BRP Cross Country Saddle Bags for F3. Won't stay locked to the bike!

[catfishyates]

So I have installed my cross country saddle bags and I am pleased with how they look. The lock on the bag is a pain but figure some time will work it's stiffness out. So I thought: Are these bags really locked on the bike? To my surprise they slide right off with out unlocking them from the inside! Not sure if I am doing something wrong but the dial on the inside of the bag does not lock and the bar that slides to secure the bags will move at anytime! So not real happy right now. Instructions don't say anything about how it works other than showing an arrow on what direction to turn it. Suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Slagiatt]

They do lock.

I've had mine for over a year and when you twist the interior locking mechanism, they're not going anywhere.
I didn't install my (dealer did) so i really can't help you, but I wanted to reassure you that the system does work.
:dontknow:
I'm sure someone else on the site will have a technical fix for you.
All the best!

 

[Martin Slovakia]

hmmm

Hi man,, I dont know if this is an answer to your question.. but..
First of all,,, the key is and always will be a pain in the ass.. i did several comments on it.. my bags are opening from time to time, the key was jammed, and it may have problem with corrosion.
but to your topic, I do remove them when I do not need them. I did install them on my own, but the dealer did a small adjustment - so i am sure everything is as it supposed to be.
When I do remove them from the bike, i do unscrew the screws a bit, release the protection on the mounting at the back screw and just slide them against the bike. what i mean by this, is that the locking system that is inside, is moving for me and its not really locked, when I do push it hard against that small holder that keeps it in position.

i dont think it is any problem. the bags are hold on those screws on handlebars.. and this inside protection just stabilizes them. o course when i do lock them, the holder does some kind of click, or it feels that way..
sorry if i am not clear...

 

[catfishyates]

spoke to dealerer

Called my dealer parts manager, they actually have not installed any yet but said he thinks there is a trick to setting the locking and it may actually require another part. Not to worried about getting it fixed. He was going to call BRP or check some bulletins and get back with me. Thanks for the letting me know they do lock. Will post when I find out the solution.

 

[catfishyates]

locking bag to the bike

Hi man,, I dont know if this is an answer to your question.. but..
First of all,,, the key is and always will be a pain in the ass.. i did several comments on it.. my bags are opening from time to time, the key was jammed, and it may have problem with corrosion.
but to your topic, I do remove them when I do not need them. I did install them on my own, but the dealer did a small adjustment - so i am sure everything is as it supposed to be.
When I do remove them from the bike, i do unscrew the screws a bit, release the protection on the mounting at the back screw and just slide them against the bike. what i mean by this, is that the locking system that is inside, is moving for me and its not really locked, when I do push it hard against that small holder that keeps it in position.

i dont think it is any problem. the bags are hold on those screws on handlebars.. and this inside protection just stabilizes them. o course when i do lock them, the holder does some kind of click, or it feels that way..
sorry if i am not clear...

So it sounds like your bags will just pop off like mine do? My concern is having them stolen.

 

[catfishyates]

justed watched promo video again

I've had mine for over a year and when you twist the interior locking mechanism, they're not going anywhere.
I didn't install my (dealer did) so i really can't help you, but I wanted to reassure you that the system does work.
:dontknow:
I'm sure someone else on the site will have a technical fix for you.
All the best!

So I just watched the promo video on these bags and it never really says they are locked onto the bike just that they are top load locking with the key. So curiousopcorn:, have you tried to remove your bags from your F3 without turning the dial of the interior locking mechanism?

 

[BamaJohn]

yes, they do lock

I bought mine used from another member and installed them myself. And here's my experience with them:

• Yes, they do lock onto the bike
• No, they don't fall off
• Yes, the lock mechanism inside the bags is a mechanism needing to fit the catches (on the bike) with precise adjustment
• The key locks on top are CHEAP, and you can't open the side cases without using the key (no push-to-open)
• The Givi bags on my 2013 STL were superior to the BRP cross country bags in looks, durability, and function

All that said, I fixed the issue of never knowing which way to insert the key by punching a small dot on the lock to mark the top (key "up" position), and the internal lock mechanism now works just fine to remove/reinstall the bags. They are certainly better than no bags and light years better than soft bags (to my eye).

Ride on, brothers & sisters,
jb

 

[catfishyates]

Precise adjustment is the key!

