Everybody acquires baggage in life, but how do you carry it?
I have been looking at saddlebags for my Drifter since I bought the bike. I have read all the posts in the forums concerning bags, even asked a few questions. So I will attempt at defining the issues as I see them concerning the selection of saddlebags for Drifters, for me at least. Do you go hard or leather? Both have their merits. Next, finding bags and hangers made for the Drifter or adapting bags and making hangers, brackets? There are very few options concerning hangers and bags made for the Drifter that are still available without modification. So that question answers itself, most likely you need to modify something to fit.
My opinion is the drifter is about show first and functionality second. I would sacrifice some functionality to get bags that really look good on the bike. Case in point the Buco bags on a certain turquoise colored Drifter. To me they are one of the nicest bags I have seen on a Drifter so far. But they are a little on the small side and they may not look good on all drifters. Leonardo's bike was a solid color; you may have trouble matching them to a 2 tone bike which I have. In my opinion the nicest leather bags I have seen were not on a Drifter per say but from an Indian motorcycle (2015 Indian Vintage Chief). Mind you there are some really nice Osprey bags also. Which would probably hold more than the Buco bags.
I had decided on the Buco bags. Then recently a friend went to the Toronto Super Bike Show and brought me back photos of the Vintage Indian Chief with leather bags. To me leather bags give the Drifter a more authentic Indian look, after all the Drifter is an Indian tribute bike. I thought I had it figured out but now I am rethinking the issue. Will it be Buco Bags or leather bags?
So that being said, any opinions, preferences or thoughts?
Just my thoughts on the subject. If you want the retro vintage look then yes go with leather. If you want the cool factor then perhaps hard bags. Racingmom's bike has hard bags.
but me it would be the leather soft bags.....
Those are really nice, they look like XL Series bags.
Hard bags look better on the 800 because they fit closer due to the fact you do not have to contend with the shocks on the 1500. That is one benefit to owning an 800 over the 1500.
And 800 owners are really nice people too......
I'd go with the Buco bags, the look fits the Drifter in my opinion. You can always change them later if you really want to.
Always liked the Buco bags, again I have been trying to think of how to paint them to match a 2 tone bike. The XL bags would be easy, the lines follow the curve of the fender making it easy to match up with the Drifter back fender and the leather bags don't need to be painted. I actually own the set of black Bucos shown in the picture and would love to use them. I just don't know how to match them up.
Naaaah, you'd better go with soft bags... and sell your Bucos to me! ;D
Just a friendly and disinterested advice... ::)
I just might!
Well then, give me a shout... ;)
Will do.
Anyway, just to give you my 2 cents opinion: the Bucos really match the retro style of our Drifters; maybe they're not really Indian tributed, but what the hell, they're so cool!
Exactly why I picked them up, if I could figure out how to tie them in with the paint job they would be my first choice. But so far no inspiration. I really thought I would have come up with something by now. Does anyone have the Osprey bags made for Indian motorcycle? What about DC, how did he match the bags with that Corbin seat?
Quote from: RockinRonny on January 18, 2016, 12:05:23 PM
Exactly why I picked them up, if I could figure out how to tie them in with the paint job they would be my first choice. But so far no inspiration. I really thought I would have come up with something by now. Does anyone have the Osprey bags made for Indian motorcycle? What about DC, how did he match the bags with that Corbin seat?
The bags on my bike came with it. There are no markings on the bags to tell who made them. I've asked others and the opinions go from Osprey, to Heather's Leathers, to Singh. So I really don't have a good idea who made them. I will say, despite the loose fit of the top flaps, the insides remained perfectly dry when I rode through a torrential downpour at highway speeds, with spray flying everywhere. I came out of that ride completely drenched, but the inside of the bags were bone dry.
My opinion on the Buco vs. leather decision is to get a 2nd bike. Do one with the Bucos and the other one with leather. Case settled. ;D
The voice of wisdom. 2 bikes , why didn't I think of that?
@ DC - That is a Corbin seat is it not? A really good match. Here's pix of what my bike looks like so far.
I think if you mount them bags on the bike and then follow the lines of the fender and paint it like the fender it woul be really nice. The bike is coming along really nice, what is the colour of red you used, I don't know if we talked about that yet? I think it is coming along very nice.
Quote from: RockinRonny on January 18, 2016, 17:47:02 PM
The voice of wisdom. 2 bikes , why didn't I think of that?
