Ok, these are the saddlebags I'm looking at. Beer Bags 4pc Studded Motorcycle Saddlebag Cooler Set. I figure I can use these for whatever when not holding beer and they can also hold all the beer I want to bring to Oklahoma (can't be drinking that Oklahoma 3.2 beer) for camping. All for only $65.00: Each Bag Measures 14-1/2" x 13-1/2" x 8".

What do you think? I would like to stay as cheap as possible. I just need the bags to hold gear right now. Do you think these will work? Do you know of some better ones?

 

That concept ROCKS!!!

 

Depends on what you are wanting to use them for.... for short trips etc. these look fine. On the other hand, if you're wanting to take a long trip, which would require you to haul more gear, then they seem a bit small to me.

 

About what size should I be looking for without re-locating the tail lights/blinkers?

 

Only you know how much room you'll need...

If you're going alone, that's one thing.. but if you're going with your wife / girl friend / old lady... that is a whole other story - if you get my drift.

If you're going solo, you can use your back seat area for strapping your gear on.

I go on quite a few long rides each year, almost always solo. I travel with more gear than some.. less than others.

I carry :

Depending on the season, leathers / heated gear, so I can ride through the cold or rain. Leather jacket, chaps, sweater, good gloves for warm and cold / wet weather, and I also have a heated vest and gloves.

Emergency tool kit.

A couple pair of jeans, some t-shirts, underwear & socks.

I don't camp anymore - but when I was younger I would carry a sleeping bag and a foam mat to put it on. I carried a tent a couple of times too.

Only you can say how much or little you feel comfortable taking. Write a list, then think about how much room that would take up.

 

Anything that holds road soda's is got my vote...... where can I get a set

 

Amazon.com

 

Steel I like your thinking

 

for 65 bucks i wouldn't worry about loosing too much sleep If you end up not liking them.
On the other hand they do look pretty small

 

These are pretty small. Why not buy a nice set of used ones, if money is that tight. Beer cooler on your Harley? That really necessary?