Fasteners to side cases

[cswett]

I'd like to attach a some small brackets/fasteners to my side cases so I can strap items down across my rear seat using bungies or nylon web straps. I'm not very experienced at this stuff, so I hope you can help.
Should I attach the fittings on the top of the cases just aft of the handles, or on the lids where they slope away from horizontal? Plastic isn't as thick on the lids as it is on the top of the cases.
Should I used stainless steel fittings, or is plated fine?
I plan to drill through the plastic using a small bit. Any special bit required? Any special precautions I need to take in the drilling?
Any ideas on good hardware/nuts to hold the bolt in place so they don't come loose from vibration. Is Locktite good for this sort of thing?
I know this is elementary to most people, but I want to be sure I do it right.
Thanks

[Sunbeemer]

I installed "Bungee Buddies", which are plastic-coated, eye-bolts (shown here: http://www.cyclegadgets.com/products/pr ... ?Item=BBUD) on the top inner parts of my system cases to lash stuff across the pillion seat. I use criss-crossing bungee cords and a bungee net over the top of the load to these eyes, sort of a belt and suspenders approach!

I drilled the holes for the Bungee Buddies in the top inner (i.e., "handle") sides of each system case about 2-3/8" inside of the lip edge, and 2-3/4" aft of the handle recess for the rear one, and 2-5/8" forward of the handle recess for the front one, to leave enough clearance around the latch box inside for the large flat washers accompanying the Bungee Buddies, which make them a lot stronger . Note they come with stainless steel hardware and include a Nyloc Nut, which stays tight by itself (no lock washers needed).

When I drilled the holes I used a "dulled" drill bit that I made from an old twist-drill bit by touching the sharp cutting edges to a bench grinder. By taking the edges off the bit it won't try to grab the plastic, possibly cracking it. Instead, the bit "scrapes" through the plastic, and is much easier to control the feed rate. Using a variable speed drill you should go fast enough to make a fine powder, but not so fast the plastic melts; probably around 1000rpm with moderate pressure is right.

These will greatly enhance your load security!

[CycleRob]

I also put 1 Bungee Buddy on the front case of each bag. I thought it was the perfect location until I took my wife for a ride. It happened to be in a spot that could dig into the back of her leg in some leg positions. It was OK (for me), just not the ideal location (for her). Who knew?
My advice: sit on the passenger seat and find a bag case location that serves as a good bungee hookup without getting in the way of your leg. Now you know

BTW, the cost, quality, appearance, strength and function of those Bungee Buddies is the best there is. They even match the cases.

.

[cswett]

Thanks, guys. Good info.

[Team Airedale]

On my 1150R's cases there are attachment points on the front of the bag and on the rear. They are on the inner half and I think they are best on that part and not on the lid. I have used the shoulder strap of my duffel bag and clipped it to these rings.

[towerworker]

+1 on the Bungee Buddies. Good quality, I have a set as well. You may want to consider "pinning" your side cases if you do much tying stuff across the top of the cases. When I first started using the bungee buddies and would tie a load across I found if I tied the load too tightly it would tend to pull the cases outward from the bottom and placing additional stress on the case rails. There is some good information on this site concerning drilling and installing pins thru the front molded case ears (where they slip around the passenger footrest bracket) CycleRob I believe authored the modification. Added insurance on keeping the cases on the bike as well.

Wayne