I Tested the Durability and Style of Harley Softail Hard Bags – Here’s What I Discovered!

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I have always been a fan of the iconic Harley-Davidson brand. And when it comes to touring bikes, the Harley Softail is definitely one of my top picks. But what truly sets it apart from other models are its hard bags that provide not only ample storage space but also add to the bike’s sleek and stylish look. In this article, I will delve into the world of Harley Softail hard bags, their features, benefits, and why they are a must-have for any rider looking to hit the road in style. So join me as we explore this essential accessory for any Harley Softail rider.

I Tested The Harley Softail Hard Bags Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bags W/Chrome Conversion Brackets Fit for Harley Heritage Softail Classic FLSTC Fatboy Lo FLSTFB FLSTF 84-17

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SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bags W/Chrome Conversion Brackets Fit for Harley Heritage Softail Classic FLSTC Fatboy Lo FLSTFB FLSTF 84-17

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Saddlebag Conversion Brackets Compatible with 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Softail w/Hardware (Except for Deuce Models) Black

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Saddlebag Conversion Brackets Compatible with 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Softail w/Hardware (Except for Deuce Models) Black

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XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W/Lid Latch Key for Harley Davidson 1994-2013 Touring, road king, ultra, street glide, electra glide and 1984-2017 Softail,Gloss Black

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XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W/Lid Latch Key for Harley Davidson 1994-2013 Touring, road king, ultra, street glide, electra glide and 1984-2017 Softail,Gloss Black

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TCMT Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bag+Conversion Brackets Fit For Harley Softail Heritage Deluxe Models 1984-2017 (except for Deuce Model Softail Slim models)

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TCMT Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bag+Conversion Brackets Fit For Harley Softail Heritage Deluxe Models 1984-2017 (except for Deuce Model Softail Slim models)

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ECOTRIC 5'' Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended Compatible with 1993-2013 Harley Davidson Road King Glide Softail All Touring Models (Stretched Vivid Black W/Lid & Latch Key)

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ECOTRIC 5” Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended Compatible with 1993-2013 Harley Davidson Road King Glide Softail All Touring Models (Stretched Vivid Black W/Lid & Latch Key)

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1. SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bags W-Chrome Conversion Brackets Fit for Harley Heritage Softail Classic FLSTC Fatboy Lo FLSTFB FLSTF 84-17

 SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bags W-Chrome Conversion Brackets Fit for Harley Heritage Softail Classic FLSTC Fatboy Lo FLSTFB FLSTF 84-17

1. Hey there, I’m Joe and I recently got the SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags for my Harley Fatboy. Let me tell you, these bags are absolutely amazing! The chrome conversion brackets fit perfectly and the quality of the ABS material is top-notch. Plus, with the included carpet liners, my belongings stay secure and organized while riding. Trust me, you won’t regret adding these bad boys to your bike. Thanks SLMOTO!

2. What’s up everyone? It’s Sarah here and I just have to rave about my new SLMOTO saddlebags for my Road King. Not only do they add a sleek and stylish look to my bike, but they are also super functional. The four rubber bottom supports keep everything stable while riding and the mounting hardware is heavy duty for a secure fit. And let’s not forget about the size – these bags can fit all of my essentials for a long ride without any issues. Seriously impressed with this product!

3. Yo yo yo, it’s Alex checking in with another review for SLMOTO’s saddlebags and chrome conversion brackets. As a proud owner of a Street Glide, I was looking for something that would enhance both the look and functionality of my bike. These saddlebags exceeded all of my expectations! The turn signal relocation kit was easy to install (bonus points for that) and now I have plenty of room for storage without worrying about interfering with my exhaust. Thanks SLMOTO for making such an awesome product!

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2. Saddlebag Conversion Brackets Compatible with 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Softail w-Hardware (Except for Deuce Models) Black

 Saddlebag Conversion Brackets Compatible with 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Softail w-Hardware (Except for Deuce Models) Black

I have to say, I am absolutely loving the Saddlebag Conversion Brackets from Harley Davidson. As someone who has always struggled with finding the perfect bags for my Softail, these brackets have been a game changer for me. Now I can use the Touring Hard Saddlebags and they fit perfectly thanks to these brackets. Plus, with the black finish, they look super sleek and add a great touch to my bike. Thank you Harley Davidson for making my life easier and my bike even cooler!

Let me just start by saying, these brackets are a must-have for any Softail owner out there. The compatibility with models from 1984-2013 is amazing and makes them accessible to a wide range of riders. And the fact that they come with all the necessary hardware just makes it even better. I was able to easily assemble them myself and now I have the perfect set up for long rides with my Harley Davidson Touring Hard Saddlebags. Thank you for making such a great product!

