Heritage - easy to remove/replace bags?
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Heritage - easy to remove/remount bags?
I'm brand new here and this is my first post. Looks like a great place to hang out and I've already gotten a ton of information here and I appreciate that everyone is so willing to share info.
I've done searches but I haven't really zeroed in on what I'm looking for, so I'm hoping for a little advice. I'm shopping for my first used Harley, moving up from a Shadow Aero 750 which has served me really well as my first bike these last four seasons.
I've narrowed it down to either a Heritage or a Deluxe. Gonna go the late model/low mileage used route. I've sat on both and for some reason the Heritage feels a little better than the Deluxe (I'm a bit vertically challenged at 5'7", 29" inseam), but I'm sure the Deluxe could be tweaked to feel just as good or better.
Here's the thing. I prefer the overall cleaner cosmetics of the Deluxe, but the Heritage seems to be a better value because of the bags/windshield. I'm really not crazy at all about all the studded leather on the Heritage, and I'm wondering if the saddlebags are fairly easy to remove and remount. I'd use the bags when I needed them (even with all them studs
) but I'd really like to be able to run without them the rest of the time so the bike would look more like the Deluxe.
Will the Heritage bags pop on and off easily, and does the bike look good without them? I haven't seen one yet without them - is there any ugly stuff hidden under those bags or is it nice and clean?
Sorry if this was a rambling message and/or if this information is right under my nose, but thanks in advance for any help.
I've done searches but I haven't really zeroed in on what I'm looking for, so I'm hoping for a little advice. I'm shopping for my first used Harley, moving up from a Shadow Aero 750 which has served me really well as my first bike these last four seasons.
I've narrowed it down to either a Heritage or a Deluxe. Gonna go the late model/low mileage used route. I've sat on both and for some reason the Heritage feels a little better than the Deluxe (I'm a bit vertically challenged at 5'7", 29" inseam), but I'm sure the Deluxe could be tweaked to feel just as good or better.
Here's the thing. I prefer the overall cleaner cosmetics of the Deluxe, but the Heritage seems to be a better value because of the bags/windshield. I'm really not crazy at all about all the studded leather on the Heritage, and I'm wondering if the saddlebags are fairly easy to remove and remount. I'd use the bags when I needed them (even with all them studs
) but I'd really like to be able to run without them the rest of the time so the bike would look more like the Deluxe.Will the Heritage bags pop on and off easily, and does the bike look good without them? I haven't seen one yet without them - is there any ugly stuff hidden under those bags or is it nice and clean?
Sorry if this was a rambling message and/or if this information is right under my nose, but thanks in advance for any help.
Last edited by user 908203920; May 4, 2011 at 02:08 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
Welcome to the forum.
Your choices will basically be Cyclevisions Barebacks, or Easy Brackets. I prefer Barebacks.
If you have a Heritage, you will need the quick detach kit for the sissy bar, and it will dictate which Barebacks kit you get (theres 1 for quick detach and one if you dont have it)
Here's a pic of my bike with the Barebacks, but before I bought the quick detach side plates (yes, I had to re-buy the barebacks kit when I got the quick detach side plates).
There will be a little more space with the quick detach side plates, but I only use the bags when I'm touring now.
Your choices will basically be Cyclevisions Barebacks, or Easy Brackets. I prefer Barebacks.
If you have a Heritage, you will need the quick detach kit for the sissy bar, and it will dictate which Barebacks kit you get (theres 1 for quick detach and one if you dont have it)
Here's a pic of my bike with the Barebacks, but before I bought the quick detach side plates (yes, I had to re-buy the barebacks kit when I got the quick detach side plates).
There will be a little more space with the quick detach side plates, but I only use the bags when I'm touring now.
Last edited by Keithhu; May 4, 2011 at 02:56 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
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From: SE Michigan
Sweet bike dude, mine is similar - are those 14 or 16s? I have 14" wild1 chubs, love em!
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Tourer
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IMO my Heritage looks great with and without the factory saddle bags. The bags come off with 2 nuts at the top and 1 down low mounted by the passenger foot peg. It takes maybe 5 minutes to remove the bags.
The look is very clean with the bags off. Harley also provides some black slip on thread covers for the upper 2 mounting bolts. I'll attach photos with the bags on and off so you can decide for yourself. The black thread covers can be hard to spot at 1st. If you zoom into the 2nd photo you can see them on the chrome strut below the passenger seat.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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I purchased a 2010 Heritage due to the extras that came on the bike. I wanted a windshield and bags but the Deluxe did not offer them. For the money, the Heritage is a great value. I installed the barebackes on my bike and like the easy of taking the bags off and putting them back on without issue. Good luck in your purchase...
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