Willie & Max bags - a review (update pics)
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
Willie & Max bags - a review (update pics)
I received my Willie & Max Compact Raptor bags last night and installed them. (I'll get pics later) I was a little unhappy with the quality. They feel cheap and seem poorly constructed. The features are neat, such as zip off bags with handles and the way the bag closes. Storage is tight on the compact as I suspected it would be. I can stuff my leather jacket in there, but it takes a little work. A half helmet however, will not fit and I now have a nasty scratch on it where the rivet caught it. Installation was tight on a Sportster, even with the compact version. They interfere with the tail lights a little. I'm going to try and lower them, but want to see if they would stretch any first. I tied them securely to the springs at the top and bottom. On the maiden voyage there was no flapping and everything rode secure. I think next time I'll spring for higher priced bags, but these will do on a budget!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
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From:
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
I have some of the compact slants, that I use sometimes. I thought just the opposite. I think the quality was pretty good for the price, and the fit was perfect for my sporty. Im not too familiar with the Raptors though. I hope you get it worked out, and get some pics up, so we can see.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
Ditto on the slants. I think for the price that they are very well made with good features. I've got a pair of the 
SB736 Super Black Magic Slant bags mounted with Easy Brackets and I love 'em! Easy on, easy off. When I need them, it takes 1 minute to put them on and they carry whatever I need, and they keep everything dry (don't ask!). Moving the rear signals to the plate was a must...
SB736 Super Black Magic Slant bags mounted with Easy Brackets and I love 'em! Easy on, easy off. When I need them, it takes 1 minute to put them on and they carry whatever I need, and they keep everything dry (don't ask!). Moving the rear signals to the plate was a must...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
Same as Thumper26. Black Magic Super Slants with Easy Brackets. Not bad for the price. Easy on Easy off. No more often than I use works great. Very Pleased. The only thing I dislike is the turn signal relocate kit, I want to do something different with my rear turn signals. Picture on bike below.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
I continue the positive reviews for Willie and Max. For the price they are very good bags. I can see how they might feel flimsy to some. But being a synthetic material it doesn't have to be as thick as leather to provide the same support.
I had a set of throw overs that I used constantly. The compact slants look preety good on a Sportster. Sure we'd all like more room but facing reality, you can only put so big a bag on a Sportser before it starts to look wrong. Plus, like Road Head found, there can be some turn signal clearance issues.
Another brand/style you might look into is Hot Leathers (www.hotleathers.com) K28 bags. Its a PVC synthetic but a bit more rigid than the Willie and Max material. They have lots of room at 14" x 12" x 6". I frequently store half-helmets in them with no problems of scratching. I have these on my Custom and they fit fine, with the rear of the bags right up against the turn signals. I did not have to move the signals for these to fit. That give me a great place to tie the bags in. I have had no issues with scratching. They have zip off sides and quick release buckles just like other bags. I picked them up at Myrtle Beach last year for a few dollars under retail (<$150). They have some other styles that will also fit Sportsters well.
I had a set of throw overs that I used constantly. The compact slants look preety good on a Sportster. Sure we'd all like more room but facing reality, you can only put so big a bag on a Sportser before it starts to look wrong. Plus, like Road Head found, there can be some turn signal clearance issues.
Another brand/style you might look into is Hot Leathers (www.hotleathers.com) K28 bags. Its a PVC synthetic but a bit more rigid than the Willie and Max material. They have lots of room at 14" x 12" x 6". I frequently store half-helmets in them with no problems of scratching. I have these on my Custom and they fit fine, with the rear of the bags right up against the turn signals. I did not have to move the signals for these to fit. That give me a great place to tie the bags in. I have had no issues with scratching. They have zip off sides and quick release buckles just like other bags. I picked them up at Myrtle Beach last year for a few dollars under retail (<$150). They have some other styles that will also fit Sportsters well.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
This is what I did about the flimsy Part. I got an old aluminum sign and cut it up to the shape of the of the back of the bag and drilled my 4 holes where they mount to the easy bracket. I sandwiched the inner part of the bag between these 2 pieces of aluminum.I roughed the aluminum up with an orbital sander and painted them with textured black paint to match. No matter how much weight I put in the bag, now it does not lean in towards the bike. Any one want pics, let me know and I will post some.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
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From: Mid TN
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review
Finally took pics of new bags. (sorry from my cell phone)
Side view
rear view
another view
Side view
rear view
another view
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: Midwest
RE: Willie & Max bags - a review (update pics)
I used to sell Willie & Max bags. I met Willie (the tall, skinny guy in many of their ads) one night at a trade show and after talking with him several hours I never sold another set after that. Take from that what you will.