I'm looking at putting hard bags on my RKC. Is there a big difference between Harley OEM hard bags/lids vs aftermarket like these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vivid-Black-...51b382&vxp=mtr

I quite like the OEM bags, but the parts guys at my local HD cant even find pricing on them after 2 days, and these ebay ones look pretty good, but all my experience with aftermarket parts seems to not be so great as far as quality is concerned. I would just like some input....go aftermarket or keep saving for OEM?

 

Keep in mind that the bags you show have NO hardware included!
If you look around, the hardware kits are very expensive.
Look more on Ebay for a take off or used set in your color.
That might be a better deal overall.

 

punisher, I just priced a new set at the dealer, the bottoms are $208 ea and the lids are $117 ea, thats unpainted and no hardware. I bought a used set at a swap meat and ended up having to replacing one bottom. I am also looking at those on ebay.

 

I wonder if there is anyone on here that has them and can give us a review.

 

I just went through this with my RKC. Since I needed a color other than vivid black, I went with HD color-matched, complete saddlebags. Unless you are painting other parts of the bike, it's more expensive when you start talking paint.

 

You mind telling me how much that set you back? I don't need any color matching as mine is all black, but I prefer OEM anytime its an option for most things.

 

Keep watching eBay and the classified on this site. I got an almost new set of HD bags off of eBay at a great price. That's the way to go. Good luck.

 

Punisher, can you PM me. I have some info for you.

 

Including locks, mine ended up being a little over $1100 with a decent discount (they are color-matched and pin-striped). Since you need black saddlebags, I'd watch Craig's List and eBay very closely. I've seen complete saddlebags in vivid black go for $500-$600.

 

I got OEM black with matching pins. $1100. Hardware and locks for my key and had em in a week. Odly enough I had to buy the reflectors seperately. Since these were only a "want" item I told the guy if he threw me a discount I'd buy em.
When they came in .... We both looked em over just in case of a return issue. If ya put a price on time n hassle ya dont always come out ahead.
Thats not to say deals aren't found elseware ...

SC