Harley Bagger - Hard or Soft? - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 09-02-2009, 09:51 PM

OK, so here's my next inquiry for our bagger magazine readers, to be a "real" bagger can a Harley have hard or soft saddlebags or doesn't it matter?

I have owned both over the years and found the hard saddlebags usually more useful but the soft leather ones usually look cooler. At least in my opinion.

unfknblvbl · #2 09-02-2009, 10:27 PM

IMO...whether they are hard bags or soft bags it doesn't matter as long as the bags came stock on the bike. To me that's what would make it a "real" bagger, granted on the newer bikes I really dig the look of the hard bags...don't know why just do.

Gas Man · #3 09-03-2009, 02:13 AM

Hard all the way. Looks better, seals, locks, all around better.

Rocky · #4 09-03-2009, 04:26 AM

I guess it's to each his own if the qualification is bags then it really don't matter does it. For me though it's hard all the way, they look cool! I had a bike with the soft leather ones and it was alright but, then I got my FLHTC which I had wanted since I was just a young'en and there ain't nothin' else better.

HDDon · #5 09-03-2009, 02:56 PM

I've got both,Softail and Road Glide and to me they are both baggers.

charlie_103 · #6 09-06-2009, 02:26 AM

Whether is has hard bags or soft bags does not matter, a "real" bagger model designation starts with "FLH." Anything else is simply a bike with bags on it! Which is okay and functional, it's just not a bagger.

biker_on_the_pil · #7 09-07-2009, 10:42 PM

A real bagger or tourer starts with "FLT" actually. Otherwise they are just a bike with some scrap fiberglass zip tied to the forks.

HDDon · #8 09-07-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie_103

Whether is has hard bags or soft bags does not matter, a "real" bagger model designation starts with "FLH." Anything else is simply a bike with bags on it! Which is okay and functional, it's just not a bagger.

Are you saying my FLSTC doesn't qualify? Before there were hard bags all bags were soft.

charlie_103 · #9 09-08-2009, 02:53 AM

"biker on the pil," I stand corrected! How could I omit the models that put the "garbage" in "garbage wagon." And, I will have you know that we no longer use zip ties on the scrap glass bags on FLH models, as of 2005, having proved too cumbersome and bad for the environment when improperly discarded, we have again resorted to baling wire. A much more versitile and resusable product that holds up rather well in the UV with little stretch to boot.

HDDon - To each his own! If it makes you feel good considering a softail model a bagger, then get on with it and ride it hard, I just don't think it fits the bill in the true meaning of the word "bagger." Point to ponder - sitting in a bar, rib joint, church, where ever and it is bike night. You strike up a conversation with someone and ask what they ride, they reply "a bagger." What is the picture in your head? A V-Rod or Sportster with some bags thrown on or is it a Road King, Road Glide, Electra Glide..... any one of the big touring models?