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Post by duosport on Jul 15, 2010 20:07:42 GMT -5
So on my F15 there is no way to secure a trunk. Probably I would not want one on it anyway as I think it would not suit this scooter. I have heard you can only get one imported from Italy and I can only imagine the cost. So I decided to buy saddle bags. I looked online and they were 60 dollars and up to several hundred dollars. the cheaper ones looked nice but not very big. So I thought I would make my own. Then I cam across a nice alternative. Soft side personal coolers. They come in many colors and have an internal stiffener. I bought two for 9 dollars each and I bought a camping strap with a plastic buckle. I intertwined the shoulder straps of the two coolers so they were attached in the middle. No union or sewing was neccessary. Just one strap through the other. I adjusted the length of the shoulder straps so when I placed the coolers on either side they were at the desired height. I then closed the seat over the straps. Then I took the extra strap I bought and looped it around the back facing shoulderstrap of one cooler and the brought it under the fender and up to the other side and looped it around the other back strap. I then clasped that securing strap with the buckle and cinched it tight. This held the back straps of the coolers down and tight. I took it for a spin tonight and took it up to 44 mph and they did not budge a bit.
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Post by duosport on Jul 15, 2010 20:12:48 GMT -5
My scooter is black and silver with orange accents and the coolers are black with silver piping. They look like they were made for the scooter. They also have a zippered expansion top so if I unzip it the top raises another 4 inches. They go tall enough to accept a liter bottle of Coke and of course they are insulative so produce and meat will stay cool on grocery runs. I can take the saddle bags off in 20 seconds and back on nearly as fast.
Total cost: 20 dollars and zero fabrication time.
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Post by 2strokd on Jul 15, 2010 21:35:34 GMT -5
Thats is a great idea! And they dont have to stay on if ya dont want em on!
How sweet is that? You got any pics?
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Post by duosport on Jul 15, 2010 21:44:11 GMT -5
I wanted to but I have dead batteries. Maybe tomorrow. Really it looks pretty good.
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Post by 90GTVert on Jul 15, 2010 22:09:31 GMT -5
Sounds cool. I'd also like to see pics if you get the chance.
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 8:51:57 GMT -5
OK here are some photos:  |
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 9:27:02 GMT -5
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 9:27:25 GMT -5
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 9:32:32 GMT -5
On this photo you can just make out that there is a strap that loops around the rear cooler strap and that it is pulled sown by it. This stabilizes the bags and keeps them from moving around at speed. It also pulls the back of the cooler down and makes it more level with the ground which looks better in my opinion. Time to take the labels off and go to the grocery store for the gorilla test!  |
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 9:40:27 GMT -5
Here is my seat open so you can see the intertwined shoulder straps of the coolers. The shoulder pads actually act as a kind of spacer stabilizer. I am able to fit my helmet in no problem without moving anything. Though with the seat open it is easy to lift up the front strap to put something else in. I also purchased an aluminum drink bottle with intentions of putting gas in it for emergencies. I have to test the top of the container to see if it is gas resistant. If not I am out $2.50  |
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 9:51:02 GMT -5
So what do you think? Does it scream "coolers" or would the average joe on the street think they were saddle bags?  |
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Post by 90GTVert on Jul 17, 2010 10:51:56 GMT -5
They look like coolers to me because you've told me they're coolers. lol Otherwise, if I just saw it around I'd think saddlebags. It gets a thumbs up from me.  I'm adding this one to the tech library to make sure people can find it in the future. Thanks for the pics and info. The front of your scooter makes me jealous every time I see it. I really like that styling. |
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 11:34:24 GMT -5
An update on these saddle bags/coolers. I went to the store today and bought two big bags of heavy groceries. When I put a 2 quart container of juice in one bag it was fine, but when I opened the seat the heavy saddle bag sagged down. I happen to be buying two juice containers so I placed one in the other side and righted it. I then closed the seat and removed one of the containers of juice and the seat holds it in place. I loaded up the bags and went for a ride. All was fine. When I came home and unloaded the goods I noticed that the clasp of the shoulder straps had slid and lengthened the straps a bit.
so there is the need to do some modifications to make it perfect. I am going to sew the straps to maintain their short length. I also have some rubber round furniture feet. Small pads if you will. I am considering sewing them onto the straps to act as inside catches to keep the straps from sliping over the seat bucket lip. This should keep it in place under uneven load.
Lastly the unzipping of the cooler tops is a bit of a pain. The top flap does not stay open so one must hold it open with one hand and load up with the other. The trunk on my old scooter was big and definitely more convienient. Unlock it and drop your bag in and lock it and go.
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Post by 2strokd on Jul 17, 2010 11:35:17 GMT -5
Very NICE, what a great idea :thumb:
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Post by duosport on Jul 17, 2010 11:44:56 GMT -5
... The front of your scooter makes me jealous every time I see it. I really like that styling. Yes I was really lucky to have found it for sale when I did. I like it too. I was going to buy a 150cc but I am enjoying this so much I really do not feel the need. Unless the cops here start doing what they are in 2Stroke's neck of the woods. |
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