Triumphrat

engage · 02-07-2010, 10:50 AM

I got Triumph saddle bags at the end of the season. They are currently installed with the Triumph brackets. I'm considering Ghost/Easy Brackets and have a couple of questions for those that have used them:

Is one better (Ghost or Easy)?
How well do these systems do keeping the bags vertical? Since the bags basically hang from the two bolt extensions I worry that the bags might lean-in when loaded.

OKCTriple · 02-07-2010, 08:25 PM

Somebody answer the man, I want to no too.

Rayzor61 · 02-08-2010, 03:10 PM

I bought the Ghost (Edgeleather.com) now called "Generation 3 EDGE" brackets. I compaired the 2 and the features on the Edge brackets far outway the EZ Cheasy. I believe the application is the same as the America. (trying to find my origional post...) They were supposed to update their website with the installation pictures I sent them (still not on their site).

Don't think your bags will fall inwards Todd. Mine did not. The actual brackets are huge and are angled outward to prevent this from happening. With the large brackets and the ridgid bag backing' they dont move. I posted pictures before, I'll look again and repost. Found the pic.... the best part about the Edge System is that they are adjustable (forward & backward). You can use the upper forward stock hole in the bag, straighten them up and drill 3 holes. The two bottom holes need a 3/8" to 1/2" rubber spacer to accommodate the unevenly molded rigid rear bag panels. Very easy job and not as complicated as I write.
WITH BRACKETS:

WITHOUT:

I found a good dealer (not evil) to repair my coolant leak, the bike goes in tomorrow (2/9/2010). I want to bring my leather bags in with me to see if they will return them for the better batch that was produced after I bought mine in July 09.

Anyone here get that done (return theirs)??????

I remember one guy said his dealer returned them with no questions asked. Mine are ruined by the weather. There is tiny bubbles under the surface , the hardware is trashed (corroded), and they sag so far down on the buckle that the buckle portion floops around like a pants belt that wasn't drawn thru the last loop.....sloppy looking! Heres link: http://www.triumphrat.net/cruisers-t...ies-yet-9.html

engage · 02-08-2010, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the reply Rayzor. I'll try the Ghost brackets.

Good news on finding a dealer to fix your leak. I would suspect/hope they will replace you bags. Mine don't have much runtime on them, but they sure look like they will hold up. We'll see.

Rayzor61 · 02-08-2010, 03:40 PM

Yeah.....Todd (Engage) was the one that gave the bag info out but someboday out there actually returned theirs. Are you out there???
Ray

Rayzor61 · 02-08-2010, 05:03 PM

Yes, Yes, Yes.....just talked to Peter (Triumph USA)!!!! I was one of the first 40 people to get the bags after they stopped production with that manufacturer and re-tooled (so to speak) with another after getting complaints. He said to bring um in and they will be replaced under warranty........

drdarren · 02-09-2010, 08:52 PM

I have the edge brackets and they are great. I dont have the triumph bags but mine fit on easy and no issues.i also have a sissy bar so my brackets sit on the front two bolts.

engage · 02-10-2010, 09:39 AM

I contacted Edge and they said the new Thunderbird fitment will be ready in two weeks, which is fine given we have a lot of snow on the ground. Out of curiosity, did you folks modify an existing model?

Rayzor61 · 02-10-2010, 11:44 AM

No, there are a couple of sizes. I think I got the big ones that are from the Speedy and/or America (4.5 x 10.25"), yes; confirmed. The only thing is that the 2 lower holes on the fixed part (bracket to bag) bracket fall lower then the stock bracket holes in the bag when in contact with the molded plastic backing of the bags. This neccessatates a 1/2" spacer between the lower bracket holes (2) and the holes drilled into the bag backing by the customer. The top (2) holes line up perfectly. With spacers in place it looks as if they were made for the Thunderbird. After installation, one side of the bracket is fixed (or not adjustable) to the bag but the other side can be loosened up with bags attached to move forward or backward on the bike. Hence, the term "universal" or "adjustable".

Heres the link to the big ones I got (10 inches long) (the biggest)

http://www.ghostbrackets.com/content/view/349/83/

As you can see in the picture, there is plenty of room (via long slots) for adjustment forward and back. The hieght is predetermined by the stock top holes in the bag already there. Theres no measuring or guessing after you mount the top hole bolts on. After that you just drop a marker thru the bottom holes to mark your 3/8" drilling spot. I think they even come with 2 weather tight plugs to fill in the stock lower holes in the bag.

The only fittment I can think of (by Edge) is if they totally redesign the bracket so no drilling of the lower holes into your bags is required...ie. no spacers. The market is so small, I'd doubt they retool for this bike. They've gone out of their way to make this part universal. Just check the part numbers for other bikes. They only make 2 or 3 sizes to accomadate most bikes.

They told me the same thing Todd (6 months ago). I think what they mean is that they are going to add the Thunderbird to the website as an application their existing product (4 1/2 x 10"). I could be wrong but thats what Alex told me last fall. He requested pictures that I sent him but they never used um.

JimTierney · 02-10-2010, 05:45 PM

Engage,

Did they (Edge) happen to mention whether they also had a fitment for the QL Sissy Bar. I had emailed them a couple of weeks ago and they were still looking for a local (IL) bike to do some R & D with?

The Easy site states that they already cater for the QL Sissy but I read somewhere that the Ghost/Edge product might be a bit stronger?

Any clues?

Jimbo