Just this past week I got into the Harley world after 10 years of riding metrics and I'm looking into my options for adding luggage to my bike when the trip demands it. I like a clean look without saddlebags, so I'll not be installing those but rather I'd like some medium-sized bags for my passenger seat and a luggage rack that I can add/remove when needed.

I really like the design of the HD Chrome Bobtail Fender Rack as it contours nicely with the rear fender although I'm also not sure what other nice designs are out there...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...-01-5648103--1

...and I've been looking at either the HD Sissy Bar Backpack/Overnight Bag combo to go with it...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/sissy-bar-backpack
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/overnight-bag

...or the HD Touring Luggage System instead...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...luggage-system

I like the first option best, I believe, as I can use the backpack to and from work without the overnight bag and not have it too enormous and bulky. For trips I can use it and the larger overnight bag (as opposed to the small day bag the "luggage system" comes with).

Just wanted to see what others with Softails and who share a similar desire (no saddlebags) are doing.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I ride a Heritage and like my saddlebags :-)

A fender rack is a good idea. I like the look of the one you showed.

You might want to check out Saddlemen. They make excellent bags/luggage in my opinion and will likely save you some bucks over the HD stuff. I have the S3500 Sissy Bar Bag and it is great.

 

Thanks, I'll check them out!

 

I have the bobtail luggage rack and it is somewhat small but looks really good on the bobtail fender. I also have the HD backpack and it is plenty big for a day trip.

 

As far as racks go, check out Motherwell products. They make luggage racks for HD's.

As for luggage, check out Saddlemen, T-Bags, and Bikers Friend.

 

I have the backpack. It is on its last legs after 3 years. Really starting to fall apart. It has been handy as it slides over the sissy bar. I use it as my lunch box- small to medium item carrier. For $130 though, I expected it to last a bit longer.

 

+1 for Motherwell. I wanted a clean rack that fit my bike's looks yet functional and theirs perfectly fit the bill. http://www.motherwellproducts.com/Default.asp

In addition to the other brands suggested, you might want to look at Viking. i know you don't want bags but as to the quality, I've been running thier bags on trips for 2 years and they still look brand new. I recently got one of their sissy bar bags that's perfect size for a 3-4 day trip. http://www.vikingbags.com/cruiser-le...sy-bar-bag.htm