Frustrated with Luggage Solution

by Jeanne
(Oswego, IL)

Arghhh. I have been trying to come up with a luggage solution for my HD Iron 883. I have ruled out saddle bags because I don't want to relocate my turn signals and license plates and I want easy removal since I don't want the luggage on all the time. I finally purchased a Saddlemen BR1800 tail bag. I was excited for it to come, the website said it fits my bike and that it can be attached to a luggage rack. I have a solo seat and a luggage rack (which I have never attached anything to). It arrived yesterday, so I raced out to the garage to mount it on my bike with the easy mounting instructions. 1 hour later, I had determined that I either need a back seat to secure it properly or a new bike that I can get some luggage on! The problem is the supplied under seat mounting thingy (which I assume I use with a luggage rack, but there are no instructions for mounting on a rack anywhere, not even the internet) does not secure under a luggage rack. I then tried to hook the supplied straps to the luggage rack, then to the bag to secure it without the fancy under seat gadget, and the bag will not tighten up that way, it is loose and will certainly fall off. Does anyone have any tips on how to mount this thing to my bike? I think my only other option is to shell out another hundred dollars (after all h-d does stand for hundred dollars, since that is at least what I spend EVERYTIME I need something) and buy a passenger pillion to mount on my bike so I can use the under seat rack.