ROAD TESTING HD'S GENUINE DETATCHABLE SADDLBAGS


I needed saddlebags to go with my new Harley I had just ordered. Not just any old bags mind you, but something that looked awesome, had a little class and possessed the ability to be taken on and off the bike quickly.

Acutely aware of the lack of quality in other non-genuine saddlebags I've seen over the years, I was determined not to end up with bags that suffered the usual afflictions of sagging, not being water tight, chafing against paintwork and cracking up inside a couple of years. I spent an age pouring over the genuine parts catalog in search of the perfect accessories and choosing decent bags was the hardest task of all.

I chose the quick detatch style as seen in the photo at the top of this article. The HD Part No. is 90384-04 and they arrived packaged well in a solid cardboard box (I got to see them at the dealers).

The first thing I noticed when I picked up my bike was the sexy ball milled chrome struts that now adorned each side of my rear guard.

Next the guys at the shop pointed out the auxillary brackets that had been installed behind the pillion footpegs.

The new saddlebags look good too, their black leather over steel construction offering a sturdiness not often matched in other saddlebag styles. The stylised chrome HD logo bar gives a sleek accent to the bags and matches the large chrome buckles.

On the rear face of the bag the black sheet metal mounting plate is clearly visible as is the powder coated round steel support arm. The end of this arm locates onto the new auxilliary footpeg barckets via a keyhole cutout.

After first locating the bottom keyhole bracket, the whole saddlebag is then lowered onto the rear guard bracket and quickly secured with two DZUS 1/4 turn fasteners that pass through from inside the bags.

So what are the bags like to live with?

Well, they've been on and off the bike for almost the 20,000 kilometers its traveled over two years and I love them. They are well constructed, hold out water, are really easy to attach and remove and look great on the bike. They have not changed shape at all and shine up really good with the easy application of some leather conditioner.

The only fault I could possibly level at them is that they are a little on the small side and will not hold my big, armor padded leather jacket no matter how hard I scrunch the damn thing up!

I can tell you that they easily hold all manner of other things; like bottles of wine, the wife's (bloody huge) overpacked handbag, enough food for a chicken picnic and more.

They were expensive however.... very expensive. Almost three times the price of a pair of plain leather normal mount aftermarket bags, however I believe you get what you pay for in most cases and this is one of those times.

All in all, I am very impressed with my saddlebags and they are standing the test of time with ease. Well done Mr Davidson!



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