hether it’s running through the Black Hills to Sturgis or heading south to the Gulf Coast for a seafood feast, making that summertime tour with a bagger bike is a convenient way to go. There’s room enough to pack everything. The only downside is that once you’ve arrived and emptied the luggage bays you’re still on a bagger wishing for that light, sleek and lots more nimble bike you left home. Saddlemen can solve that problem. The right luggage selection can turn any Harley into a full-blown touring machine when the need arises–and just as quickly let you revert back to that stripped-down bike that’s so much fun to run around on.
     Saddlemen’s new Express Shock Cutaway Saddlebags are the perfect start. They’re designed to give bikes with conventional shock absorbers (the Dynas and Sportsters) a larger saddlebag without interfering with the shocks or the turn signals. A rigid backside features a unique cutout design so these bags fit over shocks while still tucking in close to the bike. Shock Cutaway Saddlebags are available in the Express line’s three trim levels–the Cruis’n for a clean look with lockable lid twist locks, the Drifter with its leather straps and hidden quick-release buckles, and the Desperado with leather straps, hidden quick-release buckles and bright chrome studs. Mounting and removal are easy, too. All the bags can go over the fender with the included yoke, or they can be rigid-mounted with Saddlemen’s new S4 Quick Disconnect Saddlebag Mounting System that’s available separately.
     Add the S3500 Deluxe Sissy Bar Bag and you’re really packing. Measuring 22-in. high x 16-in. wide x 11-in deep there’s an extra 3,500 cubic inches of capacity here. Two full-size side doors open up for easy access so nothing has to come out to see what’s at the bottom of the bag and an adjustable interior shelf keeps things neat. There’s an office organizer to stow maps, cameras and sunglasses and six exterior zippered and mesh pouches offer convenient access to your things while on the road. The bag’s fully rigid construction keeps things looking good empty or full, and the bag can even be used as a rider backrest when it’s flipped around to rest on the seat. The Sissy Bar Bag mounts in seconds over any sissy bar pad and there are handles, backpack straps and shoulder straps for easy toting off the bike. There’s even a built-in rain cover for when the going gets wet.
     The TS3200 Deluxe Sport Tail Bag can add even more carrying capacity. This one measures 25.5-inches wide x 13-inches high x 12-inches deep. That’s a 3,200 cubic inches of capacity when the side pouch is expanded. It’s easy packing, holds plenty and there are even external drink holders. Saddlemen has also included quick-release straps that secure the bag to the frame or the passenger pegs. There are internal mesh pouches for small travel articles, there’s another office organizer for business cards, pens and glasses and the top-mounted compression straps let you keep a jacket within easy reach or mount a Saddlemen Roll Bag.
     All this is just a taste of what Saddlemen has to turn any Harley into a bike able to get you there with what you need–and then some. And if you need to carry more than all this will allow, well, that’s what support trucks are for! Drag Specialties has all this and lots more from Saddlemen in stock now.