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I will say there's several options out there, aftermarket and Touring OEM bags as well. I looked into this, considered adding a fairing and hard bags, but I'm not 100% sure I want to take away from Heritage Classic look, If I ever did decide to go that way, I'd do OEM hard bags, there's always a ton of them on the local Craigslist because the stretched bags and fenders are all the rave with the bagger guys. very tempting.
I will say there's several options out there, aftermarket and Touring OEM bags as well. I looked into this, considered adding a fairing and hard bags, but I'm not 100% sure I want to take away from Heritage Classic look, If I ever did decide to go that way, I'd do OEM hard bags, there's always a ton of them on the local Craigslist because the stretched bags and fenders are all the rave with the bagger guys. very tempting.
This 10000000%... don't get t he cheap brackets, cycle visions is where it's at for the brackets.
Below are a couple of pictures from a trip in 2019.
I rode about 1200 miles with those saddle bags loaded down with I'd guess 30+ lbs. in/on each one.
The bags never sagged or bounced a bit.
On a side note; I don't recommend loading down the back of the bike as much as I did.
This lightened the front so much (even with a fairing) that there were times I can tell if I took my hand off the bars the front end would start to wobble.
I simple didn't take my hands off the bars and all was well.
Last edited by Bluraven; Dec 11, 2020 at 04:32 PM.
I don't know if you have Progressive RAP 422's in there or not, but I highly recommend it, you can adjust the preload, while she may still be heavy over the rear tire, she may not sag as much giving you that light front end feeling.
I also noticed you guys camp, hotel's will free up a lot of that weight lol.
Originally Posted by Bluraven
Below are a couple of pictures from a trip in 2019.
I rode about 1200 miles with those saddle bags loaded down with I'd guess 30+ lbs. in/on each one.
The bags never sagged or bounced a bit.
On a side note; I don't recommend loading down the back of the bike as much as I did.
This lightened the front so much (even with a fairing) that there were times I can tell if I took my hand off the bars the front end would start to wobble.
I simple didn't take my hands off the bars and all was well.
Yep I do have 422 RAPs and adjusted them the best I could.
They are freaking awesome.
As for camping vs hotel; we waited too long to make reservations. (Kool Deadwood Nites)
The only lodging left for the week was a tent spot at the Deadwood KOA so my Son and I decided to go for it.
It was so much fun we went back this past summer and camped again but had the gear shipped early to a family member in Rapid City so we just had to haul it about 40 miles.
We added another tent to this trip.
Next year we’re headed to Deal’s Gap to ride the Dragon.
Hotels for that trip.
Mike - Id say price out the Hard bags as compared to a good set of Leather bags, I was going to go the Hard bag route but had a set of custom leather Bags made that operate like hard bags. By the time you buy the hard bags, support brackets & flip your axle the Hard bags cost more - then throw in the lid covers to accent the Heritage styling.......? to each there own.
Raven - Dam.........you got that bike loaded up good!
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