I picked up a used 2008 RK classic and the “leather” bags are hammered. I’m wanting to convert to hard bags. I’m finding loads of super cheap options online.
I’m assuming I should stay away from those.
Should I keep an eye out for used factory bags? or can someone point me to a worth while aftermarket option. I DO NOT want stretched bags. Also do the hard bags attach with the same 1/4 turn fasteners?

 

Welcome, and small world. I'm in NC but went to Dodson Jr. High.

Some on here converted to hardbags. The hardbags are good for '97 - '13 bikes. You can get '14+ bags with a very minor mod to the mounting points. Basic difference with the factory vs aftermarket is aftermarket are made of ABS plastic. The H-D bags are a bit thicker and more rigid.

Many of the better aftermarkets are usually not complete, meaning they don't normally come with the latch mechanism. Some of the popular aftermarkets are Advanblack and Hogworkz. You can probably find used factory bags on fleabay or a CL, and others have had some luck with the cheaper aftermarkets.

 

Thank you for the good info. And yea very small world. Pedro people will always be pedro people.

 

I bought some cheaper pre 14 hard bags from Amazon for my 07 classic, I like them, the hardware is not the best but they fit without any issues at all.

rk classic.

 

like the $185 ones?? More details please

 

Here you go.


rk classic.

 

Ultimately, if it were me, I would try to find gently preowned HD bags - I don’t have any experience with aftermarket bags, but I personally would want the HD heartier bags….

Yes the bags all use the 1/4 turn dzus fasteners until HD finally upgraded the standard fastener to the screw down much more secure style, around 2018 I think, which I urge you to consider upgrading to on your bike - Amazon offers them $15-$35 per set, depending on style, The HD ones are like $50. And the super Gee whiz ones from RikRak are $65 ish…the kits all come with the replacement base nuts as well as differing styles of screw on bolting fasteners.

Keep checking your local area Craigslist and OfferUp ads - i stumbled across a set of pristine black bags with black hardware - 2021 Harley oem stretched takeoff bags for $300.00 for the set…..

When I had my Road King, I looked into swapping bags - you can find HD oem bags on eBay as well, and might even be able to find color matched bags to work for you, if your bike happens to not be black.