Wondering the history of the saddlebag design. Basically I really like the look of the new saddle bag lids, and not so much the older bags with the really vertical face on the lids and more "edgy" corners. Started looking at pictures and began to wonder what years they made changes to the lid design. Anyone know? My buddy's 2012 road glide look nice, though obviously not the 2014 style.

 

I believe 1988 to 2013 has the same hard saddle bags.

 

2014 Rushmore bags. Tour pack holds a little more but design makes it look smaller and not like a big box on back.
Saddle bags the Rushmore may look better and the one hand operation is nice they do not hold as much.

 

Looking at pictures though...pre 2014, through the years it almost looks like the angle of the face of the lid changed...some look more vertical than others.

 

I'm not positive but it seemed like to me the 2017 compared to my 2014 has a slimmer open/close handle??.

 

My buddy's '89 hard bags has lids that completely remove when opened...

 

It is true they look similar, but 88-93 are smaller and the right-side bag is cut away to clear the battery, which is mounted outside the frame. The 94-13 ones are larger all round and have significantly more capacity. I have both, but am not prepared to spoil my paint, however I reckon the base of the older one will slide inside the newer one!