If you're thinking regarding slapping some harley davidson street glide extended bags on your bicycle, you're probably chasing that low, mean profile that makes a custom bagger stand above the masses. There is certainly just some thing about this "slammed" appearance that stock bags can't quite draw off. While the manufacturer luggage is useful, it often results in a bit as well much daylight in between the bottom from the bag and the particular exhaust pipes, producing the trunk end associated with the bike look a little unfinished.
Swapping out your stock setup for extended versions is one particular of those modifications that offers the massive "bang with regard to your buck" with regards to visual impact. It's not just about aesthetics, though; that's the beautiful component. You're actually attaining a respectable amount of storage space space for all those longer trips where you're trying to cram in an extra hoodie or the few more tools. Let's dive in to what you need to know just before you pull the particular trigger on the new set.
Why the "Stretched" Look Works Therefore Well
The particular Street Glide is definitely already a good-looking machine, however the stock bags are made with regard to mass appeal and lean angles. Whenever you install harley davidson street glide extended bags , you're essentially extending the lines of the particular bike downward. This covers the muffler and provides the rear of the motorcycle a much even more cohesive, flowing appearance. It makes the particular bike look more and lower, even though you haven't touched the suspension yet.
Most guys opt for a 4-inch or even 5-inch stretch. That will seems to be the sweet spot for most motorcyclists. It's enough of a change to end up being immediately noticeable from bike night, yet it isn't therefore extreme that you're scraping your expensive paint each time you pull in to a gas station having a sharp incline. There is a great line between "cool custom" and "impractical trailer queen, " and most extended bags for the particular Street Glide hit that balance flawlessly.
Choosing Your Material: ABS vs. Fiberglass
This particular is the older debate in the garage. Back within the day, in case you wanted custom parts, they were almost always fiberglass. Today, high-quality ABS plastic has become the particular standard for the lot of motorcyclists.
ABS Plastic is generally the way in order to go for many people. Precisely why? Because it's manufactured using injection molding, which means the fitment is generally spot-on right away of the container. It's the exact same material Harley uses for factory bags. It's tough, this handles vibration well, plus it doesn't have a tendency to crack simply because easily as some associated with the cheaper fiber-glass options. Plus, the inside of the bags is smooth, therefore you don't possess to deal along with that itchy fiber glass dust getting on your own gear.
Fiberglass , on the other hand, is still the king for purely custom, one-off increases. If you're searching for a very specific, crazy shape that isn't mass-produced, a body shop can work with fiberglass more easily. However, it requires a great deal more prep work. You'll spend hrs sanding and filling up to get the fiberglass bag clean enough for a high-gloss paint work. For an everyday rider, ABS is normally the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
The Exhaust Cutout Dilemma
Before you decide to order your harley davidson street glide extended bags , you have to look at your exhaust setup. This particular is where plenty of guys trip upward. You generally have three options here:
- Double Cutouts: This is intended for the classic appearance where you possess a pipe coming out of each aspect. It's the most typical set up for Street Skims.
- Individual Cutout: If you've changed to a 2-into-1 performance exhaust, you only need a cutout within the right aspect. Obtaining a bag without a cutout on the left the actual bike look very much cleaner.
- No Cutouts: This will be for the "shorty" exhaust systems or pipes that remove down under the frame. It provides the back of the bike a totally smooth, solid wall structure of color, which looks incredible yet needs a specific exhaust setup to avoid melting your brand-new bags.
Think about your future plans, as well. If you're working stock duals now but plan on going to a 2-into-1 pipe next season, you might would like to wait or even decide if you're okay with an empty "ghost" cutout around the left aspect for a while.
Let's Talk About Paint plus Color Matching
Unless you're arranging on a complete custom made paint job for the whole bike, you're going to need your brand-new bags in order to match your factory Harley color. This could be the trickiest portion of the whole process. Harley-Davidson has some quite complex colors—think associated with those Hard Chocolate Flakes or maybe the subtle pearls in Vivid Black or Night time Blue.
You can buy harley davidson street glide extended bags raw (unpainted) plus take the capsules to a local painter, or even you can buy them pre-painted through certain aftermarket companies. If you go the pre-painted route, make sure the particular company includes a great reputation for color matching. Vivid Black is usually a safe bet, but if you have a more exotic color, be ready for the possibility that will it might end up being a shade off. Sometimes it's really worth the extra cash in order to have a regional pro match this to your part covers or fender personally.
Set up: DIY or Store Job?
The particular good news is that if you can convert a wrench, a person can probably install these bags your self. Most extended bags are designed in order to use your existing factory hardware. You'll just swap over the lids, the latches, and the mounting grommets from your old bags to the new types.
However, there are some "gotchas" to watch out for. First, make sure you check the measurement between the bags and your mufflers. In the event that the bags are usually sitting too close to a sizzling pipe, you're likely to have a bad time. You may need to change your exhaust hangers or add a few heat-reflective tape to the bottom from the bags.
Furthermore, don't forget regarding the rear fender . When you put on extended bags, the particular stock rear fender might look a little short. A great deal of guys finish up buying the fender extension or a "filler" remove to bridge the gap between bags and the fender. It completes that "wraparound" look that makes the back of the bike look like one solid piece.
Functionality on the Street
Are available disadvantages? Well, sure. You have to become a little more careful. With harley davidson street glide extended bags , you lose some your "cornering clearance. " If you like to scrape floorboards in every convert, you might find yourself touching the bottom corner of the bags on the pavement.
Also, speed lumps and steep driveways become your fresh enemies. It's a bit like generating a lowered vehicle; you learn to take things with an angle. Yet honestly, for many riders, the trade-off will be worth it. The particular extra room within is great, as well as the way the bike looks when it's parked at the diner or a gas station makes all that extra care feel like a little price in order to pay.
Keeping Your Gear Safe and sound
Something individuals often forget whenever upgrading their bags is the interior. Since you're dealing with all this difficulty, consider throwing within some bag liners. Extended bags have got more "dead space" at the underside, and if you just throw your equipment or a large lock in there, they're going to bounce about and potentially split the bag from the inside away. An excellent carpeted or even quilted liner retains things quiet and protects both your own gear and your investment.
Also, check your weather strip protection. Most aftermarket bags come with closes, but if they don't, make sure you get several high-quality rubber mechanical seals. There's nothing even worse than opening your bags after a rainy ride to find your spare clothes soaking wet.
Last Thoughts
All in all, adding harley davidson street glide extended bags is one of those mods that actually transforms the personality of the bike. It takes the Street Glide through a standard touring machine to something which looks custom-built. Regardless of whether you're going for a full-blown show bike or just would like your daily biker to have a bit more mindset, it's a strong move. Just get your time with the color match, watch your exhaust clearance, and get ready for much more individuals to stop and appear at your trip. It's a traditional upgrade to get a reason—it just plain functions.