View Poll Results: Keep the saddlebags or remove them?
Keep the bags
34
39.53%
Remove the bags
33
38.37%
Remove the bags and add a sissybar luggage rack with bag
19
22.09%
Voters: 86. You may not vote on this poll
Fat Boy With or Without Bag?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
Fat Boy With or Without Bags?
I added saddlebags to my Fat Boy earlier this year. After looking at the bags on my bike for several months, I'm now on the fence about the appearance. Luggage capacity isn't too important. I have a sport tourer that I ride on trips. Also, I bought the bags for only $125 from a desperate seller on Craigslist. Removing them from the bike won't break the bank. If I remove the bags, I might go with a sissy bar luggage rack with leather bag for carrying small stuff.
What say you...Should I remove the bags or leave 'em on the bike?
What say you...Should I remove the bags or leave 'em on the bike?
Last edited by Geoff; Nov 17, 2017 at 03:24 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
Here ya go:
I like the clean without bags look. But, if you have a need to carry stuff...the bags still look good IMHO.
Last edited by TriGeezer; Nov 17, 2017 at 11:41 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,861
Likes: 17,917
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Those bags look good on that bike and the bike looks just as good with them as without. The thing is, those bags aren’t big enough to carry anything.
To me a bag needs to be at least big enough to carry a jacket. Often when I start a ride it is kind of chilly in the morning but later in the day it warms up and I want to take the jacket off. That’s where the bags come in handy. I also like to keep my rain suit in a bag because weather is so unpredictable down here.
I guess what I am saying is I don’t see bags as a styling or appearance item like a paint job but instead something more utilitarian that still looks good, with the main point being utilitarian. That’s also why I find swing arm bags pointless.
Add a luggage rack to your sissy bar regardless.
To me a bag needs to be at least big enough to carry a jacket. Often when I start a ride it is kind of chilly in the morning but later in the day it warms up and I want to take the jacket off. That’s where the bags come in handy. I also like to keep my rain suit in a bag because weather is so unpredictable down here.
I guess what I am saying is I don’t see bags as a styling or appearance item like a paint job but instead something more utilitarian that still looks good, with the main point being utilitarian. That’s also why I find swing arm bags pointless.
Add a luggage rack to your sissy bar regardless.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 22
Well those bags are just ugly. Got a set just like it on the shelve that were given to me. I put Road King Classic bags on mine and wouldn't be without. Grocery store, parts store, hardware store. And then there are the longer trips. Guess it just comes down to need and style. Don't know if my style is worth much but the need is there.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 118
Likes: 15
From: Frederick, CO
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 29
From: Atlanta
I have an '18 so no bags. I did buy a luggage rack and have a small cylindrical T-Bag installed. I can carry the minimum stuff to get to the gym or if I need something small from the store, anything more and I have to put the backpack style T-bag on or take the cage.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 981
Likes: 182
From: Fairfax County, VA
Thanks for posting this. I am considering bags for mine. I have to say I less inclined to go that route seeing them on it. I will stare at the pic for awhile, thanks for sharing. I have a large cylindrical bag on a luggage rack for supplies and I like the look. saddle bags for me would be mainly for looks.
Now, please tell me about the air cleaner in the pic with the bags. Looks great!
Now, please tell me about the air cleaner in the pic with the bags. Looks great!