Imagine hitting the open road on your Harley Softail, wind in your hair, the rumble of the engine beneath you. But then you realize you have nowhere to put your essentials – your wallet, your phone, maybe even a jacket for a sudden chill. Where does it all go? This is where the quest for the perfect saddlebags for your Softail truly begins.
Choosing saddlebags for your Harley Softail isn’t always easy. So many styles and materials exist! Some look great but don’t hold much. Others are huge but clash with your bike’s cool look. You want bags that are tough, hold your gear, and make your Softail even more stylish. It can feel overwhelming to find that perfect balance.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the different types of saddlebags, what makes them a good fit for your Softail, and how to pick the ones that will serve you well on every adventure. Get ready to upgrade your ride and carry your gear with confidence!
Top Saddlebags For Harley Softail Recommendations
- 【FITMENT】Fit for Harley Softail 1984-2017 (except softail slim, softail deuce models). Note: This saddlebag bracket is not suitable for single-sided dual exhaust
- 【CONDITION】Aftermarket Brand New; Easy to install And No install instructions.
- 【SADDLEBAGS】Color: Vivid Black Finish ( Painted Already); Latches Color: Black; Material: Very High Quality ABS; Size: As picture Shown. (outside dimension measurements).
- 【BRACKETS】Four rubber bottom supports; Black finishes mounting hardware; Color: Black; Size: As the Picture Show; [NOTE]: Exhaust must sit below your rear axle; Turn signal relocation kit IS Required (excludes Deluxe models).
- 【PACKAGE INCLUDED】A pair Black saddlebags (Black Latches) w/ Keys; A pair Black heavy duty metal brackets With mounting hardware; Free Insert Carpet Liners.
- New Aftermarket Components
- Material: Very High Quality ABS
- Good Working Condition and Easy to Install
- To Fits for 1994-2013 Harley Davidson all Touring Models including road glide, road king, ultra, street glide, electra glide. They also Fit on the Softail, DYNA and Sportster Models With the conversion Brackets(Brackets are not included).(NOTE: Before purchasing, please confirm whether the exhaust pipes will interfere with saddlebag installation.)
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Left and Right Saddlebag + 2 Keys + 2 Latchs
- Compatibility: The universal saddle bag with brackets is compatible with Harley Cruiser Davidson Dyna Honda Suzuki Kawasaki Yamaha
- Material: Hard saddle bag is made of high quality plastic, ensuring the durability and long-term use life. And It have good resistance to various weather. Outer Dimension: 18.5" (Length), 12.8" (Height), 7.87" (Width). Large Storage Space: 30L Capacity Side Bag/60L for Pair. Color: Black
- High Performance: The saddle bag provides ample space for riders to carry personal stuff and the lockable design ensure safety. It is easy to get stuff and lids can open from the top
- Installation: It can be connected to a motorcycle. Note: keys are attached to the box with tape
- Package: A pair of saddle bags and accessories (screw, nuts, washers) included. Please check bracket measurement to ensure if it will fit
- Aftermarket Brand New; No adjustments need, Easy to install back on original position
- Hard Saddlebag Conversion Bracket Kit Fit For Harley Heritage Softail Fatboy Night Train 1984-2017
- Fit For Harley Softail models 1984-2017(except softail slim, softail deuce models)
- Package Included: Box1: A pair Saddlebag; Box2: A pair black heavy duty metal bracket With mounting hardware
- Conversion Kit Feature: Four rubber bottom supports;Exhaust must sit below your rear axle;Turn signal relocation IS required (excludes Deluxe models)
- Aftermarket Parts 100% Brand New
- Material: Very High Quality ABS,Dust anti-UV test 36 hours, crash test, grid test method to test adhesion
- High class quality and very durable
- fits for Harley Davidson 1984-2017 Softail Models FLST, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN FLSTS models
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pair of saddlebags With Keys Latch,Pair of heavy duty metal brackets With mounting hardware
- 【FITMENT】Fit for Harley Softail 1984-2017 (except softail slim, softail deuce models). Note: This saddlebag bracket is not suitable for single-sided dual exhaust
- 【CONDITION】New Aftermarket Components; Easy to install And No install instructions.
- 【SADDLEBAGS】Color: Vivid Black Finish ( Painted Already); Latches Color: Black; Material: Very High Quality ABS; Size: As picture Shown. (outside dimension measurements).
- 【BRACKETS】Four rubber bottom supports; Black finishes mounting hardware; Color: Black; Size: As the Picture Show;
- 【PACKAGE INCLUDED】A pair Black saddlebags (Black Latches) w/ Keys; A pair Black heavy duty metal brackets With mounting hardware; Free Insert Carpet Liners.
- Black conversion brackets with hardware compatible with harley davidson softail models(1984-2017). Enable you to use the Harley Davidson Touring Hard Saddlebags on the Softail Models.
- Bracket Fits: Compatible with Harley Davidson Softail Models 1984-2017 (Except For Deuce Models).
- Exhaust Must Sit Below Your Rear Axle Turn Signal Relocation Is Required (Excludes Deluxe Models).
- Package Incuded: A pair Black heavy duty metal brackets With mounting hardware. Assembly Will Be Required (Assembly Hardware Is Included).
- Pair Of Conversion Metal Brackets Black finishes mounting hardware Assembly Will Be Required (Assembly Hardware Is Included)
- Condition: New Aftermarket Components! Motorcycle Hard Saddlebags with Conversion Brackets for Harley Softail
- Saddlebags Material: High quality ABS, Vivid Black finish; Latches Material: Zinc Alloy, Chrome finish; Saddlebags are stretched 5" longer than stock to cover the muffler front to back and give that stretched look
- Conversion Bracket Material: Heavy duty metal, Black finish; W/ four rubber bottom supports, exhaust must sit below your rear axle; Turn signal relocation IS required (excludes Deluxe models)
- Fitment: Fits for Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe & Heritage Softail models 1984-2017
- Package Included: 1 pair Saddlebags W/ Keys, 1 pair Conversion Brackets W/ Mounting Hardware
Conquer the Road: Your Guide to Harley Softail Saddlebags
Ready to add some serious style and practicality to your Harley Softail? Saddlebags are a fantastic way to carry your gear, whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend trip or a long cross-country adventure. Let’s dive into what makes a great saddlebag for your ride.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for saddlebags, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much stuff do you need to carry? Saddlebags come in various sizes. Think about your typical ride. Do you just need space for a jacket and a water bottle, or do you pack for longer trips?
- Mounting System: How do the bags attach to your bike? Some saddlebags bolt directly to the frame, while others use quick-release systems. A secure and easy-to-use mounting system is crucial.
- Locking Mechanism: For security, look for saddlebags with locks. This keeps your belongings safe from theft.
- Water Resistance: You don’t want your gear getting soaked in a sudden rain shower. Many saddlebags offer good water resistance, and some are even fully waterproof.
- Shape and Style: Saddlebags come in many shapes and styles, from sleek and modern to classic and vintage. Choose a style that complements your Softail’s look.
Important Materials
The material your saddlebags are made from greatly affects their durability and appearance.
- Leather: This is a classic choice for Harley-Davidson. Genuine leather looks great and ages well. It’s also quite durable. However, leather can be heavier and requires some care to keep it in good condition.
- ABS Plastic: These are hard saddlebags. They offer excellent protection for your gear and are very weather-resistant. ABS plastic is also strong and can withstand bumps and scrapes.
- Cordura or Ballistic Nylon: These synthetic fabrics are tough and lightweight. They are often used in softer saddlebag designs and are very resistant to tearing and abrasion.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a saddlebag great or not so great.
- Stitching: Look for strong, even stitching. Loose or uneven stitching can lead to seams breaking over time.
- Hardware: Sturdy buckles, zippers, and latches are important. Cheap hardware can break easily and cause frustration.
- Liner: A good quality liner inside the saddlebag helps protect your items and makes cleaning easier.
- Fitment: The saddlebags should fit your specific Harley Softail model well. Poorly fitting bags can rub against your bike or look awkward.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use your saddlebags.
- Daily Commuting: If you use your bike for everyday tasks, you might want smaller, easily accessible saddlebags for essentials like your phone, wallet, and a light jacket.
- Weekend Getaways: For shorter trips, you’ll need more space for clothes, toiletries, and maybe a small toolkit. Hard saddlebags are great for keeping everything organized and protected.
- Long-Distance Touring: If you’re planning epic rides, you’ll need ample storage. Consider larger saddlebags, possibly paired with a sissy bar bag or tank bag, to carry everything you need for extended journeys.
- Aesthetics: Many riders choose saddlebags not just for function but also for how they enhance their bike’s appearance. They can complete a custom look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in Softail saddlebags?
A: You should look for good capacity, a secure mounting system, a locking mechanism for security, good water resistance, and a style that matches your bike.
Q: What are the most common materials used for Harley Softail saddlebags?
A: The most common materials are genuine leather, durable ABS plastic for hard bags, and tough synthetic fabrics like Cordura or ballistic nylon for softer bags.
Q: How can I tell if a saddlebag is high quality?
A: High quality is indicated by strong, neat stitching, sturdy hardware like zippers and latches, and a well-fitting design for your specific Softail model.
Q: What is the difference between hard and soft saddlebags?
A: Hard saddlebags are usually made of plastic or fiberglass and offer excellent protection and weather resistance. Soft saddlebags are typically made of leather or fabric and are more flexible and often lighter.
Q: How much gear can saddlebags typically hold?
A: Capacity varies greatly. Small saddlebags might hold a few essentials, while larger touring bags can hold enough for a week-long trip.
Q: Are saddlebags difficult to install on a Harley Softail?
A: Installation difficulty depends on the specific saddlebag model. Some bolt on easily, while others may require more steps or specific mounting brackets.
Q: Will saddlebags affect my bike’s handling?
A: Properly installed and balanced saddlebags should not significantly affect your bike’s handling. Overloading them can cause issues.
Q: Do I need to make any modifications to my Softail to install saddlebags?
A: Many saddlebags are designed to fit without modifications. However, some might require additional mounting hardware or slight adjustments.
Q: How do I clean and maintain leather saddlebags?
A: Clean leather saddlebags with a damp cloth and use a leather conditioner regularly to keep the material supple and protected from drying out.
Q: Can I remove saddlebags easily when I don’t need them?
A: Many saddlebags feature quick-release systems that allow for easy removal. Others may require tools for detachment.