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JD-VL saddlebags

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  • JD-VL saddlebags

    How about some pictures of the early JD/VL saddlebags? What year were they first introduced? Is anyone reproducing them? I do have a picture of them in a 1930 dealer accessory catalog. In that year they came in faux Alligator hide. That is about all I know about them.

  • #2
    Here's a picture of a repro set on my 1930 VL a few years ago, with repro bags from the Carolinas I think.30VL11955left.JPG

    They still appear in the 1941 accessory catalog as the Utility Saddle Bags, priced at $7.55 a pair and with the part number 11785-X, with the X meaning they fitted much earlier bikes. The chrome 'towel rail' bag holders are $1.90 for a set of four, part number 11794-X.

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    • #3
      That's a NICE looking 1930 Steve!!
      Jim

      AMCA #6520

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      • #4
        Your 1930 VL is gorgeous, Steve. I'm not a big fan of saddlebags (other than for utility) but those bags really compliment your beautifully done VL.
        Eric Smith
        AMCA #886

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        • #5
          Thanks for the nice words guys. That bike is on the back cover of Volume 1 of The VL Years, and also featured in the Antique Motorcycle article '100 mph on a VL' from a while back. That stock 1930 made 85 mph on the airfield, authenticating Harley top speed estimates, while my breathed-on 1934 bobber was electronically timed at 103 mph.

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          • #7
            Here is a pair of early saddlebags that I believe are from the Jd - Vl era. I don't know what company made them, but I'm guessing an early accessory outfit.CIMG1389.JPGCIMG1390.jpgCIMG1391.jpgCIMG1392.jpg
            Craig

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            • #8
              A winged-wheel must be timeless, Craig!

              This was cut from a wood-burning stove door.

              ....Cotten
              Attached Files
              AMCA #776
              Dumpster Diver's Motto: Seek,... and Ye Shall Find!

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              • #9
                Cotten; I've seen the winged wheel patches on the old M/C caps. But I'm not sure if this is a winged wheel. The circle appears to have a Dude walking. And I do mean Dude !!CIMG1397.jpg
                Craig

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                • #10
                  Originally posted by 41craig View Post
                  And I do mean Dude !![ATTACH=CONFIG]25504[/ATTACH]
                  Craig
                  Now that is funny !
                  Eric Smith
                  AMCA #886

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                  • #11
                    Thanks for the magnification, Craig!

                    Dude?

                    I don't get it.

                    Looks like a nymph to me. (Or is that a damn 'man-bun'?)

                    ....Cotten
                    Last edited by T. Cotten; 08-10-2019, 04:29 PM.
                    AMCA #776
                    Dumpster Diver's Motto: Seek,... and Ye Shall Find!

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                    • #12
                      Originally posted by T. Cotten View Post
                      Thanks for the magnification, Craig!

                      Dude?

                      I don't get it.

                      Looks like a nymph to me. (Or is that a damn 'man-bun'?)

                      ....Cotten
                      The "Dude" somewhat looks like a jockey. This made me think that they could be for a horse. But horse saddle bags don't have the reinforcement patch sewn on the back sides. Nor do they mount M/C style or have side straps to hold them to the frame. If they went on a Harley, it would have to be a VL or later because they would have to mount to the fender side panel. I think that I bought them at a swap meet in Springfield, Il. in the mid 1980's.
                      Craig

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                      • #13
                        Its like a Rorschach Test, Craig!

                        Everybody sees something different.

                        She needs a riding crop.

                        ....Cotten
                        PS: I really like the bags, and wish I had beat you to them, since I was probably there...
                        Attached Files
                        AMCA #776
                        Dumpster Diver's Motto: Seek,... and Ye Shall Find!

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                        • #14
                          I'm thinking a $20.00 bill took them home.
                          Craig

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                          • #15
                            That makes her even more beautiful, Craig!

                            My elektronik eye sees a dancer...

                            ....Cotten
                            Attached Files
                            AMCA #776
                            Dumpster Diver's Motto: Seek,... and Ye Shall Find!

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