Ok I am setting up my Deluxe with HD bags, here is my question. I am not a fan of the current FL bags with the latches on the sides, I want a clean look down the sides of the bag without the latch and all. I perfer the older FL type bag with the one hinge on the front and the simple latch on the rear. Does anyone know what year and bikes these came on after the 70's? I have seen "newer" style bags (more square) with the front back latch like the old ones and no recess in the lid or side of the bag where the latch goes.
Here is a pic of exactly what I am looking for. I may have to just go ahead and get the standard type bag and commence to doing some work on them.

 

hope you don't ever plan to run a tourpak with those, (i'm guessing not, since its a deluxe, but....)

would be cool if you could develop something that eliminated all the visible hardware completely, instead of just moving from the side, to front and back....

 

Sumax makes a nice set: www.sumax.com

 

They're not from the '70's, they are the '85 to '92 style. They are a little bit of a pain, because the lid comes right off. It is easy to drop it while you are looking for something in the bag and scratch the paint. Plus, they can fly off at speed if not latched correctly. They do fit with a tourpack. I have a 1990 with these bags, I do prefer the '93 up style.

 

Duke, you will also notice, the early style bags give up a lot of storage in the right hand bag, they are cut out for the shock and giant rear caliper.

 

Yeah I have noticed the size differance. I also have been looking at the aftermarket, but I want to stick to HD OEM for quality and the look. Its not a perminent setup, just for whenever I need them. I may just go ahead with the 93 up style...seems easier to find bits to put a set together.