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I wanna know what bags you have? Hard to beat the storage of a hard bag and I know there is not comparison with the bags in the poll.
Stock 03 Road King Classic bags. I can lengthen the straps and jamb more crap in them than my friend with the 16 Road glide can his because his has no give, his lid's got to latch. Mine stretch width wise. Granted he has a tour box that gives him more room.
This is my road trip bike have 150K on it mostly all long hauls. (ride a shovel for around town and bar hopping).
I've also got a set of stock hard bags off the same year but like the leather better for more room.
I really liked the leather covered bags on my old Road King Custom. I conditioned them a few times a year from day 1 and they resisted water spotting and were water tight.
My '80 FLH had hard bags, never looked back at wanting leather or leatherite or plastic lined leather. That is unless I was going to get a Heritage.
Added: I suppose that riding year round in the Pacific Northwest does have something to do with preferring Hard bags. For 6-8 months, rain can be part of every ride. I know that some leatherite or plastic lined leather bags are watertight as well, just never had an issue with the hard bags since I started using them. I also like to hike when visiting National Parks and Monuments, so I like the idea for locking and leaving the bike secure from grab and go thieves.
Last edited by son of the hounds; Aug 25, 2017 at 11:25 AM.
Stock 03 Road King Classic bags. I can lengthen the straps and jamb more crap in them than my friend with the 16 Road glide can his because his has no give, his lid's got to latch. Mine stretch width wise. Granted he has a tour box that gives him more room.
This is my road trip bike have 150K on it mostly all long hauls. (ride a shovel for around town and bar hopping).
I've also got a set of stock hard bags off the same year but like the leather better for more room.
That ain't gonna happen, the most I'd put into the bags would be some pinstriping. I definitely am not a fan of the leather bags and surprising I thought this poll would go heavily leather but it has not.
The fender has pins only, all I would do is pin the bags but that's it. I would cost way too much to paint those bags. It's 87 of 100 of a Limited Paint Set.
My 2 cents, leather if your not color matching the bags.
I have Boss Bags. Which are leather over a somewhat flexible yet rigid plastic. I have adjustable straps and a little give. They hold a surprising amount, keeps my stuff dry and I can use a small padlock on it if I feel the need.
I also like the leather straps as I can use them to strap and secure things on their top if I need the space. Which I have once or twice.
That said, i'd pick whichever gave me the most usable space and offered the most versatility. If equal? Leather
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