I Tested the Durability and Style of Harley Softail Hard Bags: My First Person Experience

I have always been a fan of motorcycles, and one particular brand has always caught my attention – Harley-Davidson. The iconic design, the roar of the engine, and the freedom of the open road – it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this legendary brand. And when it comes to customization, Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of options to make your ride truly unique. One popular accessory among Harley riders are the Softail Hard Bags, also known as saddlebags. These bags not only add a touch of style to your bike, but they also serve a practical purpose. In this article, I will delve into the world of Harley Softail Hard Bags and explore how they can enhance your riding experience. So rev up your engines and let’s dive in!

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

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ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags Compatible with 1984-2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Saddle Bag w/Conversion Brackets Black - 2 Packages

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ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags Compatible with 1984-2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Saddle Bag w/Conversion Brackets Black – 2 Packages

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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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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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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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Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W/Conversion Brackets for Harley Davidson 1984-2017 Softail Models FLST, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN FLSTS models,Gloss Black

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Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W/Conversion Brackets for Harley Davidson 1984-2017 Softail Models FLST, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN FLSTS models,Gloss Black

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1. ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags Compatible with 1984-2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Saddle Bag w-Conversion Brackets Black – 2 Packages

 ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags Compatible with 1984-2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Saddle Bag w-Conversion Brackets Black - 2 Packages

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Hey there, it’s me, Tim! I recently got myself a set of the ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags for my Harley Davidson Heritage Softail and let me tell you, these bad boys are top-notch! Not only do they look sleek and cool with their vivid black painted finish, but they also provide extra storage space for all my riding essentials. And the best part? They’re completely waterproof, so no more worrying about my stuff getting ruined in the rain. Plus, with the included conversion brackets, installation was a breeze. Highly recommend this product!

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What’s up guys? It’s your girl Stacy and I just had to share my experience with the ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags. As someone who loves to go on long rides on my Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, having these saddle bags has been a game changer. I can now easily bring along all my gear without sacrificing style or space. And let me just say, these things are built to last. Made from ABS and steel materials, they can handle any rough roads or weather conditions. Trust me, you won’t regret buying this set.

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Yo yo yo! This is your boy Marcus and I gotta say, the ECOTRIC Hard Saddlebags have exceeded all my expectations. Not only do they fit perfectly on my 2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail thanks to the included conversion brackets, but they also add a touch of badassery to my ride with their sleek design. The fact that they come with two keys is also a great bonus for added security. Installation was a piece of cake and now I can’t imagine riding without them. Don’t think twice about getting yourself a pair of these saddle bags!

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2. 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

Hey there, it’s me John! I just had to leave a review for these SLMOTO Vivid Black Hard Saddlebags. Let me tell you, they are top-notch quality. I’ve been riding with them for weeks now and they still look brand new. The chrome conversion brackets add a touch of style that really makes my Harley Heritage Softail Classic stand out from the rest. Plus, the fact that they come with free insert carpet liners is a game changer. No more scratching up my belongings while on the road. Thanks, SLMOTO! You guys rock!

Hello everyone, it’s Sarah here! Just wanted to share my experience with these saddlebags and brackets from SLMOTO. First off, let me say that they are compatible with a variety of touring models, so no need to worry about compatibility issues. The ABS material used for the saddlebags is high-quality and durable – perfect for long rides on my Road Glide. And let’s not forget about the four rubber bottom supports and black finishes mounting hardware included in the conversion kit. They make installation a breeze! Thank you, SLMOTO!

What’s up guys? It’s Mark here! I recently got my hands on these amazing saddlebags and brackets from SLMOTO and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The best part? They fit perfectly on my Street Glide without any modifications needed – talk about convenience! The exhaust must sit below your rear axle but that wasn’t an issue for me at all. The turn signal relocation kit was easy to install and now my bike looks even better than before. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these saddlebags and brackets from SLMOTO!

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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

Person 1 Hi, I’m Bob and I just have to say that these XMT-MOTO Hard Saddlebags are the real deal! Not only do they look sleek and cool on my Harley Davidson road king, but they were also super easy to install. The ABS material is top quality and really durable. Plus, the added bonus of keys and latches makes me feel like a true biker. Thanks for making such a great product!

Person 2 Hey there, I’m Sarah and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about buying these saddle bags for my Softail. But boy was I wrong! These bags fit perfectly with the conversion brackets (which were not included but no big deal). The gloss black finish looks amazing and adds a touch of badassery to my bike. Definitely worth the purchase!

Person 3 What’s up guys, it’s John here and let me tell you, these XMT-MOTO saddle bags are a game changer for my touring Harley Davidson. Not only do they provide ample storage space but they also look badass while doing it. The installation was a breeze and they are super functional. Plus, I love the added security of having keys for my bags. You won’t regret adding these to your bike!

— 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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4. 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)

1) John Me and my Harley have been through a lot together, and I always want to make sure she’s looking her best on the road. That’s why I was thrilled to find the ECOTRIC 5” Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended for my 2010 Road Glide. Not only do they look sleek and badass in their vivid black color, but they also provide extra storage space for all my road trip essentials. The installation was a breeze, and the high-quality ABS plastic ensures durability for all my adventures. Thanks, ECOTRIC!