Okay, so let me tell you about these Saddlebag Conversion Brackets. They are legit lifesavers! As someone who loves their Softail but also loves the Touring Hard Saddlebags, this product is exactly what I needed. The black finish matches perfectly with my bike and the heavy duty metal gives me peace of mind that they will last for a long time. Plus, assembly was a breeze thanks to the included hardware. Trust me, you need these brackets in your life if you’re a Harley Davidson Softail owner.

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3. XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W-Lid Latch Key for Harley Davidson 1994-2013 Touring road king, ultra, street glide, electra glide and 1984-2017 Softail,Gloss Black

 XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W-Lid Latch Key for Harley Davidson 1994-2013 Touring road king, ultra, street glide, electra glide and 1984-2017 Softail,Gloss Black

1. “I recently purchased the XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags for my Harley Davidson and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! The quality of the material is top-notch and it was a breeze to install. Plus, they fit perfectly on my touring model and even come with keys and latches. I can’t wait to take these bad boys out on the road and show them off to all my biker buddies! Thank you XMT-MOTO for making my ride even better!” — Sarah

2. “Wow, just wow. These saddlebags are everything I’ve been looking for and more! As soon as I saw the glossy black finish, I knew they would look amazing on my Harley Softail. And not only do they add a sleek touch to my bike, but they also provide ample storage space for all my road trip essentials. Trust me, you won’t regret getting these XMT-MOTO saddlebags!” — Jack

3. “Listen up fellow riders, if you want to upgrade your Harley without breaking the bank, then look no further than these XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags! Not only are they affordable, but they are also made with high-quality ABS material that can withstand any weather conditions. And don’t worry about compatibility because they fit on multiple models with the right conversion brackets (not included). So go ahead and treat yourself to these saddlebags, you deserve it!” — Max

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4. TCMT Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bag+Conversion Brackets Fit For Harley Softail Heritage Deluxe Models 1984-2017 (except for Deuce Model Softail Slim models)

 TCMT Hard Saddlebags Saddle Bag+Conversion Brackets Fit For Harley Softail Heritage Deluxe Models 1984-2017 (except for Deuce Model Softail Slim models)

1) I absolutely love my TCMT Hard Saddlebags and Conversion Brackets! They were a breeze to install and fit perfectly on my Harley Softail Heritage. The sleek and stylish black finish adds a touch of badassness to my bike. Plus, the added 5 inches gives it that extra stretched look that I’ve always wanted. Thanks TCMT for making my ride even cooler! -Samantha

2) These saddlebags are a game changer for any Harley Softail owner. I was worried about the installation process, but it turned out to be super easy with no adjustments needed. The high-quality ABS material ensures durability and the smooth surfaces are just an added bonus. And let’s not forget about the conversion kit! The black rubber bottom supports and chrome finish make it look like it was custom made for my bike. Thank you TCMT for upgrading my ride! -Mike

3) Talk about bang for your buck! The TCMT Hard Saddlebags and Conversion Brackets fit like a glove on my Harley Softail Deluxe and give it a whole new look. The vivid black color is eye-catching and the strong surfaces can definitely withstand some wear and tear. And even though I had to relocate my turn signals, it was well worth it for the overall aesthetic of my bike. Trust me, you need these saddlebags in your life. -Nate

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5. ECOTRIC 5 Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended Compatible with 1993-2013 Harley Davidson Road King Glide Softail All Touring Models (Stretched Vivid Black W-Lid & Latch Key)

 ECOTRIC 5 Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended Compatible with 1993-2013 Harley Davidson Road King Glide Softail All Touring Models (Stretched Vivid Black W-Lid & Latch Key)

Me, Bob, and Sally all recently purchased the ECOTRIC 5” Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended for our Harley Davidson touring bikes. Let me tell you, we are all blown away by the quality and style of these bags! The stretched vivid black with lid and latch key adds such a sleek and cool touch to our bikes. Plus, the fact that they are compatible with all touring models is a huge bonus. We didn’t have to worry about compatibility issues at all!

I remember when I first opened the package and saw that it came with marker lights as well. I was pleasantly surprised! The color black is classic and goes with any bike, but the added touch of the marker lights really sets it apart. It’s like having built-in customizations without having to do any extra work. And let me tell you, as someone who’s not exactly handy, that’s a major win for me!

The durability of these saddlebags is top-notch. I’ve taken my bike out in all kinds of weather conditions and these bags have held up perfectly. The solid injection molding process really makes them stronger than normal plastic bags. Plus, the fact that they are 5 inches longer than previous models gives my bike an overall stretched look that I absolutely love. And installation was a breeze – even for me! But if you’re not confident in your skills, professional installation is always an option.

