I have been wanting to buy new Hardbags for my 2008 Street Glide. There are some aftermarket ones on eBay with the newer easy open lever (for 2014 & newer models). Will they fit on my 2008 model or am I doomed to forever have the older model opening system?

 

They will fit with some very minor mounting hardware modifications.
Do a search, there's tons out there.

 

 

Is there any difference between the new bags and the old ones besides the easy-open lever? Are they any bigger? I have a 2009 Electra Glide Classic and am not impressed with the volume of the bags. There are wider after market bags, but then you have to lose the protective bars.

 

Lot of places sell bags that will work - and not that expensive. What is, in my opinion, is the hardware for the bags. I saw places that have them for around $250.00.

 

Depending on the tour pak, if you have one, they may not open. The newer style bags open differently and require more head room. The tp can be raised with spacers if needed. ymmv

 

The latest bags are not the same shape as the previous style, nor a direct replacement. They are I understand a little bigger in capacity. The lids won't swap over to get the easy-open feature, but I'm sure I've read of an aftermarket kit to make that upgrade.

 

I made the switch on my '09 RKC. Found a pair of new complete 2017 OEM takeoff bags on eBay. Very minor adjustment to each of the foreword connect points was needed. Even managed to use '09-'13 nostalgic bag rails.

 

I put 14's on my 2002 just had to move the mounting bracket.

 

Do you find them any bigger in capacity than your original bags?