I'm debating whether to add saddlebags to my 2017 Slim S with the stock fender or upgrade to a Heartland fender 200 tire setup with something like a 21 up front. I've never owned a bike with saddlebags and I've also never owned a bike with wide tires. The downside to changing is losing out on the option to add saddlebags and the high cost. I'm assuming performance wise my stock setup is about optimal and the only advantage to an aftermarket wide tire setup would be cosmetic. I haven't come across many threads really going into depth about handling differences when changing to a setup like the Heartland kits.

My bike is not a garage queen. I like to ride it and think I would possibly enjoy the versatility of saddlebags more vs a cooler looking bike with a wide tire kit and am hoping to gain some insight. Any and all thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated!

 

Why would adding the Heartland fender and tire prevent you from adding saddlebags? Is that because it's a shorter fender? You should still be able to add saddlebags, though they might not look quite as good, or you could hard mount smaller saddlebags that would look better, but not hold as much. There are ALWAYS options!

 

They don't make the saddlebags anymore. The Heartland fenders use specific rear pillion mounts built into the struts that aren't compatible with other saddlebag mounts (unless I'm mistaken and somebody has come up with an option).

 

 

You can also add the ride and rack to the fender, that will allow you to hang saddle bags of it.

I am working on a system that will allow me to do exactly that in combination with a bike friends bag

Robert

 

Robert I would be very interested to see your setup when finished. Sounds very versatile.

 

You can always have a machinist make you a mount. It's only metal.