Crossbones Bags
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
I always loved the look and quality of the H-D Crossbones bags when I had them on my Bones.
The downside was that they were just a bit small for me. And actually, the bags were a decent size but the opening under the flap was smaller than the bags dimensions so a lot of the time I might have something that would otherwise fit in the bag but getting it through the opening might have prevented me from stowing that item in the bag.
The other downside is that the flap just drops over the opening with no other means to seal it closed. Since I ride regardless of the weather, rain tended to be a problem as there was nothing to prevent it from working it's way into the bag. I solved this by always having a waterproof camping sack in each bag that I would pack anything that needed protection from moisture in case I got caught in a downpour. Light to moderate rain was seldom an issue but in harder rain or extended wet riding I had to take this extra step.
I have since changed the look of my Crossbones completely and I wanted something with a little more old school style to it. I always like the Iron Bags and it so happens that another forum member was selling a set at a really good price. I took advantage and bought them from him and I have not been disappointed. The mounting system leaves a bit to be desired but they are otherwise solid bags made of the heaviest leather. They are huge compared to the Crossbones bags and the lid is more of the box style which comes down around the edges making for a better seal. Still not 100% safe from the elements but FAR better than the Bones bags. The opening is the same size as the dimension of the bag so getting large objects go in with little problem. You can get them with optional cargo straps on the lid which are awesome because you can strap more stuff to the top of the bags. I'm not big into conchos but the person I bought them from had order them with this concho/tassel option. I removed the tassels since I took the images below and just left the conchos. If you order a new set you can chose from a number of options.
One other thing. Because of the size these bags, they will not fit with stock exhaust because they hang too low. They may make a set that would work with the Crossbones exhaust but I wanted to larger bags and had planned to change my stock pipes to the 2:1 that you see in the pick so it worked out anyway.
The downside was that they were just a bit small for me. And actually, the bags were a decent size but the opening under the flap was smaller than the bags dimensions so a lot of the time I might have something that would otherwise fit in the bag but getting it through the opening might have prevented me from stowing that item in the bag.
The other downside is that the flap just drops over the opening with no other means to seal it closed. Since I ride regardless of the weather, rain tended to be a problem as there was nothing to prevent it from working it's way into the bag. I solved this by always having a waterproof camping sack in each bag that I would pack anything that needed protection from moisture in case I got caught in a downpour. Light to moderate rain was seldom an issue but in harder rain or extended wet riding I had to take this extra step.
I have since changed the look of my Crossbones completely and I wanted something with a little more old school style to it. I always like the Iron Bags and it so happens that another forum member was selling a set at a really good price. I took advantage and bought them from him and I have not been disappointed. The mounting system leaves a bit to be desired but they are otherwise solid bags made of the heaviest leather. They are huge compared to the Crossbones bags and the lid is more of the box style which comes down around the edges making for a better seal. Still not 100% safe from the elements but FAR better than the Bones bags. The opening is the same size as the dimension of the bag so getting large objects go in with little problem. You can get them with optional cargo straps on the lid which are awesome because you can strap more stuff to the top of the bags. I'm not big into conchos but the person I bought them from had order them with this concho/tassel option. I removed the tassels since I took the images below and just left the conchos. If you order a new set you can chose from a number of options.
One other thing. Because of the size these bags, they will not fit with stock exhaust because they hang too low. They may make a set that would work with the Crossbones exhaust but I wanted to larger bags and had planned to change my stock pipes to the 2:1 that you see in the pick so it worked out anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta, GA
Ryan,
Skeez gave you all the good intel...and his larger bags look great.
Don't skip over the part where he tells you the type of exaust you currenty have on your XBones is the limiting factor. I have seen very FEW pics of owner's bikes with the stock exaust...BUT if you have that over-under-shotgun exhaust...ONLY smaller bags will fit (like Harley's made-for-the-CrossBones type).
