Your choices are severely limited without signal relocation, but on the other hand relocation is a pretty simple thing to do.

 

I just use a simple throw-over style for the rare times I need bags. I'll take pics later on.

CB

 

I got 18 Liter Leather Lykes Contempary's on identical bike. They came with the bike. A bit smallish compared to others but store all the essentials. Lockable, holds helmets. waterproof, and look very sleek on the Spirit. Very handy for small errands, etc. Easy to take off for cleaning.Though a bit pricey new, but I would have bought them if I had too. Comes with turn signal relocation brackets. PM e-mail for pics.

 

didn't want to relocate the taillights; liked 'em where they were. nor did i want to have large saddlebags, so i chose some 'compact' ones from Willie & Max. they hold a rainsuit on one side, lemon pledge and towel on the other. what more do you need?

 

I have the Leatherlike bags and yes I did have to relocate the signals. I like them for several reasons. They hold a lot of stuff, look good and they lock. They also have helmet clips.

 

You can see the leatherlykes in my sig pic. Came with my bike, and are quite nice.

 

I like the look of the Leatherlyke bags. Not decided yet though....

 

+1 for the Leatherlykes.

 

My local dealer had a set of small Leatherlyke saddle bags on their clearance table for 50% off. They were originally for a 250 Suzuki ( pt # 504) and came with no hardware and no keys. I offered less and they accepted.

I ordered replacement locks and a mounting kit from Leatherlyke and now have custom bags on my 2005VT750DCB. I did have to drill a new hole in the bags for mounting. But I reused the original mounting hole to bring cables in to the bag for the amateur radio equipment mounted inside.

My total cost including sales tax on the bags from the dealer and shipping on the parts from Leatherlyke is just under $250.

 

They may not be your cup of tea, but here are mine:

More details here.

Good luck!

 

http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76460&highlight=saddlebags

http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76259&highlight=saddlebags

http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76259&highlight=saddlebags

 

I've got a 96 Shadow with Auburn Leather Daytona Chubby 2 bags, hard mounted with Ghostbrackets so they can be removed whenever needed. I did have to relocate turn signals, but it's a simple process. I like the bags - they're mostly watertight, have quickbuckles under the regular buckle and being wider than most, fit quite a bit of $hit in them.

See sig pic, click for larger version.

*edit: changed sig pic. See below:

 

You cannot beat the lockable security and water tight comfort of the LeatherLyke Bags. I have had this set on my Spirit since 2001'.

 

It's an ACE not a Spirit, but these are Saddlemen Jumbo Drifters mounted on Willie & Max universal hard mount brackets. Any saddlebags with a removable yoke and a reinforced inner panel can be mounted on these for $32.95 at phatperformanceparts. They replace the fender bolts with longer bolts to connect the bars.

 

see sig pic. The bags are saddleman, and they are a bit small, but may suit your needs. I did relocate the signals

 

I chose to do a sissy bar bag instead. This bag is big enough for my daily needs and holds more than any saddlebags would have that would not require moving the signals. It also comes off faster than saddlebags do.

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Cruiser-II-Sissybar-Bag-Med-p-119_17.html

 

First, I put on the Hard Khrome pipes, then went with soft sides, hard mounts and relocated signals. WAY more than enough room.

 

National Cruiseliners .... didn't have to move the blinkers as the saddle bags have pockets for the blinkers.......their big & roomy....

Good luck on your Choice...

 

Mine has Matazu saddlebags. They require signal relocation. If you don't want to do that, I would suggest getting a luggage rack and mounting a trunk to it. I use the Bestem trunk. Costs around $80. I used just the trunk by itself for quite a while before I bought the bags. It holds quite a bit of stuff. I can fit my full face helmet in it and still have room left for other stuff.

 

Heres mine

Tourmaster large, relocated turn signals although the bags would have fit. If interested let me know as I have lots of photos installing