Throw-over Saddlebags | Bolt-on Ready Saddlebags

For an even stronger saddlebag with greater structural stability, we have reinforced the backs of all of our saddlebags (bolt-on ready or throw-over) with 1/8" thick plastic plates, giving the total back thickness of 3/8"-- nearly 1/2" thick!

Throw-over" saddlebags are designed with an adjustable yoke that connects the two sides of the saddlebag together under the seat.  This textile-fur lined yoke is designed to go under the seat. 

We highly recommend saddlebag supports be used with throw-over bags.  These are fairly common "U-brackets" that keep the bags from getting caught in the shocks, gears, wheels and other parts of the bike.

The customer drills holes in the lower back of the bags to secure the bags to the OEM or after market saddlebag support with provided leather strings or wire ties.

Our warrantees do not cover damage caused by the lack of proper saddlebag supports. 

Bolt-on Ready" saddlebags  The main difference between the Bolt-on Ready bags and the Throw-over bags is that the bolt-on ready bags do not have the yokes which connect the two sides of the bags together. Nor do they, in most cases, have tie downs.  (When ordering saddlebags we will ask what type of bolt-on system you are using.  Armed with this information, we will add tie-downs if appropriate.)   As such, our Bolt-on Ready saddlebags do not come with bolt-on hardware. 

The flat design of the bags makes it easy to use them with just about any common system.  For your convenience, we do offer the Easy Brackets easy on/off bolt-on supports, however as mentioned, you may use just about any system you wish.

Are the Bolt-on Holes Predrilled? 

Because our saddlebags are designed to fit multiple motorcycle makes and models, as well as just about any OEM and aftermarket bolt-on system, it is not practical for us to pre-drill the holes in the back of the saddlebags (can you say "Swiss cheese").  You'll need to do this to properly fit these saddlebags to the bolt-on system you select. 

For systems like Easy Brackets, we've been told by customers that mounting to the motorcycle takes no more than 1 to 1.5 hours.  The other reason we do not pre-drill the holes  is that everyone has their own preferences as to how high/low or back/forward they want to mount their bags-- this becomes more complicated if you have a non-stock seat or made other modifications.  Because of these preferences and the different systems, we've found it best to not pre-drill anything.

An Inexpensive Bolt-on Solution, if you're interested: 

If you're looking to purchase a set of saddlebags for a Japanese-made motorcycle (and this even works great for Softails too...), you're in luck.  Almost all of the saddlebag supports (the basic "U Brackets") that are offered for these motorcycles are perfect for bolt-on saddlebags.  Simply obtain longer bolts and 'sleeves' (if you don't know, 'sleeves' are chromed spacers that would help keep the bag away from the motorcycle). 

Line up the bag, drill the holes and place the bag on the bolts which also mount the U-Bracket.  The sleeve, or some other extender, will help kick out the bag a little bit from the fender rail so it lines up with the slight kick out of the wire 'U'.  Place the bag on the bolts and secure with nuts and washers (acorn nuts work best for inside the bag) and tie at the bottom to the bracket.  (If you let us know in the 'Comments' section of your order that you're doing this, we'll include some leather tie-down laces for you to use.)

Although the system won't be an easy on/off removable system like Easy Brackets, it will offer good bolt-on support.