If you're looking for a clean set up Bubba's is hard to beat. You can use Bubba's bolts and keep the Harley deatachable hardware and your bags will mount right up to the bolt or you can use Bubba's bolts and detachable sideplates and your bags will move even closer to the bike. I looked at all the systems and the one thing I didn't like was how far out the bags were. I went with Bubba's set up and my bags mount about 1/2 inch(appox thickness of the mounting bolt head) off the strutts. Very clean! I'll try to get some pictures today... weather permitting.
Here's the website http://www.bubbasbrake.com/xcart/home.php

 

Easybrackets. They lock, and they were already wrinkle black to match the rest of the bike.

 

HH,

I have been back and forth between Bubbas and Barebacks systems. So you are saying that Bubbas system will mount the bags closer to the detachable hardware than Bareback's. That was my deciding factor.

Also, the bolts that hold the bag to the center tapped bolt; enough thread into to the center tapped bolt for a secure hold?

Thanks,

TK

 

To my knowledge there is no system that will mount your bags closer than Bubba's. Depending on what you have there are two options. If you have Harley's detachable backrest hardware then you will replace the bolts with Bubba's and your bags will mount right to the bolts because they are threaded. If you go with Bubba's detachable backrest then that hardware (which is the bolts and new side plates) your bags will mount right up to the threaded bolts. The head of these bolts are approx 1/2 wide which means your bags will be approx 1/2 inch from the fender strutts. I had Harley's hardware but I liked Bubba's complete system, especially how close it mounted so I sold my Harley hardware and side plates. The only way I know of to get them closer is to bolt them to the strutts permanently. Hope this made sense, if not let me know.

The bareback system are bolts that replace your bolts that come with the Harley hardware. These bolt have end that stick out about 1/2 inch and there is another bolt that mounts to the bag and has a spring loaded end on it. When you use this system your bags will set out appox an additional 5/8 -3/4 inch past the end of your detachable hardware. These are estimated as I do not have this system to actually measure, I'm going from memory when I was researching the best system.

 

I checked out Bubba's system, but it looked like it was for hard bags which I don't have. Mine are THESE and bolt on....unless I'm missing something.

 

Alot bags have a "frame work" of some sort to support the bag. Mine is a Harley bag it is a leather covered hard bag. Call their cutomer service they should be able to advise you.

 

Tryed calling a couple times today with no answer.

I did find the system for the bags "like" mine on their website here. They don't list my bike on there either. It's all Heritage and Fatboys. No Softail Customs. Maybe because the two bolts that hold my bags on aren't both on the inside of the bag. The rear one is on the outside of the bag and the front one is inside the bag. I won't be able to use Bubba's retainer/locking clip to keep the bolts from coming loose. Nice looking system though!

 

I have the Barebacks for mine and love them. They do stick out about an inch or so from the struts, but not a biggie for me. I also got the chrome caps for them, so when not riding with bags, they clean up the look nicely.

 

Ditto.

 

Can you post pics? I have a 2010 Heritage and just ordered the Barebacks.