I'm thinking about getting some Willie and Max "American Classic" throw-over bags for my 2005 XL1200R to assist with some touring I plan to do. Has anyone used these bags, and if so, do they simply get thrown over the rear fender under the seat? How well do they "hang on" during a long day of riding? Is there more to mounting them than just putting them under the seat? How is the finish on the rear fender protected if the bags are slung over it under the seat? I guess being new to the saddle bag scene I'm just not sure how "throw-over" bags are suposed to be mounted.

Any feedback from anyone using ANY "throw-over" saddle bags would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Thumper26

 

I am using a set on my bike so far so good, as far as the paint if you dont overload one side and have them shift on you you'll be fine even when I did that it just put a little scuff under where it sits . you can mount them a number of ways just under the seat sould be fine for around town but just two problems if you want to take long trips one is they may want to be pushed in by the wind and go torwards your rear wheel for that you can get brackets to hold them away some are removable if you dont want to leave them on all the time. The other is simple they kind of want to fly upwards at speed but they give you zip ties to fix that, those also help them from shifting side to side and possibly scuffing the paint.

Hope that helps somewhat.

 

What blade said, and here's a pic of them on 'Miss Scarlet.' Had them for over 5 years and they still look great!

 

Do you have the Standard 14" bags or the Compact 12" bags? I'm trying to figure out which will fit my 1200C.

 

Do you have a pic w/ the bags, from the rear? Just curious about how much space they take up, and if the lights would need to be relocated, etc. Thanks.

 

good lookin sporty reb!

 

Pictures are definitely not the best (took them with my camera phone) but they do show my Willie and Max Compact Slants. They're not tied down to anything yet, and I haven't even been on the road with them. I'm still wondering about buying the guards, or putting some sort of material on the underside to protect paint and chrome.



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I had them on my Shadow, and would recommend getting brackets to go behind them. The left side bag would always seem to end up flopped up over the turn signal. Other than that, I liked them...cool looks, and functional.

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As a former Sporty rider,I prefer the River Road bags .They are slanted and no signal relocation is needed .They looked great and no fender scuffing.The new ones now have pouches on the front of the bag for guick access About 150.00 and keep their shape.I used mine for 2 years and moved them to my Flstc I liked them so well.

 

They are pretty good, Id get bag supports. They will sag with out them. OR at least mine did. NOt bad bags, I like them.