Well I finally bit the bullet and ordered some HD distressed leather saddlebags from Zanotti's this morning ($480 + $31 shipping) and some Barebacks from Dennis Kirk's ($142). My question...Do I need anything else? Just rip open the boxes and go to town?

 

I'm not sure about your bike, but with some bikes you have to relocate the rear turn signals.

 

+1

I don't want to relocate my rear sigs. I don't like the look with the bags off. I know, I know....most people leave the bags on all the time once you put them on, but my parking restrictions make that impossible. So, they'd be off more than they'd be on. And I wouldn't like the look.

Enjoy the new bags and post some pics when you're done.

 

From what I've read up on and the HD site I won't have to relocate my rear turn signals. The only time I'm really going to use them is when I hit the Blue Ridge Parkway or take short trip. Just hoping I don't need to buy anything else for awhile. I've already spent around $1600 this winter on mods. I'm a Firefighter/Paramedic (IAFF Local 2270) by trade, and I swear HD is worse than any street drugs I've come across in 20 years!...I'M HOOKED!!

 

Ain't that the truth...

 

I just added the L.E.D. strut light to eliminate the need for the relo and it makes the rear even sleeker, worked for me and the lights are bright.

 

You've got a Fat Bob like mine so you won't need a re location kit for the turn signals. You might however need the detachable hardware docking kit if you don't already have it. I'm assuming the ones you got are detachable since you mentioned wanting to take them off all the time. I think you'll find yourself leaving them on more often then not. I ride my bike pretty much everyday to work and running errands around town and it's hard to beat the convenience of some bags. The hardware kit is fairly cheap if I remember right. Around 40 bucks or so

 

Yeah that's what the barebacks are. A quick release system made by cycle visions. They're supposed to be real easy on easy off, and fit pretty tight up against the bike. Once I get all my winter projects done I'll post pics. I also have some wild 1's 500 drag bars (black of course), new grips and levers to throw on. By looking at the extended weather forecast for NE Tenn I've got plenty of time.