[Motown_VROD]

Am thinking about buying the HD Vinyl Saddlebags (P/N 91788-04) and have a few questions.

First, how hard and long does it take to install / remove the saddlebags? I only want them on the V-Rod when I am on trips or rallys.

Second, how much do they really hold? I use the Half-SAC for my trips now, but if my wife comes along the half-SAC isn't big enough. Would the saddlebags hold enough clothes for a 3-4 day trip for one person?

Third, how do you like the hard vinyl bags? I'm looking at the Chrome saddlebags also- but like the leather look better.

Finally, the HD bags are $760 from Chicago HD. Are there other saddlebags out there less expensive and just as good?

 

[Jimaroo]

I have the SAC half-sac also, and I removed the HD soft leather bags right before going to Daytona for 4 days with my wife and installed the HD vinyl hard bags.

I don't know how easy they are to remove because I haven't removed them. But it looks like just two screws from inside each bag and lift up. That won't remove the bracket, just the bag. We put our stuff inside a soft bag that fit in each hard saddlebag and just removed the two soft bags to go check into the hotel.

The HD vinyl hard saddlebags sit a bit higher up and hold less than the HD soft leather bags, but if you pack REALLY good, it will get two people by for 4 days including using the half-SAC.

Coming back from Daytona was another story. Now we had all the souvenirs we bought. My wife took along an empty back-pack she wore home.

I think the soft leather bags looks marginally better IMO, and the hard bags certainly hold less, but they LOCK, which is a plus.

The instructions say just to wipe them with a soft rag using Harley Gloss to keep them conditioned with a slight shine.

I only changed from the soft bags to the hard bags because I have an extra-wide rear fender installed (American Custom Paint - on our sponsors here). And I paid $949 for the hard bags (plus installation which was next to nothing because they use the same bracket system).

I hope this helps a little. Good luck.

 

[V-Fred]

I just bought them. Easy to install. Don't remember how long it took. Two beers I think. As far as looks, it is a subjective thing. If my bike had not had custom paint (did not want the hassel and expense of custom painting them), I would have gone with the painted and chrome bags to match my stock color. The vinyl will mar if you scrape it good, but shoe polish will cover scratchs easier than touchup paint. Will post pictures soon in my gallery.

They hold a small half helmet, tools, my chaps and my heavy coat (takes up full bag and is tight fit), but not much else. I have a T-bag and roll bag also, so am set for a long trip.

I wanted locking bags to protect the $500.00 leather jacket, $150.00 chaps, and $100.00 goretex gloves. Narrows it down to HD and Corbin. The Corbin are larger, uglier, and more expensive, plus you must paint them.

Chicago and Hales are the way to go. Takes some time to get them as they are ship from manufacture. Mine from Hales took about 6 weeks. Would be the same from the dealer at 20% more.

Fred

 

[Motown_VROD]

Has anyone compared the HD bags to the ones on Chopper Steve's site for $300?

 

[V-Fred]

Motown: no comparison really. I looked for a year at all bags offered. Many leather and nylon bags will work (you really need the supports that Steve sells), as long as they fit between your signals (if you still have them) and shocks.

It is a matter of features, style, quality and price. All will mar your bike if you do not protect it (either with the support, or clear vinyl tape (shelf liner), and only very expensive leather bags offer security. Also, the ones that fit the Rod must have a strap that is adjustable and fits under the rear seat if you plan on leaving them on the bike. Otherwise they are just removable luggage to a thief when you leave the bike unattended.

The best leather (IMHO) are ones from Leatherworks http://www.leatherworksinc.com/

As far as the nylon bags, I think that the ones from Cortech work best.

Fred

 

[Motown_VROD]

The HD vinyl hard saddlebags sit a bit higher up and hold less than the HD soft leather bags, but if you pack REALLY good, it will get two people by for 4 days including using the half-SAC.

I think the soft leather bags looks marginally better IMO, and the hard bags certainly hold less, but they LOCK, which is a plus.

So the soft leather bags hold more than the hard vinyl bags... I haven't seen the hard vinyl in person yet, but have seen the soft leather. The soft leather bags looked pretty small. If the hard vinyl are smaller then I'm surprised at what they will be able to hold. Are the leather bags just a tad bigger or much bigger because they can buldge out when packed?

So I'm heading towards the soft leather bags, but disturbed by the comments about them flapping open ect. Since you've had both bags, which one would you prefer if you didn't change out to the wider rear fender? I want the most packing room, but a locking bag would be nice also.

 

[V-Fred]

Having lived with the hard bags for several weeks, I must repeat myself. The bags may hold slightly less, but the ability to securely lock them makes them the only choice for me between the two current HD options.

Plus I find that if you pack right, they hold a small half helmet, chaps, gloves and my 31 oz fuel cell in one, and my FXRG jacket (bulky) in the other. If I need more space, I can use a cable lock for the hement, or put my T-Bag Roll pack on the rack. For long trips I can use my expandable T-Bag on the rear seat (great backrest), and buy a tank bag like Daniii if still not enough space (Daniii: I refuse to strap a lawn chair to the bike, however )

Who says the V-Rod is no touring bike? HD made all the options to use it as one.

Fred

 

[JF4246]

I just found these bags. Check out the 2800 series Saddlebags for V-Rods by Leather Pros At:

www.leatherpros.com/website1_005.htm

I don't have them but, am looking to pick up either the HD leather bags or these....

 

[stevie]

I just found these bags. Check out the 2800 series Saddlebags for V-Rods by Leather Pros At:

www.leatherpros.com/website1_005.htm

I don't have them but, am looking to pick up either the HD leather bags or these....

I have the HD soft leather bags, I'd try the 2800's if I were doing it over. Those look a little bigger and the mounting system if first rate.

 

[Motown_VROD]

They just don't look like they go with the V-Rod... Looks like something off the Softtail.

 

[Vrod-tlam]

I just found these bags. Check out the 2800 series Saddlebags for V-Rods by Leather Pros At:

www.leatherpros.com/website1_005.htm

I don't have them but, am looking to pick up either the HD leather bags or these....

I like the looks and volume for long trips. I agree they may not look just right on our v-rods, but NO luggage looks good IMO. It's just a neccessity for trips, then it comes off! :2cents: