Gregory Bender

Samsonite motorcycle luggage locks

Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, 750 S, 750 S3, 850 T, 850 T3, 850 T3 California, V1000 I-Convert, V1000 G5, 1000 SP, Le Mans, Le Mans II, Le Mans CX 100, Le Mans III, Le Mans 1000, 1000 SP III, 1000 S, California II, California III, California 1100, California Jackal, California EV, California EV Touring, California Aluminium, California Titanium, California Special, California Special Sport, California Stone-Metal, California Stone-Touring, California Classic, California Touring, and California Vintage models

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As is the case after 30 or 40 years, locks and keys get lost. The tubular keys and locks that secure the Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the Samsonite racks are - to the best of my knowledge - unique to the Samsonite luggage system. These are long out of production and I have not found suitable replacements anywhere. Without the locks and matching keys, the luggage system is close to useless.

Faced with such a challenge, I purchased 12 inch - 13 stainless steel socket head cap bolts, 2 14 inch in length. Then, I had the bolts modified by a friend with a lathe (Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle).

The result was a very nice method of securing the saddlebags to the rack. Not lockable, but secure.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Bolts to secure Samsonite motorcycle saddlebags to the rack.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.