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Living Legend
I just installed the Flipmeister bag stiffeners and wanted to pass on my lessons learned.
While the stiffener kit has been setting on my work bench for several months, I have delayed installing them because my bags are still in great shape although the right one sagged a bit in the hot California sun on my way to the Tahoe salvo. As Rook predicted though, it resumed its shape when I got back up north.
I was concerned about drilling holes in my new bags and installing the stiffeners when I didn't need them. A few e-mail exchanges with Flip dispelled my concerns. The time to install them is not when the bags have tanked, although they will help, but before they have dried out and become misshapen. Flip also emphasized the importance of proper care and regular conditioning of the bags to keep the leather from drying out.
He provided me with a great clarification of the install process which I will be glad to pass on. The installation turned out to be relatively simple if the directions are followed exactly, plus the material he uses very durable. My bags look great.
We also discussed the utility of using a contoured section of his bag stiffener for the inner wall to provide enhanced support for the use of a detachable bag mounting system. I have ordered the Ghost Brackets and am going to explore this option.
Flip took the time to update me on both his web site and the leather conditioner he will be carrying. It sounds like great stuff. However, he has yet to receive his first order of the conditioner but it will be arriving soon. He is also updating his web site both to both accommodate his new products and also make it more user friendly.
With all of the above said, if I don't think the Ghost Brackets will work with the Triumph leather panniers, I will be selling mine. I will include all of the mounting hardware, plus a set of rear dresser bars in like new condition. I only use my saddle bags when touring so would prefer to quick disconnect style bag. To me the Triumph bag mounting system is an excellent one with it's under bag support. Add the Flipmeister stiffeners and it is better than most I have seen. Unfortunately for me, four bolts and 12 screws is a bit much every time I want to remove or replace them.
While the stiffener kit has been setting on my work bench for several months, I have delayed installing them because my bags are still in great shape although the right one sagged a bit in the hot California sun on my way to the Tahoe salvo. As Rook predicted though, it resumed its shape when I got back up north.
I was concerned about drilling holes in my new bags and installing the stiffeners when I didn't need them. A few e-mail exchanges with Flip dispelled my concerns. The time to install them is not when the bags have tanked, although they will help, but before they have dried out and become misshapen. Flip also emphasized the importance of proper care and regular conditioning of the bags to keep the leather from drying out.
He provided me with a great clarification of the install process which I will be glad to pass on. The installation turned out to be relatively simple if the directions are followed exactly, plus the material he uses very durable. My bags look great.
We also discussed the utility of using a contoured section of his bag stiffener for the inner wall to provide enhanced support for the use of a detachable bag mounting system. I have ordered the Ghost Brackets and am going to explore this option.
Flip took the time to update me on both his web site and the leather conditioner he will be carrying. It sounds like great stuff. However, he has yet to receive his first order of the conditioner but it will be arriving soon. He is also updating his web site both to both accommodate his new products and also make it more user friendly.
With all of the above said, if I don't think the Ghost Brackets will work with the Triumph leather panniers, I will be selling mine. I will include all of the mounting hardware, plus a set of rear dresser bars in like new condition. I only use my saddle bags when touring so would prefer to quick disconnect style bag. To me the Triumph bag mounting system is an excellent one with it's under bag support. Add the Flipmeister stiffeners and it is better than most I have seen. Unfortunately for me, four bolts and 12 screws is a bit much every time I want to remove or replace them.
