Any information on how to install eom sidebags on n1k 2014 ?

5294 Views 28 Replies 12 Participants Last post by trublupsu94, Mar 6, 2015

go_ride

Discussion Starter · Dec 9, 2014

I hâve orderd sidebags from kawasaki for my bike and i was wondering , is it easy to install or i hâve to go with the dealer for the installation
I can not find Any info about it
Thanx !

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

west coast n1k

· #2 · Dec 9, 2014

I looked at the bags the other day on a bike that was on display at my local dealer because I'm thinking of ordering bags as well. It looks like all you have to do is remove the stock passenger grab handles and replace them with the ones that come with the bag kit. The bags attach to the new handles and slip over the existing bracket right above the passenger foot pegs. Looks really simple. I definitely wouldn't pay the dealer to do it.

Mikey1000

· #3 · Dec 10, 2014

Nothing to remove or replace. the '14 has a new sub frame which allows straight forward bag install without any brackets like the 11-13 models. Grab rails don't have to be touched for the bags to attach. Make sure they're locked in position. Try it a few times & you'll get the hang of it. Very easy to remove also.

speedgeezer

· #4 · Dec 10, 2014

Read somewhere if dealer does not install will void warranty. You might call Kawi customer help line and verify.

go_ride

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 10, 2014

Thanx guys i ll try to put the my self i ll keep u updated !

west coast n1k

· #6 · Dec 10, 2014

Mikey1000 said:
Nothing to remove or replace. the '14 has a new sub frame which allows straight forward bag install without any brackets like the 11-13 models. Grab rails don't have to be touched for the bags to attach. Make sure they're locked in position. Try it a few times & you'll get the hang of it. Very easy to remove also.

The bike I saw *definitely* had different grab handles. It was the same year as mine, 2014. Parts guy told me the replacement grab handles were part of the reason the bag kit is so expensive.

Buelligan

· #7 · Dec 11, 2014

I have the bags. The dealer needs to install the oem locks, make sure you have them match them to your ignition key, so one key fits all.
The new side rails replace your stock rails. You will need to cut out two notches in your under tail for hidden bolts, one for each rail. The undertail has these locations already scored, so it was easy to trim them with an exacto knife.
Install rails, and install bags. Easy peasy.
Just make sure they do the lock install. My dealer tried weaseling out of it, but the accessory catalogue clearly states the bags will be keyed for your bike. The shop actually had a locksmith come to the shop to do it. There are plenty of warnings that if you screw up the lock install, the lock sets will have to be drilled out to get the bags opened. That's why they won't warranty the locks if you try to install them yourself.
So, definitly make them do it...

omniron

· #8 · Dec 24, 2014

I've been waiting for a set for my 2015 N1K since late October -- the new color black-on-black model. They're supposed to be shipped the first week of January ...finally. Kawasaki has taken its sweet time producing these. There are lots of green-trimmed and blue-trimmed bags available, but not the new metallic black color. How hard is a simple color change for the trim?

Mikey1000

· #9 · Dec 25, 2014

After reading all the other replies I've got to say sorry for my mis information. Now that I think of it, I bought mine off the dealer's floor with the bags already installed. They must have done all the necessary work prior to my purchase. Again, it wasn't my intention to mislead. My bags do work well & are keyed with ignition so it's a great system.

Buelligan

· #10 · Jan 14, 2015

The colored pieces are easily remove able, and replaceable.
It's no big deal changing colors.

2wheels1<3love

· #11 · Jan 18, 2015

Buelligan is correct. I had the dealer install my bags before I even picked up the bike But in order to install my tail tidy I had to remove the grab handles. When you install the handles for the hard bags you do have to cut the under tail to clear the rear of the new handles but not too much. My bags are also keyed off the ignition as well. I like the bags though...no more ugly skeleton/brackets when off the bike. The only downside is you cannot install the SWMOTECH rear Alu-Rack with the OEM panniers. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me.

Dan

Buelligan

· #12 · Jan 19, 2015

Dan,
How about the location of the keyswitch to release the rear seat?
Is that a ***** to get at with the bags on?
I hope they fix that with the newer models!

2wheels1<3love

· #13 · Jan 19, 2015

Buelligan said:
Dan,
How about the location of the keyswitch to release the rear seat?
Is that a ***** to get at with the bags on?
I hope they fix that with the newer models!

Without the stock tail/fender in place its not as much of a PITA but I will have to admit, it is a bit awkward bc I have to stick my entire head down there to find the lock.

Dan

2wheels1<3love

· #14 · Jan 19, 2015

I do wish they had the lock in between the front and rear seat like my zx10 was.

Mikey1000

· #15 · Jan 20, 2015

When I was looking to buy my '14 I asked the salesman to remove the seats so I could see what space there was for storage etc. It took us both quite a while to find the lock location. Seems like an afterthought.

2wheels1<3love

· #16 · Jan 20, 2015

Mikey1000 said:
When I was looking to buy my '14 I asked the salesman to remove the seats so I could see what space there was for storage etc. It took us both quite a while to find the lock location. Seems like an afterthought.

Its a typical place on kawi's to stick it under the tail. My 08' zx10 was also underneath while my 06' zx10 was on top between the main and passenger pillion. Not sure what the deal was that they couldn't keep it on top but its not a deal breaker for me so.

Buelligan

· #17 · Jan 21, 2015

It's not so bad, without the bags attached.
But when I've got the bags on, and I need something under the seat...
Ugh!

omniron

· #18 · Jan 25, 2015 (Edited)

omniron said:
I've been waiting for a set for my 2015 N1K since late October -- the new color black-on-black model. They're supposed to be shipped the first week of January ...finally. Kawasaki has taken its sweet time producing these. There are lots of green-trimmed and blue-trimmed bags available, but not the new metallic black color. How hard is a simple color change for the trim?

THEY FINALLY CAME! The OEM KQR 28L bags ordered for my bike arrived at my dealer last week! I had them installed on Friday, just in time to ride today (Saturday). It took about two hours. The original grab handles on the tail are replaced with handles that are designed to accommodate the saddlebag mounts. And, yes, two holes have to be cut in the rear tail facia where the new handles/bag mount is bolted into the existing sub-frame structure. It's genius. Kawasaki has scored on the engineering for this. The dealer's staff did a masterful job with the install. And the re-keying of the bag lock to the bike's ignition key was done right there by the installer. Easy peasy.

I rode 265 miles today, down through the Lake Mead Recreation Area on a really great road with curves that keep on coming. The bags do not affect handling, but I added one-half a turn on the pre-load to handle the extra weight. I felt no wallowing in tight, high-speed (80 mph) corners. An unexpected benefit is that the bags' lower mount point works to dampen footpeg vibration at highway speeds (75-95 mph), working much like bar weights for the handle bars.

The trim pieces for these bags didn't ship with the bags. They should arrive this coming week. They're be the sparkly black color to match the 2015 black-on-black color, but a part of me kind of wishes I'd gone with the Kawa green accent trim to match the Ninja logo. The bags are well designed, but look plain-jane in stock appearance. I'll be adding reflective decals and perhaps some other accents over time to give them some eye candy appearance -- tastefully done, of course.

I am enjoying this bike more and more every time I go riding.

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sprockethead

· #19 · Jan 25, 2015

That is one sweet touring setup... nicely done. I love the black bike and the windscreen, side cases, tail pack and tank bag work well together with a really appealing symmetry. What road did you ride in Lake Mead Rec Area? I will be riding through Valley of Fire this summer and I may need to hit that one.

Buelligan

· #20 · Jan 27, 2015

Sprocket, you need to come out to AZ for the SpringFast!

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