How did the install go?
Do you like the system?
Sorry for the late reply, kind of lost track of these forums for a bit...
The install was easy enough for me to do it alone, which is saying something, since I am not mechanically inclined at all! Hanging a picture is about my handyman skill level, and even that has a questionable 6-month life span... The instructions that came with were minimal, but the Slingmods video was a lot more helpful. I kept my iPad handy so I could re-watch certain parts of the video when needed. The electricals worried me a bit since I don't mess with electrical stuff at all ever, but beyond plugging in the one set of wires backwards at first, that all went pretty smoothly as well. I imagine for anyone who is a bit of a do it yourself-er or a handyman, this would be no problem at all...
It is a 1 man job BUT, it would be handy to have someone nearby you could have hold the framework you are attaching straight for a moment or two. Handy, but not required, I got it done all by myself. It took me about 3 hours to do it. I would guess someone who has a clue could get it done in half that time easily...
The 1 glitch I did come across is the top case, for some reason it did not properly lock into the framework. Well, it locked in, but even when I locked the bag, the button to release the bag from the frame still released it. So bag could be locked, but someone could still remove the whole thing. I never did quite figure out what was wrong there, it could easily be something I just didn't grasp and couldn't figure out... But since I have no intention of wanting to remove the top case, I drilled a couple of holes in the bottom of it so I could bolt it to the frame (the bag frame, not the Spyder itself) so I now have no worries on it walking away. I did NOT have this problem with the saddlebags. I am slightly worried the top case plastic around the hole I drilled may crack and such over time, since it's not designed that way? But I also may be worrying for nothing, as the bag is being held stable and in place as designed, my additional bolts are more just security and not what is holding it? Like I said, I am not a handyman.
All in all, I am a big fan of this addition. It takes away a little from the sporty look (imo), but I still really love how the Spyder looks and I have storage. The top case fits my helmet (which was one of my main reasons for wanting it) and I feel the additional rear lights really add to visibility and safety.
Sorry to say I added Shad bags to my F3S. However I do like the sling mods bags just for the rear lighting. I feel the stock rear lights on my F3S are not enough. Sure would love the extra visibility. Good luck with whatever you do. Cheers
Yes, the extra lights were a main reason I chose this option... And the storage, of course. I am still considering the Brake Free helmet light for even more visibility but have been procrastinating on that.