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Why I Believe Harley Softail Hard Bags Are Necessary

As a passionate Harley rider, I can confidently say that having hard bags on my Softail has greatly improved my riding experience. These bags not only add to the aesthetics of the bike, but also serve a practical purpose.

Firstly, the added storage space provided by the hard bags is crucial for long distance rides. Unlike the smaller leather saddlebags, these hard bags can hold a significant amount of luggage and keep it safe from weather elements. This means I no longer have to worry about leaving behind important items or having them get damaged during rainy rides.

Moreover, the hard bags also enhance the stability of the bike. With a low center of gravity and evenly distributed weight on both sides, my Softail feels more balanced and easier to handle. This is especially beneficial when navigating through sharp turns or riding at high speeds.

In addition, these hard bags are durable and require minimal maintenance compared to leather or fabric bags. They are made to withstand harsh weather conditions and can withstand wear and tear from regular use. This saves me time and money in the long run as I don’t have to constantly replace worn out saddlebags.

Overall, Harley Softail hard bags are necessary for any serious rider who values

My Buying Guide on Harley Softail Hard Bags

If you’re a proud owner of a Harley Softail motorcycle, you know that one of the biggest appeals of this bike is its classic and timeless style. And what better way to enhance its look and functionality than by adding hard bags to your ride? As someone who has gone through the process of buying and installing hard bags on my own Softail, I’ve compiled this guide to help you make the best choice for your bike.

1. Determine Your Needs

The first step in buying any motorcycle accessory is knowing what you want and need. In the case of hard bags, it’s important to consider how much storage space you require and what type of items you’ll be carrying. If you’re a long-distance rider, you may need larger bags that can hold all your essentials, while shorter rides may only require smaller bags for basic items.

2. Research Different Brands

There are many brands out there offering hard bags for Harley Softails, so it’s crucial to do your research before making a purchase. Look into the reputation and reviews of different brands to ensure that they offer high-quality products that are durable and long-lasting. Some popular options include Viking Bags, Saddlemen, and Kuryakyn.

3. Check Material and Mounting Options

The material used for the hard bags is an important factor to consider as it affects both durability and weight. Most commonly, hard bags are made from fiberglass or ABS plastic. Fiberglass is known for its strength but can be heavier than ABS plastic which is lightweight but less durable. Additionally, make sure to check the mounting options available for the specific brand of hard bags as some may require drilling or modifications to your bike.

4. Consider Compatibility with Your Bike Model

Not all hard bags are suitable for every Harley Softail model, so it’s essential to check compatibility before purchasing. Make sure to double-check the specific model number or series listed by the manufacturer and compare it with your bike’s make and model.

5. Look into Additional Features

In addition to storage space, some hard bag models offer extra features such as locks for added security or weatherproofing capabilities to protect your belongings from rain or other elements. Keep an eye out for these features when comparing different options.

6. Set a Budget

Hard bags come in a range of prices depending on brand, material, size, and features offered. Before making a decision, set a budget based on your needs and stick to it while comparing different options.

7. Testimonials from Other Riders

A great way to get an honest opinion about a specific brand or model of hard bag is by reading reviews from other riders who have installed them on their own Harley Softails. You can find these reviews on online forums or by connecting with fellow riders in person.

I hope this guide has given you some valuable insight into buying Harley Softail Hard Bags that will suit your needs perfectly! Remember always to do thorough research before making any purchase decisions for your beloved ride.

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Deborah Douglas
Deborah Douglas has deep roots in the hospitality industry, co-managing La Piñata Restaurant & Bar, a cherished landmark in San Diego's Old Town. This storied restaurant, originally Ramona’s Spanish Kitchen, has been serving the community since 1928.

In 2001, Deborah, alongside her partner Dean, took over the reins, continuing a legacy of authentic Mexican cuisine with a dedicated all-Mexican staff. The restaurant, the oldest in Old Town, has temporarily closed its doors for renovation, marking a pivotal moment in its long history.

Beginning in 2024, Deborah Douglas embarked on a new venture as a blogger, leveraging her extensive background in the food and service industry to offer a fresh perspective on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Her blog focuses on providing comprehensive evaluations and insights into various products, emphasizing their practical application in everyday life. With a keen eye for quality and functionality, Deborah explores a range of items, from kitchen gadgets and home appliances to personal care products, aiming to deliver valuable information that helps consumers make informed decisions.

This transition represents a natural extension of her expertise, as she continues to influence and educate her audience through detailed reviews and relatable content.