I am in the process of changing over to a new set of saddlebags, but am facing a bit of a problem. I have it narrowed down to two different choices, but cannot see either one of them in person because nobody in my area stocks either one of the bags. My previous bags were Cornerstones that I got through Rocky Top Leather. I liked that they were not so wide that they stuck way out from my fender, but I was still able to get plenty of gear in them due to their capacity being over 2,500 square inches. But I would like to now go to a locking set of hard bags, although I am a bit confused as to just how the manufacturers are coming up with their carrying capacity.

The first set I am considering is the Harley Hard Saddlebags, part number 90715-08BDK. But when I went to see some bags at the local dealer near me, the guy showed me a set that he said "were the same size, style, and capacity" as the bags I asked to see even though they were on a different model than my Fatboy and therefore had a different part number. What I noticed immediately about these bags were that they did not seem to have nearly the capacity of my Cornerstones, even though they were listed as having a 2,500 cubic inch capacity. So then the guy told me that because I have aftermarket V & H pipes on my bike, that he would recommend part number 90225-03BDK. He said that these bags would come down a little lower than the ones that I asked for, and he told me that they would look better because my V & H pipes sit lower than the factory Fatboy pipes that my bike came with. But when I asked him if these bags had a larger capacity than the shorter set, he said he didn't think so. (?) So... anyone know where I can find the actual dimensions of the different Harley hard saddlebags?

The second set of saddlebags that I am considering are made by Mustang, and would match the Mustang seat that I have on my bike. But what confuses me about these bags is that although their external dimensions are MUCH bigger than my present Cornerstone bags, their capacity is listed at just under 2,000 cubic inches. So what is going on with these capacities ratings that I am getting here?

So, has anyone actually seen IN PERSON the Mustang bags that I am considering? If so, how would you compare their size to the Harley bags that I am also considering?

Thanks in advance for any info that anyone can give to help me to help clarify this mess. Just want to know the answers to these questions, so that I don't order the wrong set of saddlebags for my bike.

 

I love the look of the light brown leather "Indian" saddlebags.

 

I went with some Custom Saddlebags made by Spider's Den on my Softail Deluxe. They are good, good quality; Spacious, I can fit my laptop in there if I want. Has insular lining (that furry stuff for padding), waterproof and good looking. I've been in the rain with them, and nothing gets in.

http://www.leatherconnexion.com/

You can see how mine look on my bike via the jpg file.

 

I think the bags you have on your Fat Boy now look great. You could rig up a set of locks something like BossBags did to my Heritage. They have a hasp under the flap that cannot be seen then locked with a small brass lock. Works for me.

 

I went with Slimbags by Hardstreet. Look good (to me) and have a decent amount of room.

 

I realize you've narrowed your search, but being that you've switched out your stock pipes, you have a lot of options on size. You may want to check out the Boss Bags web site and talk to them about options. JMHO. Paul

 

Thanks for the posts guys. Your bags all look great on your bikes, but I have narrowed it down to these two choices and am pretty set on one of them. If I could just find someone who knows the dimensions of them, that would really be a big help. I even called Harley headquarters yesterday, and spoke to a guy that really did try and help me. In the end though, even he could not find the dimensions of the color matched (primer, for me) hard bags that they sell.

 

if my hardbags would ever ship, I could show you what the harley stretched bags look like on a Deluxe. My mounting hardware is being delivered today, but the bags are still hung up at the paint shop (((((((

 

Ok, since u are set on one of the two listed, get the Mustangs. Yeah, I'm funny this way but I would NEVER buy any luggage or leather from the MOCO. In my humble opinion its always overpriced and rarely as good as a similar priced aftermarket product. Not to mention, Mustang is well known for quality products.

 

Yeah, I hear ya, and am leaning that way myself. By the time I pay my painter to finish the Harley bags and also buy the mounting hardware, I'd have close to 2 grand in saddlebags. Also, if I went with the Mustang bags, they would match my seat perfectly.

So does anyone on here have any pictures of the Mustang bags on their bikes, preferably with aftermarket pipes? I would love to see some shots from the back of the bike (to get an idea on the width, and the side.