Tsukayu Bags Not Bike Specific for 900 Custom?

[Pseudo-Fed]

I've had a string of emails with Tsukayu customer service. I was asking about bike-specific jumbo-strong leather covered. In response, "Queenie" indicated that the bike-specific fit for all Strong and jumbo-Strong are for the Classic, and will not fit the Custom. She apologized and said they will fix their drop-downs.

Can anyone confirm the 900 custom does not have a bike-specific fit? What is the difference between the Classic and Custom that disallows fitment?

Thanks.

[Bucket Head]

Jeff, I can't say for sure that the Custom and Classic are different but I THINK the rears are the same. Saying that, IMHO the bags are not bike-specific anyway. I have the Strongs on my Classic and the installation instructions are NOT specific to my bike. I had to add spacers and change some bolts to get them to fit. I finally took the fender struts off to get the bags closer in to the bike. I only did that because I have a limited space in my garage.

Barry

[Pseudo-Fed]

Thanks Barry. Guess I'm hoping mostly not to have to mark and drill. I can understand bolt lengths, etc., especially since I hope to keep my Cobra backrest and luggage rack on.

I just don't get what is different about the classic and custom as far as hard bag fitment would go.

[Bucket Head]

Well, Jeff, you will have to mark and drill the bags for the mounting brackets. From experience I'll tell you that it's a much easier job with a helper. Alone, it's a real PITA. Another tip is to watch the clearance on the left bag for the belt guard and on the right bag for the caliper.

I happen to like the bags very much and feel that they're worth the effort. I, also, don't understand what the difference between the two models could be.

[LabGuy]

The 900 Custom and Classic have the same frame components EXCEPT for the rear fender, which is shorter and sits about 1/4" higher. As to bag mounting, no problems (Vulcan 2K stuff fits also).

[Pseudo-Fed]

Originally Posted by Bucket Head

Well, Jeff, you will have to mark and drill the bags for the mounting brackets. From experience I'll tell you that it's a much easier job with a helper. Alone, it's a real PITA. Another tip is to watch the clearance on the left bag for the belt guard and on the right bag for the caliper.

I happen to like the bags very much and feel that they're worth the effort. I, also, don't understand what the difference between the two models could be.

Thanks. Which do you have, and do you have a bigger pic?

[Pseudo-Fed]

Originally Posted by LabGuy

The 900 Custom and Classic have the same frame components EXCEPT for the rear fender, which is shorter and sits about 1/4" higher. As to bag mounting, no problems (Vulcan 2K stuff fits also).

Thanks. Which sits higher-custom or classic?

[ks_greg]

Never measured them, but looking at pics, I'd say the Custom sits higher than the Classic. Or at least there appears to be more space between the top of the tire and bottom of the fender.

[Bucket Head]

Originally Posted by Pseudo-Fed

Thanks. Which do you have, and do you have a bigger pic?

'06 Classic with Strong leather covered bags.

barrynfla - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[RichLockyer]

I would recommend against bike specific.
The only difference is they are pre-drilled, but they are pre-drilled for the stock pipes, so if you have lower aftermarket pipes, getting the non-specific model will allow you to mount the bags lower, which looks a lot better.
Bike specific tends to put the lids up near the top of the pillion.

I did have to get creative with spacers and hardware to clear my caliper.
Plan on investing in an assortment of 8mm bolts of various lengths.

[Pseudo-Fed]

Originally Posted by Bucket Head

'06 Classic with Strong leather covered bags.

barrynfla - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Barry-awesome, thanks. If you had it to do over again, and had a 900 custom, would you get the strong again, or the JUMBO strong? Others' opinion on this question welcome too....Thanks

[Pseudo-Fed]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

I would recommend against bike specific.
The only difference is they are pre-drilled, but they are pre-drilled for the stock pipes, so if you have lower aftermarket pipes, getting the non-specific model will allow you to mount the bags lower, which looks a lot better.
Bike specific tends to put the lids up near the top of the pillion.

I did have to get creative with spacers and hardware to clear my caliper.
Plan on investing in an assortment of 8mm bolts of various lengths.

Rich-thanks. I'm a new rider with my first bike. Want aftermarket exhaust at some point, but not sure which one. What advice can you give on bag mounting for the later possibility of an exhaust? Also, would you recommend the JUMBO strong bags (the size I think I prefer) given no decision yet on an exhaust? Thanks.

[RichLockyer]

I've got the regular Strongs on my 1600 and they're great. They are slightly larger than Harley bags. I think the Jumbo would dwarf the 900's rear end... especially the Custom.

You can always mount the bags up now, and then plug the holes and redrill them later to lower them.

I do recommend putting large fender washers on the inside and outside of the bags where they bolt to the brackets to take some stress off of the glass around the holes. SAE 5/16" washers (and spacers) work fine for 8mm hardware.

[Pseudo-Fed]

So I'm still a little confused. Here's "Queenie"s last response to me:
____________________________________
"Hi Jeff,

As per our knowledge, custom and classic are different in the rear, their fender are different. After double consulted our technician, since their stock pipes are the same, the bike specific kit for classic also work in custom. Please note that the turn signals of VN900 custom has to be relocated. Thank you for your wondering!
You can place order (choose VN900 classic in drop down list) anytime.
Thank you for your attention!

Best Regards,
Queenie
www.tsukayu.com"
______________________________________

I think I've decided to go with Rich's advice and NOT get the bike specific, and I'll get the Strong instead of the Jumbos. With the fit now being up to me, does anyone know if I'll have to (or want to) relocate the turn signals for "proper" installation? Thanks....

[Bucket Head]

Originally Posted by Pseudo-Fed

Barry-awesome, thanks. If you had it to do over again, and had a 900 custom, would you get the strong again, or the JUMBO strong? Others' opinion on this question welcome too....Thanks

Jeff, I would get the Strong again. Jumbo looks a little too big, even for the Classic. As always, just my 3 cents.

[wild_deuce03]

Originally Posted by Bucket Head

Jeff, I would get the Strong again. Jumbo looks a little too big, even for the Classic. As always, just my 3 cents.

+1. I think the Strongs are at the absolute limit in size for the Classic. The Jumbo's would look off, IMO, and even more so on the Custom.

I agree with Rich as well. Don't get the bike specific. It is somewhat of a PITA to do it yourself, but if I can do it than so can you. Just my $.02