Hard Bags vs Leather
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
I have a 2008 SERK that came with leather covered hard bags. I like them and will keep them but I also just bought a set of new hard bags off a 2008 Ultra that went to be a trike. I'm sending them out to be painted to match my bike and will have them back in time for the upcoming riding season in upstate NY. I wanted hard bags and a hard tour pak for security and looks. I think hard bags look better.
I never understood why they put leather bags on the SE RK, is it not still a RK? But then again, I could never afford a SE version........ So I can pick on you rich folks
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 658
Likes: 2
From: Aldergrove BC, Canada
I have seen similar posts to this one regarding security, most are from the East Coast, is theft a major problem out there?, We ride the West Coast and never had a moments worry about theft, we attend most large events and rides, the Oyster Run being around 30,000 riders without a second thought, rides to California and Oregon & Western Canada same thing although we do try to park by any group of bikes with red and white support decals
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I loved the look of the leather bags I had on my heritage, but I got tired of wiping the dust off of them. No matter how clean the rest of the bike was, the bags were dusty as soon as I rolled down the driveway.
I actually get less junk packed in the sg hard bags than I did in the leather bags on the heritage, but I still like the hard bags better just because they are so much easier to keep clean.
Dennis
I actually get less junk packed in the sg hard bags than I did in the leather bags on the heritage, but I still like the hard bags better just because they are so much easier to keep clean.
Dennis
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I have seen similar posts to this one regarding security, most are from the East Coast, is theft a major problem out there?, We ride the West Coast and never had a moments worry about theft, we attend most large events and rides, the Oyster Run being around 30,000 riders without a second thought, rides to California and Oregon & Western Canada same thing although we do try to park by any group of bikes with red and white support decals
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I don't agree at all about carrying more. Leather bags are adjustable and you can shut the lid even if it is over packed. Not only can you not do that with hard bags, the aren't wide enough to carry a gallon of milk without worrying that the plastic bottle will bust. I've carried two gallons of milk in one leather bag. In fact I look forward to milk runs just to get out on the bike.
One other thing to consider is scratches. Most hard bag has some pretty good scratches on them from boots hitting them while mounting and dismounting the bike. Leather gets them to, but they are a lot easier and cheaper to fix.
If it is all about how much you can carry, then leather is the way to go. Now those other considerations have more merit, but I really think it should just come down to what you like. I personally wouldn't mind both sets just for a change of pace.
Beary
One other thing to consider is scratches. Most hard bag has some pretty good scratches on them from boots hitting them while mounting and dismounting the bike. Leather gets them to, but they are a lot easier and cheaper to fix.
If it is all about how much you can carry, then leather is the way to go. Now those other considerations have more merit, but I really think it should just come down to what you like. I personally wouldn't mind both sets just for a change of pace.
Beary
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 880
Likes: 81
From: California
I own a bike pretty much the same as the one in the attached picture (w/leather bags but less the bitchin' wheels)...it's an '05 Road King Custom...
I have to say...since I bought the bike I've been completely confused as to why people change out the leather bags for the hard shells...to each his/her own as it is with all Harley customizations!...and...
I really do get the security issue...maybe the convenience of not having to treat the leather...any other reasons I'm missing? Anyone else out there a leather bag lover (which seems to buck the mainstream)?
I have to say...since I bought the bike I've been completely confused as to why people change out the leather bags for the hard shells...to each his/her own as it is with all Harley customizations!...and...
I really do get the security issue...maybe the convenience of not having to treat the leather...any other reasons I'm missing? Anyone else out there a leather bag lover (which seems to buck the mainstream)?
I agree; I too am surprised that so many people swap out their leather bags for hard bags. One of the main reasons that I bought my 09 RKC is because of the leather bags. It was between the RKC and RK Standard, but the understanding that the dealer would give me the leather bags if I went with the Standard RK...
For me, I LOVE the classic looks for the leather bags, especially on a black bike. My dad has an 08 Ultra, and I can tell you for a certaintly that I can stuff more stuff in my bags than he can (excluding the tourpak, of course). The only downside of leather bags that I can think of is that they're not as weather-proof as the hard bags. But that's not a big concern for me, as we don't see much rain fall here.
But I also agree with rochkes, in that they leather bags seem to attract (or maybe just show) dust like no other. But a simple wipe with any cloth takes care that in a jiffy.
Also, if/when I ever do any long-distance touring which requires staying in hotels, I've always said that I'd just take the saddle bags themselves with me into the room. Kinda like taking my luggage with me. Takes all of 10 seconds to get them off and on.
