Harley Davidson Saddlebag Installation: Types, Hardware, Bolt-On, and Tips
Harley Davidson saddlebags are so popular that the term “baggers” was coined to identify the motorcycle! Indeed, given the limited storage area of a Harley, the addition of saddlebags makes perfect sense for riders looking to transport more than just the clothes on their back.
The following article breaks down the saddlebag installation process so that strapping your worldly possessions via bungee cords to your saddle is a thing of the past.
Step 1: Choices, Choices
Begin by determining what type of saddlebags you like/have the option of installing on your motorcycle. Whether hard or soft (meaning constructed of fiberglass or leather/ synthetic material), most saddlebags mount in basically the same manner. Hard bags (or hard luggage as its sometimes known) offer more security for items due to the material’s ability to withstand a crash and coupled to the fact that they can be locked at the cost of being fairly bulky. On the flip side, soft bags seem to offer more flexibility/less interference with the rider interface at the risk of decreased security. Of course, style of each given option will likely play a major role in which you’ll choose as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Once you’ve made the decision on the style/size of the bags, take a visual inspection of the fender bolt area of the bike. This region tends to attract road debris and dust so before beginning, insure that the mounts are free of debris and grime. The same goes for the area beneath the saddlebag so as to prevent grit from being forced against the bodywork by the bag itself.
Step 3: Hardware
Many bags come equipped with rubber spacers. Pay careful attention to these rubber rings or lifting brackets as they are designed to keep the bags from making contact with areas such as the hot exhaust pipes or the engine itself. The bag’s designers go to great lengths to include mounting gear specific to each bike so don’t assume the extra parts were simply included “just in case”.
Step 4: Bolt-On
Since several companies go about the mounting process differently, it’s impossible for us to highlight all of the potential specifics here. Rather, do follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. Many models include a fender bracket, which is to be mounted to the fender before the bag.
What is fairly consistent is the process of aligning the boltholes in the saddlebag with the factory boltholes on the fender. The saddlebag should have mounting holes in the interior side that will align with either the factory fender holes or the included mounting bracket.
Step 5: Repeat
The installation process should be similar for both sides of the motorcycle. Once all of the bolts are snug, give each bag a solid wiggle to check for security. Remember that motorcycles produce intense vibrations; the type that tend to loosen up nuts and bolts over time. Check the solidity of your bags’ mounting frequently.
Tip
Load the bags up with the type of weight they will endure the night before a big ride, or even a week before. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight load. Should the bag or mount-job prove prone to failure, it is better to find out while the bike’s still parked in the garage as opposed to having your belongings spill out onto the highway at 70 mph, hundreds of miles from home.
Jason Giacchino
For additional saddlebag installation specifics for your particular model, please visit the following resource: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tags/saddlebags.html