I'm looking at getting one of those bags that sits on the front of the bike like by the headlight, on the forks, near the fender. Anyone know of an inexpensive brand I should look at? Do they all sit on the fender? If so, does that mess with the paint at all? I'm looking to keep a pair of night riding glasses and a lock in it for now. It'd be nice to go some place and not worry about what glasses I have to bring with me (sun, night) and it would also be nice to know my helmet is secure to the bike and someone can't just walk up and take it that easily.

 

When I mounted mine, I ran the strap around the top of the bar holding the "blinkers" and it stays put. Other than that, it will slide down and rest on the front fender.

 

just go to an event with vendors and pick up a $10 leather one.

 

I don't know of any near me, but I have seen these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Large...Q5fAccessories

they seem pretty strong and roomy

 

The bag mounts to your trees on that bar where you have your turn signals mounted. Other wise, your bag will wear right through your paint & bounce up & down denting your fender.

 

OK, this ain't the greatest pic but that's the way it goes.....

I bought the 11 inch Harley fork bag ($29) and mounted it at the top of the forks
just behind the speedo. I installed it before I bought the windscreen and it
isn't a perfect fit (the smaller one would be), but I keep the registration and
insurance papers, sunglasses, a bottle of water and a small camera in there
with no problem. The loop goes around the fork head UNDER the cables and
there is no problem with interference.

My bike's a 2009 1200 Custom so it has that large riser and that gives all
the space that's required.

FWIW

 

Looks pretty good... I have that same bag and have it like the rest have mentioned... Have it strapped over the bottom tree and zip tied to take out the slack and make sure it doesn't go anywhere...

Better put some TOOLS in there! I carry just an allen combo, combo screw driver, pliers, and I can still fit a t-shirt, undies, and socks for an overnight trip!

Later,
Jason

 

Put it above the headlight unless you want it to mark up your fender. The wife has hers below the headlight and the fender has been marked up, but she insists that is where she wants the bag.

 

You mount it to the trees and it wont get anywhere near the fender. I got one at walmart made by bell. It works good, but the fake leather bubbles in the rain for some reason. I keep a tire pressure guage, an allen set, a wallet thing for insurance and papers, and a spanner wrench in mine. It's like $22, but I did see one made of real leather at the dealer for less. Surprise! The bell one is sturdy though, whereas like in the picture a few posts above, the harley one was a flimsy leather.

Edit: the bell doesnt have clips under the buckles like the one in your link... That might be nice!

 

I have the same 11 inch Harley bag on my sporty. It was $20 at Mid-America HD in Missouri which is cheap enough, but it is pretty thin leather though. I would recommend looking around some Independent dealers if you don't mind other than Harley stuff on your ride.