Dowco Fastrax Saddlebags User Manual

DOWCO, Inc. Fax: [phone]
4230 Clipper Drive Phone: [phone]
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website: www.dowcopowersports.com

Item 01073
Revised 12/5/06
Page 1
Printed in China

Installation Instructions

SADDLE BAG

Elite Sport Bike Luggage System

Please Read! Please read and understand these instructions completely before installation to avoid possible injury to

yourself, or damage to the accessory or vehicle. Read all Cautions, Warnings and Notes within installation instructions
and on bags. If you are unsure about securing the bag, please contact us at 1-800-558-7755 ext. 123. Monday through

Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST

1. PARTS LIST:

This Product contains the following components. Before beginning installation confirm there are no
missing or damaged components.

Item # Description Qty

1.

Saddle Bags 1 Set

2.

Shoulder Strap 2

3.

Strap 29” long w/(2) Hooks 1

4.

Strap 20” long w/(1) Hook 2

5.

Strap 17” long w/(1) Hook 2

6.

Protective Strap Pads 3

7.

Black Cotton Panels 1 Set

2. PREPARATION:

Note: This product is supplied with a scratch resistant rubberized side panel. Care should be taken to avoid

gas spills and a heavy buildup of dust and/or dirt on the bag that may become embedded in the sides and
lead to scratches in the painted finish. Therefore the following preparation should take place before mounting
the luggage.

a. Place motorcycle on a secure stand.
b. Clean all mounting surfaces and luggage before beginning installation

.

3. INSTALLATION:

Note: This product is supplied with a number of different straps and strap lengths. Below are only a few

suggested combinations to securely mount to a motorcycle. You must decide what combination is best for
your motorcycle.

Mounting Saddle Bag Only

a. Determine location of exhaust pipe(s). If exhaust pipe(s) are

located on side of bike, skip to step “d”.

b. If exhaust pipe is under tail section of bike, place velcro

black cotton panels on back of bags. This will protect the
saddlebags from the heat of the exhaust pipe. (Fig. 1)

c. Adjust cotton panel so that it does not touch the bike. If it

does it may cause scuffing were contact is made.

Exhaust Pipe
Cotton Panels

*The saddlebags must be installed so as not to interfere

with rear wheel or suspension components. Failure to
assure adequate clearance will result in serious injury.

*Secure the bag to the vehicle so the bag will not shift

during operation. Failure to do so may result in injury
or property damage.

*Hanging straps may become entangled in the wheel,

drive chain or belt resulting in serious personal injury
and/or property damage.

* SADDLEBAGS MUST BE LOADED EVENLY SIDE-TO-

SIDE. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD LIMIT IS 7 LBS
PER BAG.

Fig. 1

!

WARNING

DOWCO, Inc. Fax: [phone]
4230 Clipper Drive Phone: [phone]
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website: www.dowcopowersports.com

Item 01073
Revised 12/5/06
Page 2
Printed in China

Mounted Tail Bag to Saddlebags

a. Install saddlebags on bike per above instructions.
b. Place Tail Bag on tail section of bike with handle toward the rear.
c. Connect one end of the 8” long straps to the (4) D-rings on the bottom of the Tail Bag.
d. Connect the other end of the front (2) 8” straps to the front D-ring on the saddlebags. (Fig. 4)
e. Connect the other end of the back (2) 8” straps to the back D-ring on the saddlebags. (Fig. 3)
f. Adjust all straps to securely position bag in desired location.
g. Insure that all bags do not interfere with indicator lights, exhaust pipes or any moving parts of the

motorcycle. If you encounter interference, readjust bag position using adjustable straps.

4. MAINTENANCE:

Periodically check position of bags. Re-adjust and / or Re-tighten as required.

5. CARE AND CLEANING:

Wash using mild house hold detergent and soft brush to remove dirt or road grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry
before using. Do not put in washer or dryer, dry cleaning is not recommended.

6. CUSTOMER SERVICE:

For further information contact Dowco Inc. at:
DOWCO Inc.
4230 Clipper Dr.
Manitowoc, WI 54220 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

email: [e-mail]

d. Place saddlebag harness straps over or under seat/fender.

Loosen harness so the bags hang freely from the fender
without tipping either to far outward or inward.

e. Locate front loop straps and secure around suitable frame

member. Connect to D-rings on front of saddlebags. (Fig. 4)

f. Position rear strap under license plate bracket or around

fender. An additional strap has been provided for bikes with
license plate brackets that are not readily accessible. (Fig. 3)

g. Tighten side straps, then rear strap. Saddlebags should hang

straight down. Readjust if necessary. Do not over tighten.

h. The saddlebags should be positioned a minimum of 2"

above exhaust pipes. Although the bottom of the saddlebag contains an aluminized heat shield,
care should be taken to maintain adequate airflow under the saddlebag to reduce exposure to heat
extremes.

i. Insure that saddlebags do not interfere with indicator lights, exhaust pipes or any moving parts of

the motorcycle. If you encounter interference, readjust bag position using adjustable straps.

Allowing straps to hang loose may
cause damage to bags and/or
painted finishes on bike.

Fig. 2

Harness Straps

8” Strap

D Ring

Front Loop

Strap

8” Straps

D Rings

29” Strap

Handle

Fig. 3 Fig. 4