@ DC - That is a Corbin seat is it not? A really good match. Here's pix of what my bike looks like so far.
Looks good. 8) I like the powder-coated rims and the fishtails. Did you make those passenger peg/floorboard brackets?
They came with the bike. I powder coated the passenger floor boards but not sure if they are going back on. I may use the brackets for a spot to bolt on the bags.
RockinRonny, gorgeous bike! Looking at bikes like yours made me think, "what a shame covering up that beautiful back fender" so, I am taking a diferent route. I bought an old trunk and am going to have it painted and mounted back and high. I want to expose my fender but yet, I need storage space (nothing worse than going on long rides and you have to keep wearing your leathers when it gets hot because you have no place to put them).
The buco bags look great but I prefer leather to go old school look. If this trunk I;m putting on looks good, I will be going bag'less.
To the Ratman - Thanks. The red is a Candy Apple Red Metalic used on the Chevy Cruise and the white is pearl white (metalic) . That is another problem, getting hard bags painted to match the color of the bike. They should have all been done at once but I still haven't decided on the bags. Leaning towards leather. As far as following the fender lines , the Bucos are not really shaped like the fender on top. It's hard to describe but they are actually pointed on top , not rounded like the side view makes them look. I think they would look smashing painted one color or perhaps the lids painted red and body white.
To BamBam - Thanks BamBam, I was looking at an Indian hard trunk for awhile but they look too modern, what type of trunk were you looking at? I hate covering up the fenders also but what to do with stuff? I put in a bid on some leather bags this morning.
bamBam check this out I can not vouch for the quality or the workmanship on the product but it was in my mailbox today, so perhaps it would met your needs.
I followed Troll and put a leather travel trunk on my bike.
Wait a minute. You say it was in your mailbox today? And here it is on your bike , in your driveway? There should be 4 ft drifts on your Drifter. I'm calling you on this!
Sorry the ad for the beer box was in my e mail box, and I ordered the Travel trunk from Jafrum.com and it came within like a week. I was up late last night and so there......when you come up north for a visit I'll show you snow........
We'll let it go. I didn't realize you were up all hours of the night shovelling snow.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 19, 2016, 10:08:50 AM
bamBam check this out I can not vouch for the quality or the workmanship on the product but it was in my mailbox today, so perhaps it would met your needs.
I followed Troll and put a leather travel trunk on my bike.
Yes, I like the look alot. I saw Trolls bike and loved the leather trunk.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=40974.0;attach=19279;image (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=40974.0;attach=19279;image)
I just bought a cheap, Harley tourpak type trunk to see if I like the looks. If I do, I'll either do some repair work on it or buy one that doesn't need work.
Yep, that does look good and the price is right. Too bad I couldn't find one in desert tan. But I was thinking of building a rack for the back and putting on one of these on by itself without the trunk.
"Indian Motorcycle Indian Motorcycle Trunk Rack Bag 2880296-05 Durable genuine leather and polyolefin fabric Two exterior side pockets"
For hard bags I was considering this Corbin hard trunk made for the Indian but again it might be a little too modern? (and expensive) But once in awhile one comes up on ebay for a reasonable price. And it would match their seats. With a solo seat I would move it right up behind the driver over the fender.
Quote from: bambam0099 on January 19, 2016, 22:37:23 PMI just bought a cheap, Harley tourpak type trunk to see if I like the looks. If I do, I'll either do some repair work on it or buy one that doesn't need work.
That's what I did. I bought a current model trunk, and then I found an old Shovelhead trunk. I liked the more vintage look of the Shovelhead trunk, so it stayed. I adapted a current wraparound backrest to it for comfort. Now I just need some matching saddlebags and I'll be in business. (It sits level, but the pics make it look angled.) The last one is with my mom.
You could also get the HD tourpack covered in custom-colored leather to match any soft bags you got; like desert tan.
I thought about that. It's not a bad option really, and I could do it myself. Add some studs and I'd be in business.
Quote from: RockinRonny on January 19, 2016, 10:28:40 AM
Wait a minute. You say it was in your mailbox today?
He must have a big mailbox too.
Heh heh heh, big mailbox. ;)
You southern boys crack me right up, my mail box is large enough to park the dog sled in.......
