Saddle bags on a standard, riding 2 up

[XsJosh]

So I'm trying to make these work and still be able to ride 2 up. Problem is they want to occupy the same space as my blinkers... Any ideas? Right now I'm thinking about trying to incorporate a new mounting points into brackets that will hold the bags away from the wheel.

Maybe even tie it into the brake light bracket

 

[gggGary]

Redoing these right now,

they got a bit out of control big, but I was in a hurry for that iowa trip, newer version is tucked back in and not so wide so they are "acceptable" with the bags off. Pics when I'm done, first attempt resulted in a puddle of aluminum on the floor when I had the TIG a bit hot LOL
But basically extensions of the license plate mount work out pretty well.
Scored these this week

mount fabbing needed for quick on off prolly use them on Madness or Ywain.
these on Madness are a bit small (others complain they're hard to see..) but also mounted from plate bracket.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Several variations of Willie & Max slant bags fit fine if you choose the smallest size. They are a good product that will last many years. Each bag will hold an entire sandwich. Recently, I fit my jacket liner, six tamales, and an entire slab of ribs in one bag. I put them in the bag over the muffler with my liner on top. After the 109 mile trip, they were still warm. No turn signal relocating required. Fine for two-up.

 

[650Skull]

Some Euro countries mounted the rear blinkers to the Tail-light.........also had an ugly arse rear guard

 

[jetmechmarty]

I think that even Saddlemen has a kit to move the turn signals to the license plate.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I put 1,000 miles on these bags, 335 with my missus on the pillion. They held five days of crap for me. They are NOT water resistant. Everything gets soaked in the rain. I also rode in very severe weather with the rain covers on and found them nearly 100% effective.
Viking Bonafide Café Racer Saddle Bags
These required ZERO modifications to my XS650 Special. For me, that's the best part.