Does your motorcycle look a little plain? Many riders want more storage space and a cooler look for their bikes. Aftermarket stretched saddlebags offer both! They give your cruiser a long, sleek profile while holding more of your gear. But choosing the right pair can feel like a maze. You worry about fit, material quality, and whether they will actually match your bike’s style.
Finding the perfect stretched saddlebags means balancing looks, durability, and price. It’s frustrating when you buy a set only to find they rub against your shocks or the paint chips too quickly. We understand these headaches! This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what features matter most.
Keep reading to discover the top tips for selecting saddlebags that turn heads and handle the long haul. We break down material differences, mounting tips, and which styles look best on different bikes. Get ready to upgrade your ride with confidence!
Top Aftermarket Stretched Saddlebags Recommendations
- New Aftermarket Components
- Material: Very High Quality ABS,Strong and smooth surfaces
- Saddlebags are stretched 5" longer than stock to cover the muffler front to back and give that stretched look
- fits for 1993-2013 Harley Touring Models FLT FLHT FLHTCU FLHRC Road King Road Glide Street Glide Electra Glide Ultra-Classic, They also Fit on the Softail DYNA and Sportster Models With the conversion Brackets
- Package included : Pair of Hard Saddlebags
- Condition: Aftermarket 100% New; Material: Made of Durable ABS Plastic; Color: VIVID BLACK (Painted, Chrome Latches)
- Strong and smooth surfaces; Designed for replacement of OEM hardware, locks and saddlebag supports
- 5" stretched longer than stock to cover the muffler front to back and give that clean look; No installation instruction, Easy to install.
- Fitment： Fits for 2014-2024 Touring Models FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra-Classic.
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: -1 Pair Left & Right Saddlebag + 2 Keys + 2 Latchs
- Great Compatibility: 5'' Stretched Extended Saddlebags are compatible with 1993-2013 Harley Touring Models FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra-Classic. Also compatible with Softail, DYNA and Sportster Models with the conversion brackets.
- High Performance: Strong ABS construction provides high strength to ensure high intensity use outdoors. Saddlebags are 5 inches longer than stock to cover the front and rear of the muffler and give a stretched look.
- Improve The Look: Vivid black finish, no need to repaint. The saddlebags on the left and right sides have latches for easy use. Matches your motorcycle good and enhances the overall appearance.
- Convenient Driving: Large capacity saddlebag can meet your storage needs during the ride, such as tools, clothing, food or other daily goods. Effectively protects items from rain and ensures they are dry and tidy.
- Package Includes: Instructions are not included. Only 1 pair of saddlebags, keys and latches. Note: The key is attached to the box (as shown in the picture). No need to adjust, directly installed in the right position.
- FITMENT - 5" Stretched Extended Hard Saddle Bag Compatible with 2014-2024 Harley Touring Models FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra-Classic
- MATERIAL - Hard Saddle Bags made of ABS plastic, which with great strength and safety. Not easy to crack or break. This saddle bag is waterproof with powder coated of waterproof prevention
- IMPROVE THE LOOK - Vivid black finish, no need to repaint. Matches your motorcycle better and enhances the overall appearance
- CONVENIENT DRIVING - Large capacity saddlebag can meet your storage needs during the ride, such as tools, clothing, food or other daily goods. Effectively protects items from rain and ensures they are dry and tidy
- PACKAGE INCLUDES - Instructions are not included. 1 x pair (left & right) of saddlebag with lids + black latch key kit (as shown in the picture), Contains assembly accessories. No need to adjust, directly installed in the previous position by screws
- Compatibility: The Hard Saddle Bag is compatible with 2014-2024 Harley Touring Models FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road Glide, Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra-Classic
- Material: The Hard Saddle Bag is made of ABS plastic, ensuring the durability and long-term use life. The painted surface extends the lifespan and is adaptable to adverse weather conditions
- High Performance: This bag provides sufficient storage space to carry a variety of items, such as clothes, tools or other personal items to meet your needs. Effectively protect the internal items and keep them dry and tidy
- Installation: It is easy to install by using screws. Note: Instruction and mounting hardware are NOT included
- Package: 1 pair of saddlebag with lids (left & right), black latch key kit and assembly accessories included
- Aftermarket brand new No adjustments need ,Easy to install back on original position No install instructions
- Saddlebags are stretched 5" longer than stock to cover the muffler front to back and give that stretched look,Size:As picture Showed.(outside dimension measurements)
- Color: Vivid Black Finish ( No Need to paint ); Material: Very High Quality ABS; Size : As picture Showed. (outside dimension measurements)
- Fit For 1993-2013 Harley Touring Models FLT,FLHT,FLHTCU,FLHRC,Road King,Road Glide,Street Glide,Electra Glide,Ultra-Classic They also Fit on the Softail, DYNA and Sportster Models With the conversion Brackets
- Package Included: 1 Pair Left & Right Saddlebag + 3 Keys + 2 Latchs
- 【FITMENTS】Fits For 2014-2023 Touring Models FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra-Classic.
- 【FEATURES】Material: Made of Durable ABS Plastic; Strong and smooth surfaces; Color: Matte Black.
- 【DESIGNED 】Designed for use Replace with OEM hardware, locks and saddlebag supports; Saddlebags are stretched 5" longer than stock to cover the muffler front to back and give that stretched look.