If you have changed to lower, or shorter pipes (like the V&H big radius), you open up many options. I even saw a photo of a XBones with Road King Classic (leather) bags...looked GREAT (but not as good as Skeez choice).
Good luck. I made my H-D CrossBones bags quick detach with a $150 mounting kit, so I ride 1/2 the time with and 1/2 the time without them.
Skeez gave you all the good intel...and his larger bags look great.
Don't skip over the part where he tells you the type of exaust you currenty have on your XBones is the limiting factor. I have seen very FEW pics of owner's bikes with the stock exaust...BUT if you have that over-under-shotgun exhaust...ONLY smaller bags will fit (like Harley's made-for-the-CrossBones type).
If you have changed to lower, or shorter pipes (like the V&H big radius), you open up many options. I even saw a photo of a XBones with Road King Classic (leather) bags...looked GREAT (but not as good as Skeez choice).
Good luck. I made my H-D CrossBones bags quick detach with a $150 mounting kit, so I ride 1/2 the time with and 1/2 the time without them.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: milwaukee
Thanks for the input guys! I like the look of the iron bags that you have there Skeez. I think those look pretty cool and have some decent carrying capacity. I have the fatboy lo fender Ill be putting on here soon, and I want to get the cholo exhaust. Right now I have the Samson renegade exhaust on there and it looks cool, but in Wisconsin the weather can change in a heart beat so it will be nice to have more than a swingarm bag to carry stuff. I also want to do some longer rides. Last year I rode to nashville and just strapped a top load duffle bag to my back seat! It was a nice backrest though. I am going for this mix of looks with mine, old school bobber/bagger look. Right now I have the Samson renegades on but I am looking to sell those and get the cholos. so if you guys know anyone! So with the cholos Im looking for deaper bags so there is not a j=huge gap between the bottom of the bags and the exhaust.
Skeez what is the seat you are running in the pics? I think I read in another forum that is an old stock seat from back in the day?
Skeez what is the seat you are running in the pics? I think I read in another forum that is an old stock seat from back in the day?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Iron Thunder Bags
Thanks for the input guys! I like the look of the iron bags that you have there Skeez. I think those look pretty cool and have some decent carrying capacity. I have the fatboy lo fender Ill be putting on here soon, and I want to get the cholo exhaust. Right now I have the Samson renegade exhaust on there and it looks cool, but in Wisconsin the weather can change in a heart beat so it will be nice to have more than a swingarm bag to carry stuff. I also want to do some longer rides. Last year I rode to nashville and just strapped a top load duffle bag to my back seat! It was a nice backrest though. I am going for this mix of looks with mine, old school bobber/bagger look. Right now I have the Samson renegades on but I am looking to sell those and get the cholos. so if you guys know anyone! So with the cholos Im looking for deaper bags so there is not a j=huge gap between the bottom of the bags and the exhaust.
Skeez what is the seat you are running in the pics? I think I read in another forum that is an old stock seat from back in the day?
Skeez what is the seat you are running in the pics? I think I read in another forum that is an old stock seat from back in the day?
In case you want to take another look at the bags that I have, go to http://www.ironbags.com/ironthunder.phtml
The bags I have are the Iron Thunder series.
Ouch! That exhaust doesn't leave many options for saddle bags, does it?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: milwaukee
Ouch! That exhaust doesn't leave many options for saddle bags, does it?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
I like the looks of those pipes !! When you do the change, pm me if they are for sale !!
Good luck on your mods !
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: cornwall UK
Hi guys, i really want that kinda seat on my slim. is there any way i can get the crossbones seat base plate to fit the slim without to much cutting. I have been told by my dealer that the crossbones base plate will not fit the fender of the slim....but everything can be made to fit some how cheers phil
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Hi guys, i really want that kinda seat on my slim. is there any way i can get the crossbones seat base plate to fit the slim without to much cutting. I have been told by my dealer that the crossbones base plate will not fit the fender of the slim....but everything can be made to fit some how cheers phil