Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Saddlebag Size

What are the largest bags someone has on their bike without problems. I'm seeing a lot that are 14"x10"x6" and they seem kind of small.

Started with Willie&Max SB707 Deluxe Compact Slant 12" wide x 9.5" high x 5.5" deep. Way too small and hold a lot of water if riding in the wet.

Then went thru 2 sets of Saddlemen 5392 Jumbo Slant Drifters: 17.5" x 10.5" x 6" (2200 cu. in. capacity per set) After a short while the size still felt too small. They seemed to be very resistant to water intake (not waterproof, but good enough with the box top). The slant looks good but takes up useable space. The plastic backs on 2 sets cracked badly within a year of use. I think the instructions call for no more than 10lbs per bag. No raincovers. 3 each quarter turn locks to remove but are better firm (rail) mounted.

Now running TourMaster Cruiser II XL (standards, not slants): 10"h x 18"w x 6"d, 2160 cubic in. They don't seem as wide as the Drifters and are not as easy to get in and out of, but have a much heftier feel. The first time I rode with them in a torrential rain the included raincovers were holding about a gallon each when I parked. No more rain covers. After riding in rain for a 3500 mile week everything inside was wet, but the bags held up very well. Zippers to remove. I went with rails that support the bags from the bottom so hopefully they'll last longer.

No clearance issues on any of the bags. I think if you were going to get Drifters, I go with super jumbos, but then I carry a lot of crap.

RiverRoads 17"X12"X6", Synthetic, they look just like leather and are waterproof. Mine are throw overs and they are Zip off bags. They are the slanted type and will hold a case of beer between them. Not that I carry a lot of beer.

I use K-Drive saddlebags on mine.
18.9" x 13.1" x 7.0"... 52 litres/3173 cubic inches.
Get em from Brent.


Matt

Saddlemen Jumbo Slant Drifter.

If I could go bigger I woulda!

I have the Willie & Max braided fleetside slant saddlebags. They are 16"w x 11"h x6 1/2" deep. To my eye they look perfect. If you like I can send you a pic so you can see what they look like.

B&B hard bags give you a 23 quart volume in each bag. 22.5 long x 13.5 high at highest point x 7.5 wide. Not sure what that is in litres or cubic inches. They have a heavy duty bracket kit.

BikerT

Thanks guys, now if I can just find some that big in brown, I'll be in good shape!

You can get colors from Willie and Max. Check out the website, but you might find better prices at other sources like MAWs or Competition Accessories, or such. But their website (W&M) would show their complete catalog.

I have seen several posts about the Saddelmen bags breaking down. My Willie & Max bags, though only 6 months old, seem to be holding up real well, and I have loaded the crap out of them. I gave up on trying to fab reinforcement for the backs when mounting them to my EZBrackets, so I just have the four bolts through the brackets and the bags. I did by some washers at HomeDepot that had a rubberized concave side. Mounted the washers on the inside for some weather protection around the holes I drilled in the bags to mount them. The corrugated plastic "box" Willie & Max uses has, in my opinion, held up to some impressive abuse over the last 6 months, and seem to be ready for plenty more.

Real leather may look nice, but for the real world, you want something you don't have to maintain, and something affordable that could be replaced if needed without breaking the bank.

Saddleman Large Drifters are 17.5" x 10.5" x 6". I can put in one bag, two jackets without liners. With liners, one jacket per side. Perfect for my casual use. My rigid rear section has held up beautifully. I can also get in 12 bottles of beer per bag and do so about every two weeks.
I have mine rigid mounted to the bag supports in three places.
Saddleman Large Drifters

Steve,
I've seen those River Roads bags locally for $139, Is that a decent price?

I got a geat deal on the Jumbo drifters Thanks JJ.
The only thing I dont like about them is I wish they were deeper. We have tall bikes with low pipes, its too bad we have to waste that space. The length is about perfect. One side is completely full with my jacket. Which makes the shopping trips nice and small, they will fit a gallon of milk.

Yeah, it's just slim picken's on brown bags. Willie & Max have the two tone, but those just look like they should come with curb feelers and fuzzy dice.

Add my vote for the Saddlemen Jumbo drifters with the easy brackets!!!

Bit spendy but nice for sure.....
Brown bags #1
Brown bags #2



Steve

Just a heads up man, I used u-bolts and fender washers to secure the Drifters to the brackets. Don't depend on the throw-over strap. If you do, the strap will rip out the plastic backs real quick. When I contacted Saddlemen after the first set backs cracked it was their recommendation that the bags be secured with additional hardware. I was concerned about the warranty and was advised it was OK. The more you can spread the weight through the backs to the bars the longer they will last. Especially if you load them down like I do.

i used plexy glass on the inside of my jumbos to add some strength

Frank

or you can go completely nuts:

I have had my Saddleman Jumbo Drifters for more than 3 years and they are still as good as new. I just have them supported by the original Triumph saddbag mount bars. I use a fitted piece of plywood in the bottom of each of them to help support the weight. I keep a set of tools and rain gear in one and usally have the other at least half full at all times.