I bought my RKC this summer and it has hard bags on it. I'm glad the bike has those as they would be hard to find in cobalt blue/silver two-tone, and probably more expensive than used leather bags; and, I know they are better from the regard of locking and water-proof. I've been considering putting leather RKC bags on it and storing the hard bags to use for extended road trips. However, I've seen where many people seem to replace the leather bags at some point, plus I've seen a lot of leather bags that have warped lids or the sides look swelled out, broken lids, etc. Just wondering about the leather bags, if you guys thought it would be worth the ~$250-$300 used price on ebay just to change the look of the bike, so I wanted to get opinions from people who have owned the leather bags. Thanks in advance.

 

Hard bags is the way to go look better and hold more stuff. JMHO

 

What lil said.

 

BTW where did you get those latches from lil gmac. I like those and am in the need for some new ones.

 

I say hard bags.

 

From Harleytheir the HD Billet style. I love your bike.

 

The classic bag will hold more than the hard bags, I've had'em. Didn't have any trouble with wrinkles or warping. Just kinda got tired of the look. you can stuff things into them and the lids will still close.l; I put the hard bags on my bike and like the look better.but they definitely won't hold as much. RK custom bags will hold even less than the hard bags in my opinion. I have a set of them too.

 

Custom look, go with the hard bags. For long trips go with leather, I have a RK Classic and like the bags, hold lots of stuff, plusthe matchingtour pak is nice,though they're kinda pricey. The only thing I don't like about the leather ones is the quick release plastic latches, theright side rear latch fades because of being in the sun,sooner or later I know I'll have to replace them. Keep some leather treatment on them also.Hope this helps.

 

It is what ever you prefer. Yes, I beleive the classic leather bags will hold a smidge more but it really comes down to preference.

I personally just think that the Classic looks far better with leather bags. Leathers would not look as sharp on any other Touring model in my opinion but on the RKC, they rock. Maybe it is the wide whitewalls and laced wheels too. I also have the nostalgic bag guards on mine and I really like the way they show the leather bags off. (pic in album)

 

I personally like the look of the hard bags better.....