Just got in on this thread.... Ronny, I have looked at the new tan Indian bags- IMO they are gorgeous and would look great on a drifter. If memory serves me correctly, I believe they are leather-covered hard bags?? Can someone verify that? Anyway, I looked at them last spring, and looked for some last summer - but prices were VERY prohibitive - I found damaged stuff going for as much as I'd want to pay for a brand new set. And the leather would be hard to match for repair...
I agree with you the buco bags (although look great) would be hard to paint for your bike. I'm not sure what you'd do there.
I bought a set of leather-covered HD hard bags last fall, and plan to try to get them on my 1500, if I can figure out mounts. I like the looks of them, and they are a lot roomier than my soft bags.
IMO I agree with you - I tend to lean towards looks over function (with a few exceptions) on the Drifters. I prefer the look of leather on them.
I think the hockey bag and kitchen sink look you had at Drift In 14 was pretty nice.......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 20, 2016, 19:46:46 PM
You southern boys crack me right up, my mail box is large enough to park the dog sled in.......
Just in case the snow storm is so bad that the mail man can't continue until morning?
Greenbarn - Yeah, I really wanted the Bucos to work but I just don't think they would work for my bike.
Quote from: greenbarn on January 20, 2016, 22:10:26 PM
Just got in on this thread.... Ronny, I have looked at the new tan Indian bags- IMO they are gorgeous and would look great on a drifter. If memory serves me correctly, I believe they are leather-covered hard bags?? Can someone verify that? Anyway, I looked at them last spring, and looked for some last summer - but prices were VERY prohibitive - I found damaged stuff going for as much as I'd want to pay for a brand new set. And the leather would be hard to match for repair...
One thing to keep in mind is that there have been fading problems with the leather on the new Indians. I don't remember if this was the seats, bags, or both, but I read it a while back on the Indian discussion board. I also talked to an Indian dealer and they are doing "sun" testing with some of the newer models that supposedly have the next gen leather that addresses this problem. So I don't know what version you'd end up with if you ordered just the Indian bags.
From what I read it was the pre 2015 bags, the 2015 and up are supposed to be better.
The bags I'm looking at were made in late 2015. They were taken off a new Indian and replaced with black bags.
See picture below. I made an offer , now it's wait and see. Thanks for the heads up.
Measurements
The length is about 22in.
Width is about 8-1/2in.
Depth is about 12in.
Those are hard bags, right??? If you don't buy them, I'd like to get a shot at them... I looked for a set for quite a while, only finding singles here and there...
The bid was accepted and they are on the way :-[
But there is another fella that is selling the same bags but for more.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Indian-Vintage-OEM-Leather-Saddlebags/321946994188?_trksid=p2050601.c100085.m2372&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140211132617%26meid%3Df265f5d4d3c5480cbb8e45b7f655aae5%26pid%3D100085%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D321946994188%26clkid%3D2585468786382761909&_qi=RTM2247625&autorefresh=true
He doesn't respond to offers (I tried) but hey maybe I softened him up for you.
For Greenbarn - I think they are a partial hard bag, solid everywhere except on the front panel?
I won't be able to see them until I get back as they will arrive while I'm gone.
Thanks again DC for the heads up . Here is a quote from the ad.
**Different from 2014 leather; leather was changed in 2015 for better UV protection**
If you buy some make sure they are 2015 bags.
Quote from: RockinRonny on January 19, 2016, 09:36:53 AM
To BamBam - Thanks BamBam, I was looking at an Indian hard trunk for awhile but they look too modern, what type of trunk were you looking at? I hate covering up the fenders also but what to do with stuff? I put in a bid on some leather bags this morning.
I bought this trunk off Ebay for $32. it's smaller than most trunks at 19"x15"x12". I just didn't like the looks of really big trunks plus, I think this looks more old-school. The chrome polished up really nice, the locking mechanism is solid and it's sturdy. I plan on replacing the rack with something slightly bigger depth wise. The bike is in storage so I haven't put it on it to stand back and look at how I like it but so far, so good...
I feel the same about trunks, You don't want one so big that it makes the bike look small. The Indian trunk was the smallest I could find but very expensive also. I have looked for some time to find one thats the right size and doesn't look too modern. Good find!
QuoteI won't be able to see them until I get back as they will arrive while I'm gone.
gone so when can I expect you to arrive here, you are coming to visit your favorite nephew correct........
funny I don't remember you saying anything about going away......
When I arrive here? You're going to Mexico too?