- 【CONDITON】Aftermarket 100% New; No mounting or assembly instructions included with your purchase,Easy to install back on original position.
- 【PACKAGE INCLUDED】1 Pair Left & Right Saddlebag + 2 Keys + 2 Latches
- New Aftermarket Components
- Material: Very High Quality ABS
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Left & Right Saddlebag + 2 Keys + 2 Speaker Lids + 2 ABS plastic mesh covers
- fits for 1993-2013 Harley Touring Models FLT,FLHT,FLHTCU,FLHRC,Road King,Road Glide,Street Glide,Electra Glide,Ultra-Classic They also Fit on the Softail, DYNA and Sportster Models With the conversion Brackets
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Stretched Saddlebags: Your Complete Buying Guide
Upgrading your motorcycle with stretched saddlebags gives your ride a custom, low-slung look. These bags extend backward, creating a sleek profile. But buying the right set means looking beyond just the style. This guide helps you pick the best bags for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They make a big difference in how you use the bags.
- Capacity and Storage: How much stuff can you fit? Larger bags (measured in liters or cubic inches) hold more gear for long trips. Small bags look sharp but limit what you can carry.
- Mounting System Compatibility: Do the bags fit your bike’s existing hardware? Check if they work with your current luggage rack or mounting brackets. Some require specific hardware.
- Lid Style and Access: Do the lids open from the top or the side? Top-opening lids are common. Make sure the latches are strong and easy to open, even when wearing gloves.
- Speaker Cutouts (Optional): If you want to add speakers, ensure the bag design has pre-cut openings or enough space inside for audio installation.
Important Materials Matter
The material used determines durability and how long your bags last. Most quality aftermarket bags use one of two main materials.
Fiberglass (FRP)
Fiberglass is popular because it is strong and can be shaped easily for smooth, custom looks. It holds paint well. However, cheaper fiberglass can crack if hit hard.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is tough and resists minor bumps well. It is often lighter than fiberglass. High-quality ABS bags resist flexing and cracking better than thin plastics.
Finish Quality: Look closely at the paint or gel coat. A deep, smooth finish usually means better quality control during manufacturing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all stretched bags are made equal. Pay attention to these details to avoid headaches later.
Quality Boosters:
- Reinforcements: Bags with extra bracing, especially around mounting points, last longer.
- Seals and Weatherproofing: Good weather stripping around the lids keeps rain out. Your gear stays dry.
- Quality Hardware: Stainless steel or heavy-duty metal latches and hinges resist rust and break less often.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Walls: If the bag walls feel flimsy when you tap them, they might flex too much on the highway.
- Poor Fitment: Bags that don’t line up perfectly with your fender or frame often cause vibration and rubbing over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you want these bags. Your use case changes what you need.
Cruising and Show Bikes:
If you mostly ride locally or attend bike shows, you might prioritize the longest, lowest profile possible. Storage capacity is less important. Focus on the sharpest look.
Long-Distance Touring:
Touring riders need maximum storage and reliability. Choose bags with large capacities, reliable locks, and excellent weather sealing. Comfort for a passenger is also important if the bags extend too far back.
Installation: While some bags bolt right on, others require minor adjustments. Read user reviews about installation difficulty. Complex wiring for lights or speakers adds time to setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Stretched Saddlebags
Q: Will stretched saddlebags fit my stock exhaust?
A: Most aftermarket stretched bags are designed to clear stock exhausts. However, if you have custom, larger, or unusually routed exhaust pipes, always check the manufacturer’s specific clearance measurements before buying.
Q: Are stretched saddlebags hard to paint?
A: Fiberglass and ABS plastics take paint well. However, they must be prepped correctly (sanding and priming). If you buy unpainted (raw) bags, factor in the cost and time for professional painting to match your bike’s color.
Q: Do these bags weigh a lot more than factory bags?
A: Yes, stretched bags are usually heavier than factory bags because they are built larger and often thicker to maintain shape. This added weight affects handling slightly, especially at low speeds.
Q: How do I keep my gear dry in these bags?
A: Look for bags that feature a continuous rubber gasket or weather seal around the lid opening. Also, check that the drain holes (if present) are not clogged.
Q: Can I still use a passenger seat with these bags?
A: Yes, most standard stretched saddlebags leave enough room for a passenger seat. Very long or extremely wide bags might interfere with comfort for a second rider, so check the overall width measurement.
Q: What is the main difference between ABS and Fiberglass bags?
A: Fiberglass is generally stiffer and allows for more complex, custom curves. ABS plastic is often lighter and more impact-resistant against scrapes, though it can sometimes warp slightly in extreme heat.
Q: Do I need new mounting hardware?
A: Many brands sell bags that use your bike’s existing factory mounting points. However, if you are switching from non-stretched to stretched bags, you may need a new mounting kit specific to the stretched style.
Q: Are stretched saddlebags more secure?
A: Security depends on the latch quality, not the bag style. Always choose bags with locking latches that use high-quality keys or integrated keyless systems.
Q: Will these bags lower my ground clearance?
A: Yes, because they hang lower than stock bags, your lean angle might be slightly reduced. Be careful when taking sharp corners aggressively until you know how low the bags hang.
Q: How do I clean the exterior finish?
A: Treat them like your bike’s paint. Use a mild soap and water solution for cleaning. For a high-gloss finish, use automotive wax regularly to protect the gel coat from UV fading.