Ok guys...I'm looking for a saddlebag solution but keep running into road blocks.

I have a 2006 Custom. I have 11" progressives and detachable sissy bar. Problem I'm running to is nothing works if you have a detachable sissy bar or other detachable hardware on the rear.

What are my options for saddlebags? Want to do some longer trips this spring and would like to go ahead and get everything ordered installed and kinks all worked out before the season starts.

If I can't figure out a saddlebag solution I'm just going to go with a couple bikers Friend bags. I like the bags but they make it awful hard to get on and off the bike.

I've searched through the archives but haven't seen much talk on saddlebags with detachable hardware and if my lower shocks are going to effect the fit.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Throw overs.

I have an '06 Roadster model, and docking hardware in place for my detachable backrest. The H-D hard saddlebags fit fine, although you have to purchase the 3/4" spacer kit that positions them a bit further outboard. I'm thinking of turning the 3/4" spacers so they only add 3/8" 'cause they leave a fair amount of room ... and the closest item to the bags are the rear docking points.

I have a Q D mini rail backrest and the HD leather rigid saddle bags.
The saddle bags are not Q D though.
You can see pics of mine in the Photo Gallery

Throw overs are nice I like them.

Mounted Leather Pros 3000 series bags...really nice and am happy with my purchase. I have shocks that are rather large in diameter. Leather Pros sent me additionaal mounting hardware to ensure I had proper clearance. You can see them in my gallery.

If you have the sissy bar why not just go for a bag that mounts there instead of saddle bags?

i am working on the same thing myself my hold up is the turn signal relocation i want something diferent than the licence plate mounts

i am working on the same thing myself my hold up is the turn signal relocation i want something diferent than the licence plate mounts

I am planning on moving my turnsignals by mounting them directly to the base of the fender on each side. I just haven't decided if I want to use the stock ones or get some smaller after market ones. I also thought about tryng to do some gost lights at the back of the wheel adjusters on each side so they are somewhat hidden unless you behind me and they are on. Of course they would have to be pretty small and when on a bike more light for the idiots on the road to see the better.

KY23: I have an 06 883R and trying to accomplish the same thing. According to the Accessories catalog there are 2 saddlebag choices for use with the detachable side plates. The color matched hard bags (91412-XXXXX) and the rigid leather bags (53050-4A). Rigid bags say the turn signals must be relocated. The color matched hard bags don't mention turn signal relocation, but the pictures appears to show the turn signals moved. Wish H-D would list the dimensions of their saddle bags like they do with the rack packs. I also wish I was taller!

Ghost Brackets work great with the detach brackets to allow detach saddlebags. www.ghostbrackets.com I mounted the Ghost Brackets to a set of Fox Creek fatboy bags.
Bobby

I also wish I was taller!

I'm sure HD makes leg extensions :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

I looked at the hard bags that HD has that will fit the QD sissy bar. The parts guy at the dealership seems to think that they won't work since I have the Progressive shocks.

I think the best option at this point is either Ghost brackets or a Bikers Friend bag..

I saw a friends with ghost brackets and they seemed to stick out from the side a good distance. Anyone have a picture of the back end of their bike with ghost brackets on?

I actually have several setups...

I have a nice set of bags that I haven't used since the accident....they require guards, so I don't use'em much...in fact, never put them on Roxy yet...

I have a t-bag and a set of throw-overs that get the most work...very handy, and very removeable....

Last, I have a really nice LARGE heavy leather "road rig" that heavy-duty velcro straps to my bitch bar (along with other support, of course) also has a small roll compartment for light stuff that sits on top....sweet rig, and it was fairly cheap at the rez here (170.00? I think?)...that's for the longer trips....

Throwovers are the bomb, tho......

I saw a friends with ghost brackets and they seemed to stick out from the side a good distance. Anyone have a picture of the back end of their bike with ghost brackets on?

i don't think they stick out too far... and i like being able to detach them in less than a minute. i don't use them very often, but they do come in handy when i need them..... :smoke
http://home.earthlink.net/~skratches/bag.jpg

if my lower shocks are going to effect the fit
Why would lower shocks affect the fit?

