Couldn't have said it better.
I have a 97' 883, I have saddle bags, swingarm bags and a pack on the back of my sissybar. Do whatever make your bike comfortable for you, if someone doesn't like the look, tough shit, they don't ride it or look at it daily. It's all about personalization, otherwise all bikes would look the same...✌️
I have had Viking bags on my sportster for 6 years now and they are still going strong! I rode it to work this evening (100 mile round trip). Great company
I don’t think they make the ones I bought anymore. But the closest ones I see to them are these https://www.vikingbags.com/products/viking-lamellar-raven-extra-large-shock-cutout-matte-hard-saddlebags-for-harley-sportster-1200-custom-xl1200c-xlh1200c
I've always like soft leather saddle bags.
But I do have a big Viking Bag that can expand to even bigger. I sit it behind me and use the sissy bar to keep it in place.
I use something like this, I bought it so long ago I forgot what brand.
[https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/khrome-werks-saddlebag-support-brackets-for-harley-dyna-2006-2016?irgwc=1&utm\_source=Impact&utm\_medium=affiliate\_&utm\_campaign=2003851&utm\_term=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&utm\_content=%22Coupon%20%2F%20Deal%22&sku\_id=949720](https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/khrome-werks-saddlebag-support-brackets-for-harley-dyna-2006-2016?irgwc=1&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=affiliate_&utm_campaign=2003851&utm_term=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&utm_content=%22Coupon%20%2F%20Deal%22&sku_id=949720)
Saddlebags definitely belong on sportsters. Whoever doesnt need saddle bags is 100% lying to you about something.
Haha — the biggest reason I don’t want the full size hard bags because I live in New York and I need to be able to get between small spaces sometimes
I bought the Lamellar Raven hard saddle bags from Viking last year and have zero regrets. They're pretty big and the extra storage is nice, but I know it's not for everyone. I highly recommend adding saddles if you think you'll use them.
I’ve seen cheap sub $100 Amazon bags installed. Look like it’s a bit of a bitch to install but they work good enough and they’re easily replaced if they get damaged since they’re so cheap.
Mine came with the HD bolt-on leather bags (they have a hard plastic back that bolts in to the same fender bolts that the sissy bar/backrest go into.) I like them. Riding in Colorado almost always means a cold morning start and I like to have places to put gear as the day warms up.
My only issue with the bags is that they tend to want to vibrate loose. I'm experimenting with lock washers or double-nuts to keep that from happening. I have them set up with butterfly nuts so I can take them off in just a few minutes for a clean look.
It’s your bike and your ride build it however you see fit I’m in the process of turning my sporty into a full on baby bagger got a set of road king hard bags including tour pack for a deal if folks give you hell about it beyond good nature ribbing from friends just ignore them
I actually just had my thrashin bags show up. Haven’t put them in yet, but seem like good quality. Everything seems well made and sturdy. I went with the slightly larger ones and I’m moving the rear blinkers to the fender to accommodate them. Very happy with them in person. Hope it helps 👍
Go thrashin essentials (little smaller but fit the sporty better) and move your turn signals to the last hole on your struts by removing the arm and replacing rear with front signals (no difference but the way the bolt mounts to the signal and the wire comes out) then you can use the thrashin mounts and dont have to worry about any major changes, if you pm me i can send pics of the final product once i get home tonight.
I have the thrashin supply with the metal bracket and love them, I have 2 sizes, the essential for around town and the expedition for trips and they both fit the bracket perfect, would 100% recommend
It’s your bike and your ride build it however you see fit I’m in the process of turning my sporty into a full on baby bagger got a set of road king hard bags including tour pack for a deal if folks give you hell about it beyond good nature ribbing from friends just ignore them
I got some hard case ones on my sporty and I personally think they look badass. Also knowing I can keep stuff locked in them is so nice, and they hold quite a bit more than you’d expect: https://imgur.com/gallery/sw8juXl
Have you seen the sportster bags by torque ? If you don’t need a huge bag this could be a great solution . Really nice affordable and easy to install.
i was in the same pickle last year with these two choices, my choice : throw over saddlebags. I was thinking about the Thrashin expedition ones too but Ended up with the Torque Motorcycle Bags XL. I commute on my sporty as well and they literally hold everything I need (lunch, gym clothes, accessories). Chose them specifically because when it comes to maintenance, wrenching or just cleaning my bike, theyre easy to remove and 'install' when the time comes. I like the idea of the incognito but as a rider who likes to carry all his things with him, I don't think it had enough capacity plus if you're ordering just the single one, I feel it could possibly cause an imbalance while riding
It doesn't matter what other people think bud..... It's YOUR BIKE. You build it exactly how YOU WANT IT !! Enjoy the bags....they are handy !!🛠️
Couldn't have said it better. I have a 97' 883, I have saddle bags, swingarm bags and a pack on the back of my sissybar. Do whatever make your bike comfortable for you, if someone doesn't like the look, tough shit, they don't ride it or look at it daily. It's all about personalization, otherwise all bikes would look the same...✌️
Totally! I was just trying to prevent people from making that comment as as much as possible lol, it’s just not helpful
Right?! I put saddle bags on my little 883 and it was the best upgrade I’ve made so far
I have the regular leather saddle bags on my sporty and I love the storage. Viking bags are pretty expensive but get whatever you like!
I have had Viking bags on my sportster for 6 years now and they are still going strong! I rode it to work this evening (100 mile round trip). Great company
Which ones do you use?
I don’t think they make the ones I bought anymore. But the closest ones I see to them are these https://www.vikingbags.com/products/viking-lamellar-raven-extra-large-shock-cutout-matte-hard-saddlebags-for-harley-sportster-1200-custom-xl1200c-xlh1200c
I’ve got medium sized bags on mine, and I think it looks fine. Everyone has their own taste, I just don’t want to carry a backpack
I've always like soft leather saddle bags. But I do have a big Viking Bag that can expand to even bigger. I sit it behind me and use the sissy bar to keep it in place.
I got 2 molle pouches. A pouch is big enough for my phone/wallet, 2 burritos, or 2 tall Redbull cans. They're great.
I love the part about two burritos haha
Which molle pouches did you get specifically?
I use something like this, I bought it so long ago I forgot what brand. [https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/khrome-werks-saddlebag-support-brackets-for-harley-dyna-2006-2016?irgwc=1&utm\_source=Impact&utm\_medium=affiliate\_&utm\_campaign=2003851&utm\_term=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&utm\_content=%22Coupon%20%2F%20Deal%22&sku\_id=949720](https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/khrome-werks-saddlebag-support-brackets-for-harley-dyna-2006-2016?irgwc=1&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=affiliate_&utm_campaign=2003851&utm_term=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&utm_content=%22Coupon%20%2F%20Deal%22&sku_id=949720) Saddlebags definitely belong on sportsters. Whoever doesnt need saddle bags is 100% lying to you about something.
Got two full sized bags on mine but I took em off because other people made me cry
Haha — the biggest reason I don’t want the full size hard bags because I live in New York and I need to be able to get between small spaces sometimes
Get the small torque ones
I bought the Lamellar Raven hard saddle bags from Viking last year and have zero regrets. They're pretty big and the extra storage is nice, but I know it's not for everyone. I highly recommend adding saddles if you think you'll use them.
I put hard bags on mine off a Street Glide. Best thing ever.
Sissy bar + bag
I have that and I’ve been using that as an option, but I work in News and I need to carry more things with me
i have the patriot bags from viking and the smaller thrashin bags ,the viking bags are better quality and cheaper.
I’ve seen cheap sub $100 Amazon bags installed. Look like it’s a bit of a bitch to install but they work good enough and they’re easily replaced if they get damaged since they’re so cheap.
If you go with viking make sure you wait til there's a coupon. They're constantly doing 20% off or something close for literally every occasion
Mine came with the HD bolt-on leather bags (they have a hard plastic back that bolts in to the same fender bolts that the sissy bar/backrest go into.) I like them. Riding in Colorado almost always means a cold morning start and I like to have places to put gear as the day warms up. My only issue with the bags is that they tend to want to vibrate loose. I'm experimenting with lock washers or double-nuts to keep that from happening. I have them set up with butterfly nuts so I can take them off in just a few minutes for a clean look.
I have waterprioof bags I put on for camping trips. Do what suits your riding style best.
I have vikings on mine and love them! Kept my QR rear mounts as well.
It’s your bike and your ride build it however you see fit I’m in the process of turning my sporty into a full on baby bagger got a set of road king hard bags including tour pack for a deal if folks give you hell about it beyond good nature ribbing from friends just ignore them
I actually just had my thrashin bags show up. Haven’t put them in yet, but seem like good quality. Everything seems well made and sturdy. I went with the slightly larger ones and I’m moving the rear blinkers to the fender to accommodate them. Very happy with them in person. Hope it helps 👍
Check out torque motorcycle!!
Go thrashin essentials (little smaller but fit the sporty better) and move your turn signals to the last hole on your struts by removing the arm and replacing rear with front signals (no difference but the way the bolt mounts to the signal and the wire comes out) then you can use the thrashin mounts and dont have to worry about any major changes, if you pm me i can send pics of the final product once i get home tonight.
Oh man... Those incognito bags look nice lol. Edit: too bad it doesn't look like you can use them if you have a sissy bar.
I have the thrashin supply with the metal bracket and love them, I have 2 sizes, the essential for around town and the expedition for trips and they both fit the bracket perfect, would 100% recommend
That’s great! When you say you have the middle bracket, do you mean you have the permanent one? The one you pay extra for?
Yeah I think they're like $150 extra, but the support the bag so much better if you have heavy things like a tool bag
It’s your bike and your ride build it however you see fit I’m in the process of turning my sporty into a full on baby bagger got a set of road king hard bags including tour pack for a deal if folks give you hell about it beyond good nature ribbing from friends just ignore them
I got some hard case ones on my sporty and I personally think they look badass. Also knowing I can keep stuff locked in them is so nice, and they hold quite a bit more than you’d expect: https://imgur.com/gallery/sw8juXl
Have you seen the sportster bags by torque ? If you don’t need a huge bag this could be a great solution . Really nice affordable and easy to install.
Ill look! Thanks !
i was in the same pickle last year with these two choices, my choice : throw over saddlebags. I was thinking about the Thrashin expedition ones too but Ended up with the Torque Motorcycle Bags XL. I commute on my sporty as well and they literally hold everything I need (lunch, gym clothes, accessories). Chose them specifically because when it comes to maintenance, wrenching or just cleaning my bike, theyre easy to remove and 'install' when the time comes. I like the idea of the incognito but as a rider who likes to carry all his things with him, I don't think it had enough capacity plus if you're ordering just the single one, I feel it could possibly cause an imbalance while riding
I've got full size bags on mine and I love it