linQ saddle bags... Anyone setup on a SW?

[Offroadin]

I want more storage for those 3+ day tours. Currently running 2 X 21L linQ bags on a UNP dual rack setup but was looking at the linQ saddle bags as added storage. I see how they integrate into the existing clamp system and they hang down on the sides. I am just concerned about clearance on the side of the tunnels... Wondering if anyone has set this up on their sled??

 

[XP123]

You need to be careful with how much weight you put on the tunnel of these sleds. The Doo tunnel is much stronger because the running boards go all the way to the back of the tunnel. The Winder like all the Cat chassis sleds only have the bumper towards the back and some have bent their tunnels when loaded heavy. From where the boards end on the Winder is where some have bent them.

 

[Offroadin]

Yup, well aware. But at the end of the day, 2 saddle bags with clothing will weigh less than a linQ gas can!! This is what i ran with last year (2 X 21L + 15L gas can) without issues. I've yet to need emergency fuel so will not be bringing it on these trips. What i DO need though is additional storage for clothes and a pair of boots. I found the 2 X 21L was short on space BUT loved the rigidity and structural design overall.

 

[XP123]

When I loaded up my Winder last year I had a large Doo bag on the tunnel and Yamaha saddle bags on my seat.

 

[Offroadin]

I looked at them BUT i'd then have to buy the large doo bag AND saddles... a set of linQ saddles will be half the cost. + the Yama saddle bags are nowhere near as secure and well built as the linQ ones are IMO.

 

[68gmc]

Linq setup in both my winders. Lots of storage space and retains stock bag.

 

[68gmc]

Another pic

 

[Offroadin]

nice!!! Are you able to mount the saddles on the tunnel linQ adapters or do you have to mount them off the gas tank adapters for clearance?

 

[68gmc]

Up North Technologies single linq adaptor bracket positioned close to the seat gives the structural integrity to the tunnel needed to support this setup!

 

[Offroadin]

I have the same UNT adapter as well. The double one.
But my plan is to remove the gas can, and have the saddles mount to the front UNT brackets, then a 21L on top of them + another 21L on the rear brackets.

linQ Sidewinder luggage 4

• Offroadin
• Feb 22, 2017
• 1

 

[68gmc]

nice!!! Are you able to mount the saddles on the tunnel linQ adapters or do you have to mount them off the gas tank adapters for clearance?

Can mount them lower as well but snow dust becomes an issue. Mounting higher keeps the bags ice and snow free.

 

[Offroadin]

I am just concerned about clearance issues for the saddles against the side of the tunnel / integrated rear bumper bar.

 

[Offroadin]

I guess technically i could leave the gas can in place, just leave it empty so that i can keep them higher. With that said, where is your lower mount point on the saddles? I was looking at their installs and there is supposed to be a mount point on the bottom that the saddles sit into and then lock down on the clamps.. I don't see that with yours. Are your saddle bags an older version?

 

[68gmc]

I guess technically i could leave the gas can in place, just leave it empty so that i can keep them higher. With that said, where is your lower mount point on the saddles? I was looking at their installs and there is supposed to be a mount point on the bottom that the saddles sit into and then lock down on the clamps.. I don't see that with yours. Are your saddle bags an older version?

They have the mid mount but I have not used them for the past 3 seasons. I only put clothing in the saddlebags keeping weight down and put the heavier items in the middle bag so the mid mounts are not really needed .

If you plan on hauling beverages and other heavy items in saddlebags I would recommend you use the mid mounts, otherwise a non issue

 

[marathon mike]

I had tried the side saddlebags on a 14 cat but the issue was there was no lower support to attach them. Notsure if the newer that have shorter tunnels will be different but was hoping someone else will have tried or made a bracket to work