If you’re a Triumph owner, you know that personalizing your ride is part of the thrill. But sometimes, the stock options just don’t cut it, even when you’ve shelled out good money for them. One of our customers recently faced this exact dilemma with his 2024 Triumph Bobber and the OEM panniers. Here’s how he turned a frustrating situation into a perfect fit using the Longride Sidekick system and our Bobber saddlebag holders. 

The Problem: Triumph’s Mounting System Falls Short.

Our customer was excited about his new Bobber and wanted to make it the ultimate road companion. He opted for the OEM rails and panniers, but after some use, he quickly realized they didn’t live up to his expectations. The mounting system left a lot to be desired, particularly in terms of security. There was no way to lock the panniers onto the bike.

The Solution: Switching to the Longride Sidekick System.

Not one to settle for less, our customer decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew about the Longride Sidekick system, renowned for its secure attachment and sleek design, and decided it was time for a change. To make this work, he ordered our saddlebag holders specifically designed for the Bobber. These holders are compatible with the Sidekick claws, which would allow him to lock the newly upgraded Triumph panniers onto his bike seamlessly.

Installation: Challenges and Triumphs.

The installation process was straightforward, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Here's how he did it:

Mounting the Saddlebag Holder:

The customer noted that installing the Longeride rails was relatively easy, with one small hiccup—the bottom bolt. Accessing it required removing the muffler, a task that isn’t too difficult but does require a bit of patience and the right tools.

“The Longeride rails were pretty easy to install except for the bottom bolt. I had to remove the muffler to access the bolt.”

Adapting the Sidekick Claws:


Next, he tackled the Sidekick mounts. This involved removing the sewn-on sleeve from the Triumph panniers and purchasing longer screws to accommodate the bag’s thickness. The stiff, multi-layered back of the panniers required careful drilling for the mounting holes.

“Installing the sidekick mounts wasn’t too difficult, but I did need to remove the sewn-on sleeve and purchase longer screws. The back of the Triumph Saddlebags is very stiff. I was able to drill holes through a few layers of different materials.”

Creating the Lock Hole:

The most challenging part of the process was creating the lock hole. Due to the material’s thickness, he started with a small pilot hole and gradually expanded it using a box cutter. This careful approach ensured that the hole was perfectly sized without damaging the pannier.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the modifications were worth every bit of effort. The Longride Sidekick system provided the security and convenience our customer was looking for. The panniers are now securely locked to the bike, allowing him to retain his investment on the original Triumph panniers.