Hard Bags Advice
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 3
From: East Coast
Hard Bags Advice
Hey folks. I normally cruise the softail section but thought I would seek your advice. Thought t if anyone has experience with hardbags it's this section.
Came across some hard bags on eBay. Made by Sherman Saddlebags (1 year warranty).
Supposed to be hand laid fiberglass (4 inch stretched bags).
Anyone heard of this brand name: "Sherman Saddlebags"?
Any reason to stay away from fiberglass bags (versus ABS)?
I did search the forum, but no luck. I know MOCO uses ABS but is that because it's cheaper or better?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
Came across some hard bags on eBay. Made by Sherman Saddlebags (1 year warranty).
Supposed to be hand laid fiberglass (4 inch stretched bags).
Anyone heard of this brand name: "Sherman Saddlebags"?
Any reason to stay away from fiberglass bags (versus ABS)?
I did search the forum, but no luck. I know MOCO uses ABS but is that because it's cheaper or better?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Harley used gf for decades (as BMW did), only going over to abs quite recently. I had gf bags on my new 70s Harley and still have them on my current Glide. None of them have suffered any star or other damage. On the other hand abs has been used by many brands for a long time, but had issues. While gf is expensive to make in large quantities I suspect the MoCo has gone over to abs partly as an economy measure, partly because abs is at long last a dependable product. For a firm making small quantities of aftermarket stuff abs tooling would probably cost a lot more than gf moulds. Well made gf stuff should be fine IMHO.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Harley used gf for decades (as BMW did), only going over to abs quite recently. I had gf bags on my new 70s Harley and still have them on my current Glide. None of them have suffered any star or other damage. On the other hand abs has been used by many brands for a long time, but had issues. While gf is expensive to make in large quantities I suspect the MoCo has gone over to abs partly as an economy measure, partly because abs is at long last a dependable product. For a firm making small quantities of aftermarket stuff abs tooling would probably cost a lot more than gf moulds. Well made gf stuff should be fine IMHO.
HD probably went to it finally because the cost made sense.
+1 on Fiber being good enough. Echo that...
lp
Last edited by lp; Nov 1, 2013 at 06:50 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 697
Likes: 42
From: Magnolia, DE
ABS is absolutely way cheaper to make a bag out of than fiberglass. In fact, the cost comparison is at 2 completely different ends of the spectrum. ABS resin pellets are sold in bulk and parts made from it are injection molded 100's per hour, whereas hand laid fiberglass costs infinitely more for the raw materials and then all of the handwork/finishwork required really jacks up the price.
Don't get me wrong, an ABS bag is tougher, much lighter and costs less to the end user than a fiberglass bag but fiberglass bags can be repaired in the event of damage.
Companies did not migrate to injection molding bags out of ABS out of its superior durability characteristics but ONLY because it is cheaper to make. Period.
I happen to work for a external manufacturing company that went from fiberglass to ABS/HIPS contruction on its parts a number of years ago.
Long story short, buy the ABS bags - you will be happy with them and take the extra jack you saved by not buying fiberglass ones and buy some more chrome bits for your scoot.
Don't get me wrong, an ABS bag is tougher, much lighter and costs less to the end user than a fiberglass bag but fiberglass bags can be repaired in the event of damage.
Companies did not migrate to injection molding bags out of ABS out of its superior durability characteristics but ONLY because it is cheaper to make. Period.
I happen to work for a external manufacturing company that went from fiberglass to ABS/HIPS contruction on its parts a number of years ago.
Long story short, buy the ABS bags - you will be happy with them and take the extra jack you saved by not buying fiberglass ones and buy some more chrome bits for your scoot.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
ABS can be injection molded, and it is a durable material.
Upside: cost savings, good structural qualities
Down side: harder to repair when damaged.
2002 was the last year for fiberglass, 03 got ABS
Upside: cost savings, good structural qualities
Down side: harder to repair when damaged.
2002 was the last year for fiberglass, 03 got ABS
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 136
Likes: 8
From: San Antonio
Hey Forge,
Did you by chance end up trying out the Sherman saddlebags? I recently picked up a retired police bike and I was looking for some more room and saw those same one's on ebay. I have all the lids and hardware, just curious to find someone who could possibly give a review on these. Or if there's anyone else out there who's tried them I'd welcome the feedback. The bike has it's dings and chips here and there so I don't need it to look perfect. I'll eventually get it re-painted next winter, but looking for something for this summer. Thoughts anyone?
Did you by chance end up trying out the Sherman saddlebags? I recently picked up a retired police bike and I was looking for some more room and saw those same one's on ebay. I have all the lids and hardware, just curious to find someone who could possibly give a review on these. Or if there's anyone else out there who's tried them I'd welcome the feedback. The bike has it's dings and chips here and there so I don't need it to look perfect. I'll eventually get it re-painted next winter, but looking for something for this summer. Thoughts anyone?
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