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I'm looking at a used set of bags, and I know I've seen posts discussing model year differences in hard bags but can't seem to get the proper search terms to find anything now... When did HD start building the hard bags that fit up through 2013 model year?
Also, I believe the earlier years were a light gray material instead of black, and am wondering when that change occurred and if there's any functional difference or change in durability.
I'm 99% sure in 2003 the saddlebags were still made with fiberglass. 2004 saw the saddlebags made with the current GTX material (not ABS), which is a nylon composite. It's a bit thicker and more rigid than the ABS aftermarkets.
As far as fitment, 1993 - 2013 have the same fitment. I believe in 1993, H-D changed the frame to have the battery under the seat. They also redesigned the side covers in 1993. This is from my 2017 P&A book on color-matched saddlebags
My 2001 FLHR had fiberglass bags new.
I had an accident that required both to be replaced the winter of 2004-2005.
The new ones are the composite (not fiberglass) and all the original hardware transferred to the new bags fine.
I still have the old ones. and somebody with fiberglass finishing skills could easily restore them. Just scuffed/scraped, no cracks or breakage.
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Hard bag model year differences
