his year riders get a choice: Saddlemen’s Express Saddlebags are available with two different styles of mounting, either the standard “Yoke over Fender” mount or with the new “Custom Fit” system. Exactly how a rider wants to mount the Express Saddlebags–whether it’s theCruis’n, the Drifter or the parent Desperado models–is totally up to him. This year the bags are offered two ways, with all of the same value and features as before, but adding a choice of mounting methods.
     Some riders want their luggage only part-time. The “Yoke over Fender” mount fits the bill there. Those Express bags can be thrown over the seat or fender when needed. Others want their bags on the bike pretty much permanently, solidly bolted or tied to the racks. Saddlemen’s “Custom Fit” gives them exactly that option.
Here’s the difference: The Throw-Over style bags include a yoke, which, as always, hangs the bags over the fender or seat. It includes Saddlemen’s multi-adjustable, quick-release bag connection allowing each bag to be taken off the bike in seconds without tools and without disturbing the seat or the yoke. For security that quick disconnect mechanism is hidden inside each bag.
     The “Custom-Fit” bags mount in a completely different manner. They come with a strong, smooth backside built right into the bags. There’s no yoke. These Express Saddlebags are designed for a custom, semi-permanent mount to the motorcycle. That rigid, flat backside is designed to be drilled for hard-mounting to the bike in any number of ways, the placement and attachment method completely up to the rider. Of course a set of saddlebag support brackets (sold separately) is highly recommended, but the “Custom Fit” bags can be located on them exactly where the rider wants them and they can be mounted exactly as he chooses. Straight bolting through the brackets, U-bolts, even heavy-duty zip-ties are all possibilities. The placement and mounting method is completely up to the rider. Hence “Custom Fit.”
     Custom Fit saddlebags are available in the most popular sizes–Large Slant and Jumbo Slant, and across all three styles (Cruis’n, Drifter and Desperado). Cruis’n bags have a clean and simple style featuring a tight fitting hat-box lid with hook-and-loop closure, and a rigid construction keeps the bags looking good empty or full. There are interior liners and large, internal mesh pockets, too. The Desperado line offers all that in a nostalgic look with leather straps, lockable buckles (including padlocks) and chrome studs. The Drifter’s lean-and-clean style offers yet another choice, also with leather straps and lockable buckles (locks included). And the entire Express lineup–in both mounting styles–is coming from Saddlemen which means there are matching saddles and accessories available.
     The Express Saddlebags in all those styles, all those sizes and with both mounting systems, Yoke or Custom, are available through Parts Unlimited. They’re in the catalog and in stock now.