Saddlebag Compatibility

How will saddlebags for a Maxim 550 fit on my my Maxim 650. I am not familiar with the differences in the frame, seat, riding positions, etc...

I don't need to ride two up with the bags.

 

what type of bags?

 

Sorry...

I am pretty sure they are the original hard cases from the factory.

 

Then they should fit fairly well. You may have to make different mounting brackets, or modify the existing ones. The frames are different sizes between the two bikes so bolt holes will most likely not line up.

I have a set of hard removable bags on my xj650 maxim. The side bags are from an older Silverstar if I recall correctly, and they have the quick release brackets. The trunk setup is currently from a virago. I used a combination of original mount points as well as custom-made brackets. I simply put the parts on where at least one bolt hole would line up. Then I made flat 1/8" steel brackets that would mount somewhere and bent, angled, and drilled for new holes to match. I cut the ends long enough for me to round off rather than square jagged corners. Paint them flat black or semi-gloss black and they disappear into the bike and look virtually original. See the black 650 in my gallery.

You CAN do it yourself.... I used hacksaw, a drill, and a file.

dave

 

Will I have to move the turn signals?

 

on mine, the brackets had a mounting spot. However, it's easy to relocate them.....just make another flat strap bracket and drill a hole. use bullet connectors to lengthen the wires. There is also a really nice way to mount signals, and is simply making a 8-10" long flat strap, bent at 90 degrees each end. Drill holes for the signals to mount, drill two holes in the middle of the long part and bolt it to the license plate mount. The put the lights a little farther back, as well as a little closer together and the don't stick out to the sides as much as the stock position. It ends up looking more like the 900 seca - type bracket.

Dave

 

Thanks...I think I will pull the trigger and buy them...we will see how it turns out

 

When you get them, post a pic or two. As you have questions, let us know, and we'll be able to help you out. If you need, let ME know, and I'll take some closeup pics of how I did my bags.

dave

 

I got the bags on the bike and took an 1100 mile trip with them with no problems. I tried to get a little too fancy with the mount and had to restart, but the second simpler attempt went very well. I didn't have time to paint the mounts before I took the trip and the steel developed some surface rust after I got caught in the rain. I will post some pics once I get them cleaned up.

 

Post pics before paint and we can see the custom parts

 

bought my 750 last year w/bags & trunk.they look the same as yours hogfiddles, all brackets etc.appear factory.have not seen another set except yours.photo in my gallery.overdone reflective tape by po will go when i repaint inner half of bags to match trunk. could only get 1 photo to upload.

 

Nice Job. It took me only a couple hours to make my brackets and install everything start to finish. Looks good.

Dave

 

I'll let you in on a secret......I have another set yet to put on something. don't tell anyone, they'll be begging me for it............

Dave