Soooo, have a nice Holiday and while you stay there drinkin' & havin' fun on those wonderful beaches, just think about sellin' your bubblebags to an italian fella... ::)
I will be thinking about it. You will be the first one I contact.
Quote from: CDNRatMan on January 18, 2016, 07:06:13 AM
And 800 owners are really nice people too......
....most of them.....
So Uncle (favorite Uncle of course) Ronny I just have to go to Pearson and get my ticket at the counter correct.......
49 be nice this is a family forum.......
I used a set of old Harley leather bags.
I AM IN CANADA EH HAVE A 99 1500 DRIFTER PUT A SOLO SADDLE FROM A 99 CLASSIC WENT GTHROUGH THE MOUNTAIN FRON VANCOUVER BC TO THE MONTANA BORDER LAST YEAR HWY 3 AND 33 EH BOUGHT A MOOSE TUNNELL BAG FOR 120 DOLL. EH CHEAPER IN THE U.S.A EH PUT A REPRO 57 OR SO HARLEY RACK ON THE REAR FENDER WORKED WELL FOR MY 2 WEEK TRIP . SEWED SOME FLEECE WHERE THE BAGS WERE AGAINST THE FENDER EH THREW THEM OVER MY SHOULDER WHEN I COUCH SURFED AT MY FRIENDS PLACES COME UP TO CANADA THIS YEAR FOR A 100 YOU CAN GET 143 WORTH OF BEER O MILKSHAKES .ONLY 37 MILLION PEOPLE HERE AND AT 7 IN THE MORNING THERE IS NO TRAFFIC GOING THROUGH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. EH ROCK AND ROLL
Better than that Ratman, I have a very large suit case...,
have to be a large suit case to get my fat ass in there........and you would need a fork lift to get it in the car, you could not lift it........there said before PC could hammer me....
Have a nice holiday and don't worry about the shop.....I'll look after it.....trust me........
I wouldn't hammer ya on that one! That'd be like the pot calling the kettle black! ;)
Quote from: RockinRonny on January 19, 2016, 09:36:53 AM
To BamBam - Thanks BamBam, I was looking at an Indian hard trunk for awhile but they look too modern, what type of trunk were you looking at? I hate covering up the fenders also but what to do with stuff? I put in a bid on some leather bags this morning.
Say this pic today and thought of this thread. Beautiful, bagless white Drifter
Does look like a small bag under the seat......
Quote from: CDNRatMan on February 10, 2016, 16:21:59 PM
Does look like a small bag under the seat......
I knew I've seen that bike before, it's on Heathers Leathers home page ( http://heathersleathers.com/ ). Duh on my part (short term memory!)
Looks like it's just a leather "flap" hanging under the seat.
Quote from: bambam0099 on February 11, 2016, 07:11:59 AM
I knew I've seen that bike before, it's on Heathers Leathers home page ( http://heathersleathers.com/ ). Duh on my part (short term memory!)
Looks like it's just a leather "flap" hanging under the seat.
Looks like a bag under the seat to these eyes.
Quote from: bambam0099 on January 25, 2016, 06:56:51 AM
I bought this trunk off Ebay for $32. it's smaller than most trunks at 19"x15"x12". I just didn't like the looks of really big trunks plus, I think this looks more old-school. The chrome polished up really nice, the locking mechanism is solid and it's sturdy. I plan on replacing the rack with something slightly bigger depth wise. The bike is in storage so I haven't put it on it to stand back and look at how I like it but so far, so good...
I put the trunk on the bike to see how it looks. Granted, it wasn't on a rack but it gave a good perspective on size in relation to the bike. It didn't look too bad or too big but I wasn't really feeling it. Maybe because it was too square looking or just blah without the lights and rack. Not sure.
I'm just wondering if I would like these Boss bags and trunk instead. (http://www.bossbags.com/images/67BBFClg.jpg)
Then you've got the Iron Bags that I love ( http://www.ironbags.com/images/content/customerpics/1_001_big.jpg )
So many decisions but there is one thing that I'm sure of ... my wife will jack my ass if I spend all that money (if she finds out about it :-) )
Looks kinda big IMHO for the drifter.
Quote from: Old Drifter on February 20, 2016, 14:34:56 PM
Looks kinda big IMHO for the drifter.
Thanks for the feedback. I think you are right. Luckily I paid hardly anything for the trunk!
Just my 2 cents... It looks too much squared in face of the smooth curves of the fenders.