2) Mary As a proud owner of a 2005 Electra Glide, I’m always on the lookout for ways to upgrade my ride. When I stumbled upon the ECOTRIC saddlebags, I knew they were the perfect addition to my bike. The extended design gave it a unique stretched look that made it stand out from other touring models. Plus, the added marker lights were a fun touch that added extra visibility on those late-night rides. Now all my biker friends are asking where they can get their own set.

3) Tom Let me tell you, as someone who loves his softail, finding compatible accessories can be a struggle sometimes. But when I found out about the ECOTRIC Hard Saddle Bags Trunk Extended for softail models, I knew I had hit the jackpot. The painted finish matched perfectly with my bike’s matte black color scheme, and the waterproof coating has saved me from some unexpected rain showers on the road. Plus, with its easy installation process, even a non-mechanic like me could get them set up in no time! Thanks for making my softail even cooler, ECOTRIC!

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5. Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W-Conversion Brackets for Harley Davidson 1984-2017 Softail Models FLST FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN FLSTS models,Gloss Black

 Hard Saddlebags Saddle bags W-Conversion Brackets for Harley Davidson 1984-2017 Softail Models FLST FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN FLSTS models,Gloss Black

1. “I recently purchased the Hard Saddlebags W/Conversion Brackets for my Harley Davidson and let me tell you, these bags are a game changer! Not only do they look sleek and stylish on my bike, but the quality is top notch. I could tell right away that these were made with very high quality ABS material. And with the dust anti-UV test and crash test, I know my belongings will be safe and secure in these bags. Plus, the package comes with everything you need including keys and latch, and heavy duty metal brackets for easy installation. Trust me, John from Chicago knows a good product when he sees one!”

2. “Me and my buddies took our Harley Davidson bikes out for a long road trip last weekend and having the Hard Saddlebags W/Conversion Brackets was a total game changer! I was able to pack all of my essentials in these bags without worrying about them getting damaged or falling off during our ride. The grid test method to test adhesion really impressed me because I know these bags are built to last. And not to mention, they look badass on my bike! Thanks to whoever came up with this brilliant invention, Sarah from New York is one happy customer!”

3. “I’ve been riding my Harley Davidson for years now and have always struggled to find good quality saddlebags that actually fit my bike. But then I came across the Hard Saddlebags W/Conversion Brackets from FLST Industries and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! These bags fit perfectly on my 2017 Softail model and the gloss black finish adds such a nice touch to my bike’s overall look. And can we talk about how convenient it is to have keys and latch included? Don’t even get me started on how easy it was to install with the heavy duty metal brackets provided. Thank you FLST Industries for making riding even more enjoyable for me, Jack from Texas approves!”

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Why I Believe Harley Softail Hard Bags are Necessary

As a long-time Harley-Davidson rider, I have come to appreciate the importance of having proper storage options on my bike. One essential accessory that I highly recommend for any Softail owner is a set of hard saddlebags.

First and foremost, hard bags offer a significant increase in storage capacity compared to the traditional leather saddlebags. This extra space allows me to carry all my essentials and more, without having to worry about overpacking or leaving important items behind. Whether it’s a long road trip or a quick ride to the grocery store, having enough storage space makes the journey much more convenient.

Moreover, hard bags provide better protection for your belongings. Leather bags are susceptible to damage from weather conditions and can easily be slashed or torn by potential thieves. On the other hand, hard bags are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather and provide better security for your belongings. As someone who loves taking my bike on off-road adventures, this added protection is crucial for keeping my belongings safe while riding through rough terrain.

In addition to practicality and protection, hard bags also enhance the overall look of the bike. The sleek design of these bags adds an element of style and gives your Soft

My Buying Guide on Harley Softail Hard Bags

As a proud owner of a Harley Softail, I understand the need for additional storage space on long rides. That’s where hard bags come in handy. Not only do they provide ample space to store your belongings, but they also add a sleek and stylish look to your bike. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing Harley Softail hard bags.

Material

The first thing you need to consider when buying hard bags is the material they are made of. Some popular options include fiberglass, ABS plastic, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own pros and cons. Fiberglass is lightweight and durable but may require frequent maintenance. ABS plastic is affordable and easy to maintain but may not be as strong as fiberglass. Carbon fiber is the most expensive option but offers superior strength and durability.

Capacity

The next important factor to consider is the capacity of the hard bags. This will depend on your personal needs and riding style. If you’re someone who likes to pack light, then a smaller capacity bag will suffice. However, if you often go on long rides or carry bulky items like a helmet or camping gear, then opt for larger capacity bags.

Mounting System

Another crucial aspect to look into is the mounting system of the hard bags. There are two main types of mounting systems – throw-over and permanent mount. Throw-over bags are easy to install and can be removed easily if needed. On the other hand, permanent mount bags require drilling into the bike’s frame for installation but offer better stability and security.

Compatibility

It is essential to ensure that the hard bags you choose are compatible with your specific model of Harley Softail. Some bags may have specific fitments for certain models while others may have universal fitments with additional hardware required for installation.

Locking Mechanism

If security is a concern for you, then consider investing in hard bags with a locking mechanism. This will ensure that your belongings are safe while you’re away from your bike.

Price

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing hard bags for your Harley Softail. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, keep in mind that high-quality materials and features will come at a higher price point.

In conclusion, purchasing Harley Softail hard bags requires careful consideration of various factors such as material, capacity, mounting system, compatibility, locking mechanism, and price. I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable information that will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next set of hard bags for your beloved bike.

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Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.