Hi All,

I have a Switchback, and I have a problem with my panniers and I'm wondering if you can help at all.

About six months ago, just outside Port Fairy, having riden from Melbourne, my left pannier suddenly came flying off. I was doing about 100kmh, and it was loaded. I thought at the time I was an arse and simply hadn't locked it. I got it out the field where it lay, put it back on and went on my way, my ego somewhat bruised, as was my pannier, and fender.

Yesterday however riding with quite a large pack, the same thing happened again. This time I was doing about 120kmh, and this time it was the right pannier which fell off. This time it was unloaded, but this time I know it was locked. Not least as I'm paranoid about it so had checked it some 45 minutes before. Thannkfully no-one again was hurt.

This though is a real problem. Has anyone heard of this issue with the Switchback panniers? Is there some design fault, or my bike is vibrating or something that is causing these to pop off?

Any help appreciated,

Cheers 

Thanks paulybronco.

It does then distract however from being able to quickly convert the bike if they bolts are then screwed in. However, do you know if the panniers ar the same? The Switchback has only one lock inside each pannier, not a twin lock as I've seen one other Harley bags. There is as such then no bracket, as the panniers just slide on to three points on the frame. You can see it here

http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/072111-2012-harley-davidson-switchback-3.jpg

where there is one metal knob on the lower bottom of the fender and then two on the top metal fender rail. Putting a bolt in would mean putting a bolt through the fender.

I haven't had your problem with my Switchback panniers but I have a problem with the lid on my right hand pannier, it comes open sometimes when I'm riding down the road and then bounces up and down until I or someone else notices it. The left one doesn't do it and I fasten them exactly the same way.

I know of one other Switchback rider who's lost a pannier but he wasn't 100% sure he'd fastened it on the bike right... still the design could be better if it's that hard to tell if they're actually shut or on the bike right.

Roadking paniers are obviously different but require locking-in properly , i had one of the rear locking pins come out one time so now i make double sure the bag is sitting exactly where it is meant to be sitting so it at no time is levering the pins and that both 1/2 turn locking pins are not only turned in but make doubley sure that they are actually locked in 100% , not only by feel but by looking behind the bag to make sure and then give it a rattle , ya can`t be too sure hey .
Would hate to take someone out due to me not locking the pin in all the way correctly or not sitting it on the support rail as i have once done also , the pins should "lock-in" and there fore need to be "un-locked" , if ya having a problem with them actually becoming un-locked during riding , notify ya dealer asap !

 Hey Geoff3DMN,

I've also had that problem on this set where one of the panniers opens while riding. Is your friend in Australia that lost his, I'd be interested in hearing his story.

 

Cheers.

 I'll be doing that today, it was a holiday here yesterday.

Given my past experience of loosing one, I always do double, triple chdeck they were locked. And it was...

I'd be trying the dealer under a warranty claim if you are confident the bag came off itself. Try the USA sites to see if this is happening on a regular basis and use that info to support your claim. Also try a company called Brukus in the USA to see if they have developed a secure fix for the dyna bags. They do ones for the FLH's. I have heard of situations where the bags were replaced because of mounting pin failures, but you may need to have your facts correct and witnesses if with a group.

Had a 2011 cvo convertible do exactly the same, the first one on the right side came of at about 50kph with about 50k,s on the clock. Very little damage, they were leather. So like you i double check the locking everytime i ride. The left hand one came off at 100kph after hitting large pot hole. Did not know it came off till i got home, pot hole approx 150k,s back. Put in an insurance claim and got it on insurance. I now have a road king and i still check the pins every ride.

Thanks paulybronco.

It does then distract however from being able to quickly convert the bike if they bolts are then screwed in. However, do you know if the panniers ar the same? The Switchback has only one lock inside each pannier, not a twin lock as I've seen one other Harley bags. There is as such then no bracket, as the panniers just slide on to three points on the frame. You can see it here

http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/072111-2012-harley-davidson-switchback-3.jpg

where there is one metal knob on the lower bottom of the fender and then two on the top metal fender rail. Putting a bolt in would mean putting a bolt through the fender.

I don't ride mine with the panniers too much, but when I do, I always triple check the locking mechanism. I have tried to shake and rattle them of with the inside locked, and couldn't budge them. You can easily put them on incorrectly if your not careful, as it will lock with only 1 or 2 lugs in place. I usually tap them into place with a rubber mallet and cloth to make sure. You can also lock the lid with a lever near the handle and of course with the key lock. Saying all that, I don't really know if it will happen to me, I've only been for a few longer rides with them on, and sure as fuck wouldn't like that to happen to me. I would put them on as best you can and lock them and then go for a spurt and check them again. If it seems loose or they come off again, I would take them back to the dealer for a thorough check. If you didn't get the bike at a dealer, I would still take it back to any dealer, as I'm sure Harley Davidson would like to know about that. Imagine one of them coming off and hitting another rider or pedestrian. I'm going for a fairly long ride on Sunday, and will check them now every stop we make.
cheers
John

Thanks paulybronco.

It does then distract however from being able to quickly convert the bike if they bolts are then screwed in. However, do you know if the panniers ar the same? The Switchback has only one lock inside each pannier, not a twin lock as I've seen one other Harley bags. There is as such then no bracket, as the panniers just slide on to three points on the frame. You can see it here

http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/072111-2012-harley-davidson-switchback-3.jpg

where there is one metal knob on the lower bottom of the fender and then two on the top metal fender rail. Putting a bolt in would mean putting a bolt through the fender.