Originally Posted by SJC69

I have recently just fitted both the ‘older’ & newer style H-D bags, in lieu of having the saddle bags fitted.
(As we can’t go anywhere !!)

Don’t be fooled by the picture, the newer style bag is bigger.


New & Old style Softail bags




I always mount the bags as high as possible on the swing arm to clear the axel nut and also do not tend to use the bottom strap as I prefer a solid mount, so the bag can’t slide down the arm or actually fall off or flap about if the straps come loose and has the benefit that it cannot be easily removed without some tools.



I basically use the belt guard mounts with threaded connectors, punch the rear of the bag with a gasket punch and mount using button heads and large thick penny washers (repair washers) on both side for some rigid support, then use the top straps or sometimes replace these with cable ties to hold the bag tight to the swingarm.



Trial mount


Clear the axel cap


Fit the couplings and spacers for a solid mount


Mark and punch the rear of the bag for the bolts and use large penny washers both sides


The earlier bag is not supposed to fit the M8, with the new bag having extra holes so it will fit the pre-M8, however after making a Template and trial & error the old bag will fit, but if you do want to use the bottom strap you will need to make extra holes for them as they are not in the correct position.
The earlier bag being a more triangular shape has less ground clearance, around just under an inch less, but mounted high so far no problem or grounding.


Repeat the process for the earlier type bag


Mount as high as possible


Check the ground clearance, plenty there.

Be warned the frame protector strips supplied with the new bags are exactly the same as the ones for the older bag so are not exactly the right shape for the M8 and will need altering to get a good fit!





I have used the H-D bags on several bikes, they tend to be expensive, but do fit well and all so far have worn and lasted well.