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Backpack for me, but I am looking at the Dowco Frenzy tail bag.
I got a t-bags Raven. Same idea as the Frenzy, I thought. I had looked at the Frenzy, and liked, it but the dimensions listed are really small. So I got a new Raven from a private party to save some $, and because the two bag system looked like a good idea. It sucked. Well, it sucked for use on a HD detachables solo rack on an Iron. Way, way to wide and sloppy, and no good way to secure it. Hated it. Went to a local bike shop where they have used stuff on consignment and traded for this small, used, official HD leather trunk. It's awesome. No idea where to get one as it is not shown on the Harley shopping site. I keep it mounted tightly to the solo rack, and just take the whole thing on and off the bike. So to answer OP's question, I suggest the HD detachable solo rack, because it is detachable, and some type of tail bag, or trunk, of this size and shape. Viking has some nice ones. I also have the HD swing arm saddlebag. It's great. Doesn't change the look of the bike, but it does hold some stuff. I put small stuff like glasses in the small Harley fork bag on the front. I don't like having it on there, but I don't mind it either, and it does hold a little bit of stuff.
Good luck.
As a temporary measure, bought a HD backpack since it had bright red/orange piping and reflector material. I normally wear a hi viz HD vest to be seen in early morning commute but wearing a backpack defeats wearing one....so the backpack needs to be somewhat eyecatching.
How does the swingarm bag attach to the bike....I looked at one and there was a hard backing with a couple of holes.
Right now I am using the sissy bar mount set-up now as in the picture but I have a detachable rack that I am looking at ideas for a smaller bag for around town cruising.
The big bag you see on my rack comes off and on with a couple of straps. I use it to go shopping with the wife. It easily holds 2 to 3 bags of groceries.
Only on trips away from home. In the past, when bikes were much less reliable and punctures more common I would carry spare tube, puncture outfit and plenty of tools, including a small scissor jack on my early big twins.
As a temporary measure, bought a HD backpack since it had bright red/orange piping and reflector material. I normally wear a hi viz HD vest to be seen in early morning commute but wearing a backpack defeats wearing one....so the backpack needs to be somewhat eyecatching.
How does the swingarm bag attach to the bike....I looked at one and there was a hard backing with a couple of holes.
Funny you asked as I decided not to mention tools earlier because, I don't carry them yet. I just purchased some tools and plan to get more and a swing arm bag to hold a Cruz Tools kit +some.
I use a expandable T-Bag with a roll bag. Has pocket that slips over sissy bar. When unzipped it doubles the size. I can pack a week's worth of winter cloths in it. Usally set it turned to bitch seat giving me a back rest while riding. A tip with any use a trash bag to line inside. The bags maybe rain proof but rain gets in through the zipper on mine.
HD has a nice toolbag for lower front frame, bolt on. They also have a solid mounted swingarm bag. If you do not solid mount it painted will get marred and rubbed off. Dead Creek Cycles makes a kit you can buy separately that can be used with most any bag. BadG&customs has some nice bags, I have used these products, good stuff. HD also has saddlebag support bars, for a while I used just one to relocate my swingarm bag so passenger pegs could be used, now I just use two regular saddlebags.
Last edited by Switchback12; Jun 2, 2017 at 09:55 AM.
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