. All in all, I'm happy with the experience considering what I saved in cost...
Click to expand...
Do you have a picture of the orignial brackets by chance?
 
gfeher said:
Do you have a picture of the orignial brackets by chance?
Click to expand...
Umm, no. I moved and had the bike shipped, and so removed the bags. Haven't run across them yet in the unpacking. They were a very simple S shape, 1/4" mild steel, around 10" in length, maybe 4 holes on each end (it WAS a universal bracket after all)... Top attach point was up at the luggage rack, and the bottom point was at the passenger footpeg/exhaust bolt area...It was easy to drill later on. FWIW...

Jim
 
I put Viking bags on mine when I had it. I used the Softail brackets that came with them, I don't remember what I did to make the brackets work but I don't think it was much of a project. The bags look super on the Audace. The lines of the bags match the bike perfectly.
kk
 
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