I have a 2012 Softail Deluxe and am looking to put some detachable saddlebags on... I am afraid that I may be getting in over my head given all of the brackets, options, and bags there are to choose from.

I like the Fatboy bags 90200616 but they aren't listed for my bike, a local HD dealer told me that this is because of the exhaust. I am changing the exhaust out so this shouldn't be an issue (I hope)

I would like to also put on a detachable back rest and I don't know how this will affect the docking hardware i need to buy or anything like that.

I am new to riding and totally new to Harleys so please excuse my ignorance on the matter.

Jason

 

Best bet is to look around the showroom at other Harley's with saddlebags you like. On my Heritage, they attach very simply with two bolts and a lower bracket each.

The backrest (which I removed) was a bit more complicated, but not rocket science (3 bolts each side and you have to watch scraping the paint or dropping the fender.)

 

Well, I can help you with the backrest issue
Well, I have a 2011 deluxe and since that I'm ridding solo, so I had to remove the back passenger seat and bought from eBay a backrest.
It is perfect and direct fit
Plug n play really and it really support the back with its curved back pad.
Here is to see how it look like on the bike and also you can find the link of the exact one I bought for my bike
Good luck

http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-up-Harley...#ht_1265wt_800


https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...my-deluxe.html


http://www.harley-davidsonforums.com...my-deluxe.html

 

We specialize in that exact application. The bike in my signature photo doesn't have a detachable backrest but with our bags it is a very simple install. You simply remove your 4 strut bolts (one at a time) and relace them with our longer bolts, with both docking points on them (saddlebag & backrest) and then put whatever combo you want on. With your bike, you don't even have to put a wrench between the tire and fender because Harley put a nut plate behind the fender. All the bracketry is already built into the bags. We also make a bigger bag if you lower your pipes.

Keep ridin'
Garry

 

Here is your backrest and detachable storage at Biker's Friend. Check it out.



http://www.bikersfriend.com/photogal...05/deluxe1.gif

 

check hog deluxe

 

Look at Boss Bags great quality . The HD bags are small and expensive.

These are the Boss Springer Style on my old Fatboy More pics in my albums

 

I'd have to say look at Boss Bags.

 

Leatherpro's are awesome bags. Detachable accessories work with them and when they're off there are no brackets left behind. 5 seconds to install or take off. And they're now lockable.

www.leatherpros.com

 

I love that backrest. I just bought a 2012 deluxe and really want a backrest with my original seat. Im a solo rider so I dont need the pillion seat. Does this backrest attach to the existing front seat mounts? Did you have to buy any other parts to make this happen?