Lesson on saddlebags please, what years fits what etc.

[64duo]

OK, another uninformed question about Pans.
Where can I find info about saddlebags, what years fits what etc. It seems like bubble bags were available for a long time, standard hard bags fit 61-78? My bags on the 64 FLH have seen much better days. I am shopping for replacements, that will be correct, but am confused by the widely varying information about whats appropriate.
Any true saddlebag experts among us?
Thanks in advance. Jonathan

[DuoDave]

I'm no expert, but I believe the Royalite bubble bags were replaced by the angular fiberglass bags for the 1963 model year.

[Cotten]

The late-'63 to '64 bags were unique in that the weatherstripping for the lids was stapled to the bag itself, whereas in '65 it became glued to the lid.
Both years were indented on the right side for brake clearance, and the bottom rear ends formed a sharper angle than later years.
( I guess pics would help, huh.)

[64duo]

Pictures would help, any takers? It seems there is a mix of bags and a mix of locking devices. I have seen the externally mounted rectangular locks, and the insternally mounted circular locks. Very confusing to identify correct what with what.

[Cotten]

The rectangular external latch was used until '70, went it went to a modern internal cabinet-style lock core.

[BigMike]

If you are using the external latch, make sure to drill the hinge and put a safety wire through to prevent losing a lid. The external latches sometimes pop open from the vibration and it's very easy to ride quite a distance before you notice you lost one.

[64duo]

Anyone have a picture of these correct bags showing the indentation for the brake clearance Cotten refers to? Be interested in seeing what I need to be looking for. Thanks Jonathan

[Cotten]

Jonathan!
Memory fails me constantly. It seems like the indent is now on the right side as I try to visualize it.
My 'preserved' set is far up in the attic rafters of my shop, and a task to retrieve for photos. (My wife runs leathers on her '65 hack, as it would poke a hole in a fibre bag.)
More important is the sharp conformity of the bottom rear angle of the bags, as the rest would fall into place if that is correct. (Later models were more rounded.)
With luck I can find comparison photos of running machines to post you direct.