Qn About Dyna Saddlebag Options : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

GJarrett · 11-17-2008, 08:20 AM

My '09 FXDC is due to ship next month and this week I'm meeting with the parts guy to order the extra stuff I'm buying with the bike.

Most of my riding will be daily in and around town (I plan for this to be my primary transportation) but I do look forward to a lot of Saturday day trips up to the mountains and weekend getaways whenever I can get out of town.

I'm getting the quick detachable windshield and several other items to make those longer trips more enjoyable but am a little stumped concerning the saddlebags and cannot make a decision. I originally planned to get the detachable saddlebags (pg 148 in the '09 catalog) because I really like the idea of being able to easily remove them when I want to and have the bike still look great with them removed. However, the more I think about it, I also like the idea of locking bags and am seriously considering getting the rigid locking leather saddlebags shown on the next page instead.

Does anyone have the locking leather bags and can tell me if they are easily removable; and if so, what does the bike look like with them removed and the mounting hardware visible? I have a feeling if I get the locking bags they will permanently stay on the bike and I'll end up owning a "Dyna bagger" -- which I guess is okay (?)

Any other ideas and opinions are encouraged.... I'm just thinking out loud.

brwk · 11-17-2008, 09:48 AM

Take a look at the Saddlemen bags. Just ordered through Jenni (20% off), the new shock cut-away bags that have a lock. With these you can use a detach mount or use the under the seat method. Also no need for the costly turn signal relocation kit.
Good Luck.

xtheunknown · 11-17-2008, 10:38 AM

You absolutely should look at the LeatherPros saddlebags. They are quick detach, hold their form and look great. I had them on my Sporty, but plan on buying them in the spring for my '09 FXD. They do require relocating the turn signals and they are pricey, around $750. I found them to be well worth the price. Apparently I am not allowed to post pictures, so just go to http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/...3c93947002.jpg and take a look. Also, when the bags are removed you would have a hard time seeing the ounting hardware.

rpcycle · 11-17-2008, 02:47 PM

I did a lot of research on bags when I purchased my 07 Lowrider. My final choice came down to the Leather Pro bags and have been happy ever since. They come off easily, are lockable and look great on the bike. Yes they are expensive (so are the Harley bags) but are very well made, fit the bike well and hold a good amount of stuff. The Boss bags are very similar, but I liked the Leather Pros better. I hardly ever take them off except for washing and maintenance because I always find something to carry around.

xtheunknown · 11-17-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpcycle

I did a lot of research on bags when I purchased my 07 Lowrider. My final choice came down to the Leather Pro bags and have been happy ever since. They come off easily, are lockable and look great on the bike. Yes they are expensive (so are the Harley bags) but are very well made, fit the bike well and hold a good amount of stuff. The Boss bags are very similar, but I liked the Leather Pros better. I hardly ever take them off except for washing and maintenance because I always find something to carry around.

Good point. They are so easy to take off for washing the bike. Great bags!

kwilliby · 11-17-2008, 11:24 PM

Might also want to check ou www.leatherneckjims.com

GJarrett · 11-19-2008, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the info.... those Leather Pro bags look great, they are lockable, and quick detach. That may be the way to go. The Harley bags are either quick-detach and cost $200 more, or are lockable but not quick-detachable. The LeatherPro bags look like they are the best of both worlds.

Once again, thanks for the help! I'm glad I asked

lowrider01 · 11-19-2008, 06:38 PM

i got my bags from ccsaddlebags.com............detachable.definately like em

dhornick · 11-19-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpcycle

I did a lot of research on bags when I purchased my 07 Lowrider. My final choice came down to the Leather Pro bags and have been happy ever since. They come off easily, are lockable and look great on the bike. Yes they are expensive (so are the Harley bags) but are very well made, fit the bike well and hold a good amount of stuff. The Boss bags are very similar, but I liked the Leather Pros better. I hardly ever take them off except for washing and maintenance because I always find something to carry around.

I think by the looks I prefer the Boss bags but would like to hear the pros and cons comparing the two....

xtheunknown · 11-20-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GJarrett

Thanks for the info.... those Leather Pro bags look great, they are lockable, and quick detach. That may be the way to go. The Harley bags are either quick-detach and cost $200 more, or are lockable but not quick-detachable. The LeatherPro bags look like they are the best of both worlds.

Once again, thanks for the help! I'm glad I asked

I think you will be happy with them. I will be saving my money over the winter and first thing in the spring they will go on my new FXD.

GJarrett · 11-20-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhornick

I think by the looks I prefer the Boss bags but would like to hear the pros and cons comparing the two....

Looking at their websites they do look like either brand is very comparable to the other... it probably does simply come down to personal preference on their looks. I don't think you or I could go wrong either way no matter which is chosen.

xtheunknown · 11-20-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GJarrett

Looking at their websites they do look like either brand is very comparable to the other... it probably does simply come down to personal preference on their looks. I don't think you or I could go wrong either way no matter which is chosen.

If I remember correctly, the guys who run Boss Bags are somehow related to the guys who run LeatherPros. I think they might have been business partners at one time and broke off to work on their own. I believe the mounting system is identical.

rpcycle · 11-20-2008, 07:29 PM

As far as I know the guys are brothers and leather pros makes the bag shell for both companies on the Dyna model. The mounting systems are different, the leather is the same and the shape is only slightly different. My guess is that the final quality of the bags is probably equal. The Boss bags use a roller attached at the bottom of the shock to keep the bags out. The mounting system on the Leather Pros uses a sprung metal brace behind the bags. I have the Leather Pros and had them pretty loaded when traveling over the summer and never had any problems. Look at both in person if you can at a shop or on someone's bike to help you make your final decision. Isn't the decision making part of the fun?

bigmikaele · 11-21-2008, 02:05 PM

rpcycle, not sure I know what you mean by a "sprung metal brace" what is it?