Do you have to remove rear signal lights to put on rear leather saddle bags 2000 harley XL1200?

Try lock lubricant or something similar. Lubricate well and try key after and while lubricating. Moisture may have slightly rusted or corroded inside of lock and push button mechanism.

One option is a kit like this:

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/306-936

If you want soft bags (leather), another option is some bag come with the connecting band (that joins the two bags) that has a hole on each side cut so that the turn signals poke through:

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4895688300627487&pid=15.1

You could try trimming the leather, but almost every case with saddlebag installations require refitting rear turn signals. In MOST cases, all you have to do is carefully plan and drill a couple of holes and do a little soldering and shrink wrapping to rewire them. if you are not confident in those skills, have your local shop do it for you. there will be modest costs involved, and you can save serious money if you DIY....

Yes my thoughts 2,,,,

remove right side saddle bag, remove 2 screws to release brake caliper from caliper bracket. remove caliper from brake disc. caution do not operate brake pedal with caliper removed. slowley push the 2 caliper piston back so new pads will fit on rotor. also buy pads from harley much better than after market install in reverse order torque caliper to 75 -100 inch lbs. and caliper bolts to
43-48 ft lbs.

HD has a relocation kit available for this...JP Cycles should have it as well. The kit comes with instructions on how to do it.

nstructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need:

• Saddle bag set
• Power drill
• Screwdriver
• Ratchet set
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

Step1 Determine what type of saddlebags you will be installing on your motorcycle. Saddlebags come in hard and soft styles, with each installed in basically the same manner. Hard bags tend to offer more security for your items but are a bit on the bulky side, while soft bags offering a little more flexibility. Step2 Check to make sure that your fender bolt area is clean and prepped for installation of your saddlebags. Both hard and soft saddlebags on Harley Davidsons are installed over the fender bolt area on the rear of the motorcycle, so clearing this area of debris and grime will keep it free of scratches and blemishes. Step3 Install any spacers or lifting brackets before you try and place your bags on your Harley Davidson. These spacers will keep you bags from resting against your exhaust pipes and will avoid damage to your motorcycle and to the bags themselves. Make sure they are installed tightly and spaced properly before mounting your bags. Step4 Open the saddle bag packaging and lay out the included hardware. The hardware will be necessary to properly mount your saddlebags to your fenders, so be sure that you do not misplace it. If your saddle bag comes with a fender mounting bracket, install it along the fender before proceeding. This bracket will be used to hold and stabilize your saddlebags, so it is essential that it is properly tightened and installed. Step5 Hold your saddle bag up to the fender and align the bolt holes in the saddle bag with the bolt area on the fender. Your saddle bag will have mounting holes in the side of the bag that will align with the mounting bracket. Place one of the bolts in the hole and tighten to hold it on. Put the remaining bolt in place and tighten them both securely once they are aligned correctly. Step6 Repeat this process with the remaining saddle bag. The bags should align evenly and be attached straight to avoid any imbalances or shifting while the motorcycle is in motion. Try and wiggle or move the bags to be sure your bolts are tight enough to prevent movement. Step7 Take your Harley Davidson for a short ride. Stop and check the fitting on your saddlebags and look at your bolts. Make sure nothing has moved during your ride and that all of your fittings remain tight. With just a bit of effort, your new saddlebags will make your Harley Davidson the envy of the neighborhood.