I bought mine used from another member and installed them myself. And here's my experience with them:

• Yes, they do lock onto the bike
• No, they don't fall off
• Yes, the lock mechanism inside the bags is a mechanism needing to fit the catches (on the bike) with precise adjustment
• The key locks on top are CHEAP, and you can't open the side cases without using the key (no push-to-open)
• The Givi bags on my 2013 STL were superior to the BRP cross country bags in looks, durability, and function

All that said, I fixed the issue of never knowing which way to insert the key by punching a small dot on the lock to mark the top (key "up" position), and the internal lock mechanism now works just fine to remove/reinstall the bags. They are certainly better than no bags and light years better than soft bags (to my eye).

Ride on, brothers & sisters,
jb

So after regrouping this morning and taking another swing at this I was able to get the left side back to lock with a nice solid sound. The right bag was still not doing this :banghead:. Adjusted the bracket on the bike a few more times and also messed with the inside bag dial. Boom :clap:got it to lock! Don't know why the right bag was so difficult or really what the trick was. Just glad it is finally working.

 

[catfishyates]

Guess what? They still pop off!

So thought I would check the bags again to make sure they can't be stolen and to my surprise:shocked: they are no longer locked. Not sure they ever really were. So anyone who has these bags and think they can't be removed without turning the large locking mechanism inside the bag should try removing a locked bag from the bike. Like the bags and how they look but if you are looking to have your things secure while the bike is parked and unsupervised then these are not your bags.:f_spider:

 

[Tazzel]

For as much as those bad boys cost its amazing to me how cheaply they are designed. It just boggles the mind how these got passed the test phase and who in the h*ll is in charge of quality control at BRP!!!! And it appears even when problems are pointed out they continue you to sell these crap bags for an outrageous price. Those that have them should return them to dealers and demand your money back.

 

[monkeyboymorton]

I don't want this to sound like one of those 'this is what you should have bought' posts, because that really annoys me. However.........I've just put the Shad bag kit on and it does everything well that you say the BRP ones don't. Locks firmly to the bike and no issues with the locks. Real quality kit with lots of storage space.

So if you decide these aren't fit for purpose and end up taking them back for a refund, have a look at the Shad ones if you haven't already. Substantially cheaper than the BRP ones too so even if you have to take a hit getting rid of the ones you've got it may not cost you any more overall.

 

[catfishyates]

I agree! However......

I don't want this to sound like one of those 'this is what you should have bought' posts, because that really annoys me. However.........I've just put the Shad bag kit on and it does everything well that you say the BRP ones don't. Locks firmly to the bike and no issues with the locks. Real quality kit with lots of storage space.

So if you decide these aren't fit for purpose and end up taking them back for a refund, have a look at the Shad ones if you haven't already. Substantially cheaper than the BRP ones too so even if you have to take a hit getting rid of the ones you've got it may not cost you any more overall.

The Shad bags were on my list as well and was really interested in them till I saw what the bracket looks like when the bags are off. You see I want the bags and back rest only for trips I take with the wife or if I am making a long distance trip. A lot of my driving will be to and from work (10 miles one way) and just plain pleasure riding so I plan on removing the bags and backrest often. The Shad bags are definitely a better quality bag and price point. Plus they are truly waterproof and can hold a helmet. But I still want to retain a naked look when not needing to carry much so I opted for these quick release bags. Not worth the money, you are paying for the look and the quick release. Quality is questionable.

 

[monkeyboymorton]

Ahh ok. The mounting brackets are more discreet for the BRP ones. Although I find the Shad ones blend in really well with the black frame on the red/black spyder. They have a very similar 'mattish' finish. They would stand out more on the orange frame model.

Compltely off topic, but I see you're from the home of the really tall advertising sign!! They always cause a comment from us when passing through on the I4 (we like Florida as a holiday destination).

 

[catfishyates]

Ahh ok. The mounting brackets are more discreet for the BRP ones. Although I find the Shad ones blend in really well with the black frame on the red/black spyder. They have a very similar 'mattish' finish. They would stand out more on the orange frame model.

Compltely off topic, but I see you're from the home of the really tall advertising sign!! They always cause a comment from us when passing through on the I4 (we like Florida as a holiday destination).

True about the signs!:2thumbs: