I just bought a 2017 Iron as a second bike. The other one is a 2012 Limited. I'm going to use this a commuter/day-trip bike. What's your solution for carrying basics - tools, sunglasses, rain suit, etc.? What your on-the-bike solution for when you need to carry a little more? I'll need an alternative to wearing a backpack. I see the detachable luggage rack in the catalog. What bag are you using on it? Want to keep this bike minimalist - the exact opposite of my bagger! Oh, and any other knowledge you'd like to pass along would be appreciated by this Sportster newbie.

 

I use a swing arm bag. Doesn't fit a whole lot but it gets the job done for me.

 

Just a backpack. I made a sissy bar with a bunch of tie down locations and just keep two bungee cords on it. Doesn't look great I can get a case of beer home so I have that going for me. So I just strap the back pack to that but if you're looking for a minimalist look I'd suggest a swingarm bag or just carry a backpack.

 

Swingarm bag does the trick for me. I don't usually have much to carry so the limited size isn't much of a problem. I'm only carrying a small tool pouch, a pair of clear (or tinted) goggles/sunglasses and maybe a spare pair of gloves and/or a sweater if I'm expecting a weather change.

I went with the HD-brand bag and have some mixed feelings about it. It is mounted on a bracket which is nice, but that has its own drawbacks.

Things I do NOT like:
1. Mounting bracket needed a small bit of grinding to clear the swingarm. Mounted and went for a ride. Felt/heard it clunk everytime i came to a stop. After nipping of a corner with the grinder it was all good, but still shouldn't need modification since its the factory part specifically for Sportster models

2. Blocks access to side panel / battery cover. Bag needs to be removed to open the cover...which leads to the next point

3. Bag is attached to bracket with 4 screws. These all need to be removed and is a PITA working inside the bag just to get the side panel off to pull fuse or whatever

4. Prevents installation of passenger pegs. Not really an issue for me...I don't like passengers but I'm sure a lot of you ride 2-up.

Things I DO like:
1. Rock solid mounting once you get it sorted out

2. Looks great. Good quality leather bag. Solid fasteners.

3. Enough space for me to stuff some light rain gear, a sweater, gloves and extra eyewear. Thats about all I ever need so I'm happy with the amount of space. If it was any bigger it would stick out and wreck the lines of the bike.

 

Check out dead creek cycles as an alternative swingman mount. Without a mounting kit paint will get rubbed off. HD bag is nice but you can get a little larger. The detachable rack and sissybar are nice options as well. To me sporties change more than BTs as they break in, getting smoother. The seat and shocks seem a fair bit better since 16, but she's still slammed so bumpy is part of the ride unless you want to add some shock length.

I used to have this on the swingarm, but mounted on the saddlebag mount so preserve passenger pegs and it's easier to get into.

 

We have options from normal ride to 'longer weekend' trips...
Normally, just a front bag under the headlight and a 'swingarm' bag
(not mounted to swing arm).



(mounted on this bracket from Germany)



And for the 'longer trips', its all Quick Detach stuff. Could still
use the sissybar/rack for 'other' stuff if we need to....



hth,

T.

 

WKNDS - Thanks for all the photos. Great stuff. Do you have any photos that show the mustache bar that you could post? I was thinking about adding one, but haven't seen any good photos. thanks

 

Sure, by request - dont mean to hi-jack your thread....







hope this helps,

T.

 

Not hi-jacking if I make the request. Thanks for the photos. They were a big help. Is that the HD version?

 

Yes, I removed the 'foot pads' that were in the corners.
I also added 'long arm' highway foot rests & LED lights.

hth,

T.