Here's a brief background. If you don't care skip to paragraph two.

I have a creative solution in mind but I was hoping to get some feed back and possible differing opinions.
One solution. I could replace of adjust the pipes. New pipes would have to be custom made or matched with lots of luck. I dont have the cash to do that. Is it possible to cut the pipe where it bends and straighten it out?
Creative option I have in mind a simple(ish) fix that may or may not look... odd. BUT I might just look really cool. I could make a saddlebag support/heat shield basket. Stay with me here. Two pieces of simple bar stock will come down from either side of the rear fender. They will attach to the back side of two bolts that are already there. The two bars will attach to something of a basket which will act as a heat shield. The basket will made of aluminum with nearly a centimeter of air between two sheets, to provide insulation. Though I say basket it will only just come around the bottom edges of the bags.
Like I said this option will work structurally and indeed prevent my bags from burning/ melting, but ... well what are some thoughts here?[/u]