I'm with MikelJay on this. The hard bags came on my 2006 Midnight Silverado and are basically okay. I really like the looks, but they are certainly not water tight, even while parked in the rain. This really disappointed me. I came from a 1984 Venture with clamshell bags that leaked less. I have adjusted the latches and also found some black folding chair leg tips that fit snuggly over the push button. That helps to keep more of the water out. I found out that a good amount of water was running straight down the key slot. The dealer just told me that they were not designed to be watertight.

hwilj,

are you talking about the Yamaha hard bags or the leather Silverado bags? I just ordered a set of the Yamaha hard bags because of the 30% discount and free shipping. They are not water tight, not even close? I had not heard this before or I would not have ordered them. I guess I will call tomorrow and see if I can cancel my order. Thanks

if you build yourself a couple of brackets you can take some serious luggage with you.1/2 inch galvanised steel bar for main frame and 3/8 for the infills.took about 2 hours to knock up.it just locks onto the saddle bag bracket,and a couple of ties of tape to stop it rattling.sorry cant upload the pics, to big and to many pixcels

I have the leather studded ones on my 06 Midnight Star. I love the look they give the bike, but yes the are pricey, but so is every other add-on accessory you get from the motorcycle manufacturer.

MHO is the leather bags are good quality, but they are small bags with small openings. I often consider going with a larger after market bag for more capacity. Once I put two sets of rain gear in the bag there is not much room for anything else. I use them mostly for the stuff I need to get to easily on the road and not much more. I know you can get bigger good quality bags for the money.....

I have the Silverado studded bags I bought on eBay. They seem to work fine for me. I have an extra set of brand new ones (studded) and the mounting brackets. I was going to put on eBay next week. PM me if you decide to go with the Silverados.

I don't really like bags, windscreens,etc. but I commute so they are necessary for me to be comfortable and carry the stuff I have to carry. I thought the OEM hard bags looked nice but when I saw them for real they seemed flimsy and I'm not surprised to hear they leak. I bought a used set of plain silverado bags and brackets from someone on the website for a fraction of the $$$ for new ones. They are nicely made and hold their shape. My buddy bought HD bags and they aren't holding their shape, plus he had to buy the ghost brackets. He spent more than I did and now says he likes mine better. If you've travelled much you know that water can find it's way into almost anything. If it's raining at all, I put my stuff in a hefty bag then in the saddlebag. BOL

I bought a very Cherry 2007 Silverado last year. It came with bags, and I like them for the most part.

Things a didnt like where, no studs, a personal preference, and something I remedied with a trip to the local leather shop and 50 bucks to have studs placed. Now they look great. I wish they would lock, Ya I know, give me a pocket knife and you can be inside in 10 seconds, but it keeps the honest out. larger would be nice, and dry on a wet day would be good, but they are dry enough for me on most days

I have after market pipes, and this still look great, but the Samson Rolled thunder have almost the real estate requirements, as the stock pipes. If I had to pay 1200 bucks,, I would laugh in there face, as they would need to be gold plated for me to even consider them.

I have found them on EBay and other places in almost New or like new condition in the range of 350-450 a number of times, so look around online

I do like them, but you can do as good or better if you shop, especially at the price

I've got aftermarket bags on my R*. Look OK, but a bit small. I think the Silverado bags are a tpuch small as well. Too much empty real estate.

I'm thinking of putting on either the HD Road King Classic leather bags or the Electra Glide hard bags. Does anybody have an experience with this transplant?