I looked at the hard bags that HD has that will fit the QD sissy bar. The parts guy at the dealership seems to think that they won't work since I have the Progressive shocks.
I've got the H-D rigid leather bags 53050-04A (was 53148-04) and 11" 412s: these work together with no problems.

I don't like the bags though: there's very little space inside. I've just orderred a set of Leather Pros 3000s.

Why would lower shocks affect the fit?


I've got the H-D rigid leather bags 53050-04A (was 53148-04) and 11" 412s: these work together with no problems.

I don't like the bags though: there's very little space inside. I've just orderred a set of Leather Pros 3000s.
Folkie - You will be happy with those bags. Make sure you buy the leather preservative that they offer (Leather Black...I had never heard of it before). I coated my bags and my tool roll and am very happy how they leather resists the elements (they are undergoing "arctic testing" right now here in Korea). Mounting and dismounting the bags are a snap...I spend more time with the padlocks then actually engaging the mounting mechanisms. Let us know what you think when you get them....

Hi Scout99

Garry's just emailed me to say they're shipping Tuesday. Not sure how long they'll take to get through UK Customs.

The parts guy at the dealership said the hard bags had some type of molding around the shocks and said that any change in the shock might mess up the fit. I guess he was wrong.

I'm thinking of just getting some throw overs for now. I've bought alot from Foxcreek and their stuff has been great. These should do me for awhile.

Now the question is slanted or straight?

The parts guy at the dealership said the hard bags had some type of molding around the shocks and said that any change in the shock might mess up the fit. I guess he was wrong.
Well, he could be right, but only if the moulding around the shocks fits a lot closer than on the rigid leather bags.

Anyone with the hard bags able to comment?

Well I know Leather Pros claims their bags won't fiit 96 or later XL1200S models which have the gas chamber on their shocks. I think the plastic back of the saddlebag is molded to fit around the shock absorber and won't with the gas expansion chamber on the 1200S shocks.

Link...disclaimer at right of page:

http://www.leatherpros.com/website1_004.htm

I've been a little concerned about this myself as I wanted to replace my rear shocks with the 1200S models, but also want the Leatherpro or Boss bags at some point, so am not looking for an alternative rear shock setup.

Well I know Leather Pros claims their bags won't fiit 96 or later XL1200S models which have the gas chamber on their shocks. I think the plastic back of the saddlebag is molded to fit around the shock absorber and won't with the gas expansion chamber on the 1200S shocks.

Link...disclaimer at right of page:

http://www.leatherpros.com/website1_004.htm

I've been a little concerned about this myself as I wanted to replace my rear shocks with the 1200S models, but also want the Leatherpro or Boss bags at some point, so am not looking for an alternative rear shock setup.

arjay - You are correct. The piggy-back reservoir on the 1200S shocks will not fit in the PVC well of the Leather Pros bags. And since Leather Pros makes the Sportster bag for Boss Bags I’d assume the same for them. I can tell you that I have Works Shocks with BARS (a large diameter adjustment sleeve for rebound settings). These are a lot larger in diameter than stock. Garry at Leather Pros sent me additional mounting hardware (spacers and bolts) so that I could install the mount posts a little further out to afford me the room I needed for the shock bodies.

It sounds like you may have to cobble together something to meet your needs if your dead set on 1200S shocks. A set of throw-overs with a modified bracket to keep the bags from rubbing against your shock bodies will probably answer the mail. The only thing I don’t like about this solution is that the brackets I have seen are permanent and don’t look very appealing when the bags are dismounted. When you take off the Leather Pros bags, all you see are mount posts that extend out from the rear fender strut covers (very clean).

Good luck in your quest...

KY23, howdy. I've a set of the SAC H-D nylon throw-over bags. They ride above the top of the shock & the turn signals. Didn't have to move or change anything, or put on any brackets. Check 'em ouy. A bit pricey at $199, but I like 'em. They each hold @ a week's worth of sox, tees, & underwear. They & a Tour Master cruiser II sissy bag, took me to El Paso & back without doing laundry. 14 days & 14 states.