O man 75 needs advice.

[Oman75]

I have a set of leather saddle bags which I use on my 1995 Virago and 1975 Honda 750K. The bags set on the rear fender under the saddle. I have purchased a 1989 FJ1200 and it is being transported to AZ. My mechanic thinks I will need to place sheep skin under the bags in order to protect the finish on the FJ1200. This is the question I need the have an answer for. I rode the 75 Honda solo on a 2,500 mile trip, this past Labor day, and I plan to taking the FJ into Canada this Summer. Care to go along?

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Oman75, ever have an FJ before? This place will help you get your FJ ready for your ride into Canada or anywhere else you want to Kookaloo. If your bag straps need to go across the tail section then you will want to protect the paint. I used a cotton towel when I slung the bags on for long rides. A strip of sheep skin attached to the rear strap would be handy.

[markmartin]

Welcome Oman75

I'm not sure where your strap is located in relation to the paint on the rear fender, but this should keep your bags from bouncing off the sides.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1823.0

Mark

[kiwikeithfj]

Hey man I know what you mean. I have a pair of Niche soft paniers. I was worried about the same thing.
My solution was to get some of the self adhesive clear plastic, often known her in NZ as Stone-guard, as it is used for protecting paint work from stone chips.
It is easy enogh to ct and fit. just make sure that the surface if clean and dry and warm it a bit if possible with a heat gun. warming the plastic as it goes on also helps.
This will stop any damage to the paintwork and can be reomved later with a bit of heat.
It works for me.
Keith

[aviationfred]

To use the leather saddlebags I agree with the previous comments about protecting the plastic side pieces with sheep skin, folded towel, and/or plastic protective sheets. One thing to consider is how much of a rise the exhaust cans on the FJ has versus the Virago and the Honda's exhaust. You may need to run the straps across the top of the seat to get the clearance you need. Then there may be an attachment issue. I believe that most leather bags are designed for the straps to go under the seat and have no other attachment device.


Fred

[Capn Ron]

I'm going to call you "Oman"...'cuz that's your screen name, but I want to say, "Ohhh MAN!!!" you're riding Canada???  Did that two years ago from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island and LOVED every minute of it!   

Well, that's not exactly true.  As much as I enjoyed myself, I did get rained on.  A LOT!  I was up there for 22 days in the month of June and got rain 19 of those days.  If I may suggest...There's a member here who has a complete set of Givi MonoKey hard cases, the WingRack and the *very* rare Givi Y204 fit kit for your FJ.  He's wanting $400 for everything!     Screamin' deal and a great way to get into waterproof hard cases for not a lot of $$.

When you're riding 6-8 hours in a driving rain, you'll be happy all your gear is dry and secure!

Where are you planning to ride in Canada?

[The General]

I have a set of leather saddle bags which I use on my 1995 Virago and 1975 Honda 750K. The bags set on the rear fender under the saddle. I have purchased a 1989 FJ1200 and it is being transported to AZ. My mechanic thinks I will need to place sheep skin under the bags in order to protect the finish on the FJ1200. This is the question I need the have an answer for. I rode the 75 Honda solo on a 2,500 mile trip, this past Labor day, and I plan to taking the FJ into Canada this Summer. Care to go along?

Welcome & thanks for the invite. Wish I could be there. Plenty of pics thanks mate. 

[FeralRdr]

Uh guys? Lots of good info, but the OP posted this thread 11 months ago.  I think he's already been to Canada, and hopefully back.