Top 10 Saddlebags for Sportsters and Softails

By Cameron Vanderhorst - November 29, 2019

If you like your Harleys small and sleek, here’s 10 ways to add cargo capacity without ruining its svelte looks.

It’s becoming clear that a new generation of Harley-Davidson riders is beginning to join our ranks. All that talk of “millennials don’t buy motorcycles” is clearly a line of BS. The thing is, this new generation of Harley riders (this editor included) is different: we don’t see bikes like the Sportster and Softail as “starter” bikes; for us, they’re the mountaintop.

Preferring smaller cruisers to full-boat Touring bikes means we sacrifice a bit of utility for less weight, better handling, and a bit more speed. However, no one can deny the utility of a saddlebag (or two). In some cases, it can turn your weekend toy into a daily rider, and turn hour-long leisure rides into a weekend-long escape.

Here’s ten saddlebags for Sportster and Softail owners that add some additional usability to your favorite bike without ruining its looks.

1. Ends Cuoio Mambo: $182

If you carry a concealed firearm, you know better than anyone that riding a motorcycle while carrying can be a challenge. That’s especially true if you appendix carry like Sylvester Stallone in Cobra. When he hops on a Harley at the end of the movie to ride off into the sunset of Brigette Nielsen, we’re sure he’d rather have his iconic 1911 stuffed into this saddlebag instead of poking him in the thigh for the entire ride. This saddlebag naturally fills the space between the Sportster’s oil tank, rear shock, and swingarm. It just looks like it belongs there.

2. Ends Cuoio Beat: $208

Following the style of the Mambo, this bag fits new Softails and sits underneath the passenger seat pillon, following the shape of a bobbed rear fender almost perfectly. As you can see from the photo, it also follows the contour of the exhaust, looking like a factory accessory while providing useful storage for small items.

3. Great Bike Gear Short Pony Express: $318

If you’re looking for something with a little more capacity that still has a small footprint and a classic style, consider the Short Pony Express saddle bag from Great Bike Gear. At just 10″ high, 13″ long, and 5″ deep, it maximizes space without looking huge on smaller bikes like Sportsters. Grab a pair, and it’s entirely possible to fit an overnight bag’s worth of clothes, necessities, and gear for your next trip.

4. Ends Cuoio Folk Rapid: $468

If it seems like Ends Cuoio is dominating this list, there’s a good reason for it: they make quality stuff, with tons of options for customization (material, contrasting stitching, etc.), and offer their wares at a fair price. Not to say that other manufacturers don’t do the same; it’s just that, for the purposes of this list, Ends Cuoio has a great selection for smaller cruisers. Like the Short Pony Express above, this smaller bag offers a good balance of form and function, but this bag is specially designed to fit the new Softails (and look great doing it).

5. Leather Pros LP3000 Series: $729 (pair)

These saddlebags feature the classic “rounded parallelogram” shape often seen on classic touring bikes from the 1950s and 1960s. it’s a timeless shape that lends itself well to the Sportster, the intended market for this bag. They’re reinforced with a plastic liner, and lockable to keep your valuables safe. This is one of the more “traditional” saddlebag choices on our list, with a traditional look to match.

6. Ends Cuoio Country—$624

This bag offers a perfect blend of classic and modern, with a focus on utility. Offering left side fitment only, it’s deep and roomy, while remaining all but invisible from the opposite side of the bike. It follows the profile of the rear wheel almost perfectly—a nice stylistic touch.

7. Leather Pros XL Classic Deluxe—$849 (pair)

Like their Sportster saddlebags, these bags from Leather Pros are designed to offer maximum space and security while offering classic good looks. The XL refers to the sides, not the fitment—these are designed specifically to fit 2018 and up Softails.

8. Great Bike Gear Swingarm Bag—$154

Specially made for the 2018 and up Softails, this swingarm bag has a small footprint. Swingarm bags have been popular on Sportster for a long time, useful for storing documents, tools, and other small items without dramatically changing the look of the bike. it’s awfully nice of Great Bike Gear to let the new Softail guys get in on the fun.

9. Great Bike Gear Small Duffel Bag—$180

This could be one of the most versatile bags on our list. You can attach this bag to your forks, handlebars, sissy bar, luggage rack, or even larger saddlebags. It’s a great choice for insurance documents and tools. Might as well buy one now—you’ll need the extra space someday.

10. Ends Cuoio Folk—$312

One of the smaller “traditional” saddlebags on our list, this 2018 and up Softail bag makes up for its small size with its beefy construction. The rear panel is leather-covered iron to help the bag support large loads, so it’ll stay put, even when packed to the max with clothes and gear. Best of all, it can be installed without relocating your turn signals.