Top Shop is the way to go!!!!!

 

I have done a lot of research and keep coming back to the topshop bags. They offer them painted which is exactly what I am looking for. I dont have a painted in my area that is willing to do reasonable priced painting so I like the idea of them being already painted. They also offer a forum discount so its worth asking for it if you go with their bags. They also come carpeted on the inside of the bags which I like too.

 

I went through this process several years ago, as mentioned earlier you go too cheap you end up with a lot of prep so the cost is a wash, I wouldn't worry too much about ABS vs Fiberglass if the manufacturer is one referenced here. My bags are ABS and the resr fender is fiberglass. I went with Sinister and I doubt any of the other bags are better, however I'm quite sure it goes the same with the others MB, Top Shop, yaffee, etc. bought my components from Chuck at Benz and Bikes lowest price and tons of support.

 

So... I'm back to square one. Lol

 

I remember doing the same thing as you....Yes the mark up on this crap is insane and at times rediculous!! Anyways.. I have personal experiance with Sinister and Ness. I had sinister on my road glide that got stolen as far as prep there was some needed. Fitment did take a few trys and some spacers to get it right thats for sure. I paid 6oo for the bags and 300 for paint. New street glide has ness bags that cost 900 not sure of the cost of paint as the old owner didnt have this reciept but, the fit on these is perfect!! I have yet to install the the fender which is a bad dad fender (850.00) that if it's like the last one I owned will fit perfect. You truely get what you pay for I guess but these builders are screwing us to say the least. Good Luck Brotha!!

 

You can get these cyclesmith saddlebag extensions. They come in chrome or contrast.
Some think that they look cheesy, but I think that they look good.
I've seriously contemplated it, just haven't made the move yet.

or you could have them painted to match yours. FWIW.
traveler did on this site and over-all looks great.

Another post of the cyclesmith extensions
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...xtentions.html

 

I think Harley got it right with their slanted bottom CVO style bags if you are doing a solid color. To me, 4" stretched bags need some sort of scheme painted on them (ericl's bike) or they look too blocky.

 

This is the route I'm looking at too...bolt on & take-off if I ever sell the bike. Plus, the black go with my bike color scheme and I agree on traveler's bike - paint-match looks great.

 

Well, the important thing for me is that my body/paint guy is a freind and really helps me out so the cost of any prep work isn't THAT much of a factor. I don't want to get burned by s**t stuff but I also don't want to get burned by paying MAJOR $ for a name.

 

Went with Sinister bags that I purchased from Eastern Performance. 700.00 shipped. Did have to cut them for the exhaust, no big deal. My painter was happy that little prep was needed. Or should say I was happy. I went with the Klock Werks Wrapper fender. You will not believe the quality. No prep work at all. Good luck.