My local dealer said there is a 20% sale coming in the spring which would take the HD bags down to the same price as the boss or leatherpros.
I do like the idea of being able to lock the bags which I don't think you can the HD.

 

Got my boss bags here: http://www.ironhorsetrading.com/

Talked to Matt, he was very helpful. I remember getting some kind of discount, so ask him about it, and I believe there was no charge for shipping. The shock roller really does work, you can tighten the bags up as they get worn in and they don't rattle around like a lot of others.

 

Toecat2000, I had the same dilema last year. Wasn't sure of the extra $300 was worth it.

The indy who works on my bike assked me if I rode 2-up a lot - I said yes.

Asked if I carry 2 sets of rain gear - I said yes.

Asked if my wife and I layer our clothes so we can remove/add as weather changes. I said yes.

Came to the conclusion that once the bags were on they would stay on 90+% of the time.

Got the non-detachable HD bags and happy ever since.

Sammi

 

+1 to Sammi.

My HD bags aren't the best looking in my opinion but I love having them. They are permanently mounted. It takes about 15 minutes to take them off.

They are on 100% of the time. I commute to work, so they always have rain gear, layers of clothes, gloves, and lunch. Gotta have a place for the sammich.

 

I went 18 years without saddlebags, never thought of them, figured I didn't need them, always had a bag, cooler, whateverbungeed to the bike. I never knew any better, nobody ever told me any different.

Back in '99', bought a bike with detachable locking bags. At first I was skeptical, I guess you could say almost embarassedwith my buddies. They looked at them, and straight up, theysaid the bike looks better without them. I have to admit, at that time I agreed, but then Ineeded the essentials with me for my daily commute to work. My commute was 110 miles RT daily, 5 to 7 days a week.

Had that bike 8 years, can't think of any times I took them off except for washing the bike.

My bags are bolted on, if I find the need in the future to have them QD, I can always get the hardware. I honestly don't see that happening, but the option is there.

 

I also purchased the Boss Bags and really liked them. They are worth the extra money... but... I find that I only removed them to clean the bike. They are just too useful.

 

I have an '08 FDXC and I wanted bags that weren't going to cost me hugely. A guy on this forum has an '07 FDXC and a set of Willie & Mas bags. They are artifical leather and they are the standard slanted breaded bags. The are throw over tie downs-no hardware. They are a perfect fit for late model Dynas ('06-'08). They fit very nicely between the shocks and the tail lights (no relocation required). Visually, they fit the bike without looking too bulky. They have plastic liners to hold the shape. They are available for under $150-more like $120 if you look around. Something to think about.

 

I put my vote in for the leather pros bags.

I got mine at my dealer for 15% off. That was a nice surprise.

They are good quality and easy on/off. I wanted that because I like the clean look but once they were on they only come off to do a deepclean of the bike.

Bags are handy.

gotta get my post count up.

 

As mentioned, I bolted on my bags this year. And yes, itprobably will bea pain in the a$$ to unbolt for cleaning purposes.

But, reading these posts, I thinkI may have come up with a solution to make life easier without going the EasyBracket or similarroute. Yeah, I'm cheap, lol.

Has anybody tried either machining (or welding) a bolt with nut in center, so only stud sticks out, then taking bags off would not have to mess with fender etc...? Only two nuts each, and off for cleaning. I'm guessing rear would be easy, longer bolt, extra nut/lockwasher since bolt is reverse from forward one.

I know "to each his (or her) own", but I went with the bolt on route here at first because I know I will only need them off when cleaning bike, and if that's the case, I like the bags in closer to the bike, even if it's only an inch or so each side.

I know I'm probably not the first guy to think of this, looking to see if there are any concerns or problems that might occur.

 

I went with the Leatherpro. They come off in just a minute or 2. So far I have only taken them off to have the bike serviced. I keep rain gear and extra cold weather clothes in them in case I get caught in bad weather.