Hey all,

I got a 2001 sportster about a week ago, it had a set of throw over saddlebags that came with it (in a box not on the bike) how do you mount these things? Do you HAVE to buy a mounting system? Or is it as simple as taking the seat off, throwing the bags over the back fender and somehow tying them down, then putting the seat back on ? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

You have to get saddle bag supports first and install them. Then you take the seat off and put the bags on. Some bigger bags require moving the rear turn signals. Also, make sure you tie the bags down to the supports so they are not flapping. If tie-downs weren't provided with the bags, you can use heavy duty zip ties.

 

I use bags on mine most of the time. Just some hard leather deals I got of ebay for my old bike. I just lift up the seat and throw em on.

The supports are a good idea, and I probably should get them to keep the bags off the suspension. The way my bags are shaped, they fit on quite nice behind the rear turn signals and don't move around at all.



[IMG]local://upfiles/15844/24313C609EC84D769E74D8E35273D5DA.jpg[/IMG]

 

And don't forget to keep them off the pipes too!

 

figured since they came for free id mount them, they are willie and max bags. i get tired of trying to figure out ways to stuff things in all my pockects all the time. why do people say not to put bags on sportsters? is it because it ruins the look? or because alot of people dont think sportsters are not real harleys so they shouldnt have saddlebags either.??......dam i never knew there was so much grief given to sportsters. who gives a crap, you put saddlebags on so you can carry **** around. wow dammit people are stupid.

 

I found that having the bags allowed me to use the bike more. Before the bags I couldn't pick up a few items at the grocery store, etc. I don't fancy letting anyone tell me what I can and can't do with my bike. LOL. It's your bike and only yours. Don't listen to everyone else.

 

Well when I bought my W&M bags I just lifted up the seat threw em on the fender and used the tie downs on the bags to tie it to the bike. I use them everyday( I ride to work any day I can) and have had no problems with them.

 

how do you take the seat off? i see that little hex head screw holding the back on, so im figuring unscrew that and does it just slide backwards?

 

I rode for the last year wiuth thro overs, last week I just installed a set of HD Leather likes and love them. You will need to do the rear signal relocation kit. I liked the lay bak kit that is only available for 04 Sporties, adapted a few of the parts and looks great. I'll try to get an updated pic later this week.

 

Nice looking bags. Do you remember the manufacturer or the seller on EBay?

And you don't use supports? Any issues? I have heard some bags you can get away with it.