Replacing the stock reflective saddlebag insert can greatly enhance the personal look of your bike. The process to change it is simple; with some patience, anyone can do it. I just received mine from Get Lowered Cycles and want to share the process so you can dress your bike by adding a personal touch. It's also Christmas time, and hinge inserts can make a great stocking stuffer to give to friends and family that ride. Their not expensive and can be shipped directly to someone as a present. Get Lowered Cycles has a great selection of hinge inserts to choose from that will fit about any style you're looking to create. Below is a before and after picture of the difference these inserts made on my Street Glide Special.
Items You Will Need
- A blow dryer or heat gun
- A small screwdriver or set of picks
- Goof Off
- A general-purpose cleaner like simple green or orange cleaner
- Painters tape
The Process
You’ll want to start by heating the reflector with the blow dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive. This will help with removal. Once it's been heated for about 5 minutes, quickly apply some painter's tape to the painted edges around the reflector. This is done to ensure you don’t scratch the paint when you start to pry the reflector off. Gently pry the reflector off at one end until you can get your finger under it, at which point you can carefully pry the reflector off. Remove the old adhesive with some adhesive remover, then clean the surface with some general-purpose cleaner to remove the oils from the adhesive remover. This will provide a clean surface for the new hinge insert to adhere to. Finally, install the new insert for a great new look on your bike! The video below covers the process from start to finish.
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