Luggage

Carrying gear on a motorcycle takes a plan, and this page covers the options from soft bags to hard hardware. It lists saddlebags, luggage racks, saddlebag support brackets, latches and tool rolls for Harley-Davidson and Indian V-twins.

Bags, racks and hardware

Willie & Max makes soft saddlebags such as the Black Magic in synthetic leather, plus hard-mount kits. Nelson-Rigg lists the Route 1 Weekender expandable bag in 31 to 40 liter size and the Getaway 32 liter bag. Cobra offers detachable Big-A flat luggage racks in chrome for Touring 1997 to 2008 and bolt-on wide lug racks. Harddrive supplies chrome saddlebag support brackets for Sportster, Dyna Super Glide, Wide Glide and late-model Softail, plus latches and fastener studs for Touring. Burly Brand adds a CORDURA tool roll.

Matching luggage to your bike

Check the model family and year before buying brackets or latches, since support brackets differ between Sportster, Dyna, Softail and Touring. Soft bags attach by strap or rack and are universal in many cases, while hard-mount kits need the right bracket pattern. Packing the heavy items low and close to the center of the bike keeps handling predictable, and straps should be checked at every stop.

To keep loads secure, browse straps and tie-downs. For a seat that can carry a passenger, see seats.