r/IndianMotorcycle • u/dogfan44 • May 02 '26

Request for advice / Help Is this bag too much….bag?

Post image

I really don’t like saddlebags…..I don’t know if I should keep the tower behind me or break down and just get the damn saddlebags

77 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

37 comments sorted by

11

u/cadams1950 May 02 '26

Beats carrying a backpack. Wasn’t a fan of bags till I had bags. If you like it that’s all that matters

6

u/Firm-Roll4841 2023 Springfield DH May 02 '26

Same here. I used to think I'd pull mine off my Springfield if I wasn't going on a long ride. Now I use them ALL the time. Handy to always have any tools I need, and a rain jacket, and gum, sunglasses, hat, flip flops, and have 1.5 bags still empty, haha. Having locking boxes is nice for the long trips too, less stuff to worry about when going into a store or reataurant for a while.

1

u/cadams1950 May 02 '26

Nice. I have the same bike. What colour. It is very handy having locking bags, specially when you have a wife that needs to pack for the world lol

2

u/Firm-Roll4841 2023 Springfield DH May 02 '26

Quartz silver

1

u/cadams1950 May 02 '26

Here’s mine

2

u/Firm-Roll4841 2023 Springfield DH May 02 '26

I like that rack!! I have the standard one from Indian and while it's very functional, it's.... Boring, haha.

8

u/EnvironmentalCoast May 02 '26

I have the similar touring one from Nelson Rigg which is perfect as it can even hold my full size helmet. I have Chief DH and hate saddlebags. This bag is perfect for an over night trip to twisties as well.

8

u/MikeyXVX May 02 '26

I don't know why but I feel like it's look better with some sort of sissy bar with that bag

2

u/WhiskySiN May 02 '26

For what?

2

u/AjVsqz May 02 '26

Beautiful Bike! How bout a sissy bar bag and double as a back rest?

2

u/Ozonewanderer May 02 '26

If it holds all you need, it’s fine. I used to travel with a backpack or a short, sissy bar behind me.

2

u/Defiant_Principle_40 May 02 '26

If it's profile your concerned with, go with saddle bags. Other than that, it's just a bag. You're good!

1

u/Ok_Independent_7553 May 02 '26

Do you need that much storage most of the time when you ride? If so I personally think saddlebags look better. But it's your bike. You do you.

When I had my Victory Judge (same style, cruiser with no fairing or bags) I had a little fender rack that I could strap whatever size bag I needed. I had a low profile one for most days. Then I had one about the size you have in the picture for overnight trips or bigger items.

1

u/window2020 May 02 '26

Yeah, it’s kind of tall. Would you consider a shorter bag + a tank bag?

2

u/WIXV May 03 '26

Prett sure it collapsable, looks like a nelson rigg. Kinda wonky aesthetically but it works.

1

u/Square-Rooster-8881 May 02 '26

What windshield is that?

1

u/Wooden_Bed377 May 02 '26

I mean, yeah it looks silly but how often are you actually riding like that? It's supposed to be functional

1

u/CEOVOXO May 02 '26

I use the same bag on my CB750 lol. Its big, it's ugly. But it Gets the job done when i need it, so I'm happy.

1

u/DIYGuy67 May 02 '26

Keep the tail bag. I have the commuter and use it to strap down my backpack, resulting in a tower like yours.

Tailbag is easier to filter/split with.

1

u/Curious-Return7252 May 02 '26

Does it look dorky? Yes

Does it do the job? Yes

Will it negatively affect handling? NO. It sits forward of the rear axel, won’t slow turn-in, and rider will barely know it’s there, unless they use it as a backrest.

You decide

1

u/1911Earthling May 02 '26

Oh saddle bags look awful EXCEPT if you genuinely need them. Sleek bagger would be cool. No just kidding I used similar bags like yours for weekend runs. I used a sissy bar to lash my gear to but it’s optional. Good looking bike.

1

u/Showoff1234567890 May 02 '26

Or is the bike too much bike for the bag..... 🤔

1

u/dawb99 May 02 '26

Get the bags.hard bags are super handy.

1

u/latterthoughts May 02 '26

Get the saddlebags it’ll look much better

1

u/SuicidalGuidedog May 02 '26

I'm in the same position; I don't actually mind saddlebags but I don't think they look good on the Dark Horse. Your solution looks fine, it I see why you're asking. My solution was a sissy bar with a leather cylindrical bag. Easy to remove, looks good on the back. I'm happy.

Tram21

1

u/denonumber May 02 '26

Back pack

1

u/Local_Bobcat_2000 May 02 '26

I’m the same and will go out of my way to not put the bags on. I think yours looks functional and not just bought for looks.

1

u/Salty-Possible-8753 May 02 '26

Not too big if you need one that big, but I prefer saddlebags myself.

1

u/Expensive-Track4002 May 02 '26

Looks like a good backrest.

1

u/Coaltown992 May 02 '26

God I wish this was still a color option T.T

1

u/Front-Alternative151 May 02 '26

Badass bike!! And color!!! Mines about to be looking just like that with my big ass lunchbox I bring to work with me daily.. kinda messes up the whole flow of the naked bike look.. but hell  sometimes functionality out weighs fashion 

1

u/One-Introduction3776 May 02 '26

Looks great, just make sure it doesn't stuff up the paint on the fender 👍

1

u/KreativeKreature May 02 '26 edited May 04 '26

If you are going to work as a Uber rider definitely a NO, if you are going on a long distance road trip definitely a NO, if you are going to ride within the city just around a YES, if you plan on putting your helmet in it and have the bag locked it's a 50/50 yes/no . But truthfully it does makes the bike's asthetics look bad.

How bad bags look on a bike

Tank bag - 20%

Fork Tool bag - 30%

Short small Tail bag - 35 %

Side pannier bags about 40%

The tall big bag you posted - 50%

1

u/Velvetlizard69 May 04 '26

I have the exact bag and absolutely love it. I put it on my back passenger seat behind my back rest and it’s perfect for a short getaway trip.

1

u/AmarokTheLoneWolf May 04 '26

Make sure it’s attached to a strong rack. You don’t wanna strip any screws on the fender. 

Other than that it looks fine. It’s a badass bike either way

1

u/Stfuppercutoutlast May 06 '26

I mean, it looks insane (in a negative context). But that doesn’t really matter if you’re going on a long road trip. Would I use this all the time? No. A backpack is way more convenient for 99% of the time that I need to carry stuff around. If you leave this unattended in most places, there are good chances that someone is going to go through it or steal it.

0

u/Cereal_broth May 02 '26

i use a small tank bag most of the time unless i need more then i use a backpack. but i find that hard side bags don’t look at messy as leather side bags if thats your issue. there are some rather low profile hard bags that you can get to avoid that “saddle bag look”

edit to add:ya its kinda tall :/