Best Throw Over Motorcycle Saddlebags for Harley Low Rider S

The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (FXLRS) is built to turn heads. Its blacked-out stance, raw power, and stripped-down look make it one of the most striking bikes on the road today. But ride it long enough and one truth becomes clear: great style means nothing if there's no place to put your gear. The right pair of throw-over saddlebags can solve that problem without compromising the bike's look.

That is where Viking Bags steps in. Founded in 2007 and recognized as one of the best motorcycle luggage bags manufacturers in the business, Viking Bags has spent nearly two decades building model-fit storage that works with your bike, not against it. The company offers a wide range of hard bags, leather saddlebags, and soft throw-over options, all crafted to tight-fitment standards for major brands, including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Indian, and BMW.

This article covers the best throw-over motorcycle saddlebags for the Harley Low Rider S FXLRS, what to look for before buying, and why the Viking Patriot series stands out as the top pick for riders who want smart, practical storage at a solid price. Keep reading to get the full breakdown.

Throw-over saddlebags are soft bags that drape over the rear section of a motorcycle without any drilling or permanent mounting. A yoke or strap system connects the two sides and holds them in place over the seat or fender. No tools needed. No changes to the bike. They go on in seconds and come off just as fast.

For a bike like the Low Rider S, this matters more than it might seem. The FXLRS already has a clean, minimal look. Hard bags can feel heavy and add visual bulk that runs counter to the bike's raw style. Throw-over bags, by contrast, sit low, stay light, and can be removed when a rider wants to go back to a clean profile. They are also far more wallet-friendly than hard-mount or quick-disconnect systems, making them an ideal starting point for riders new to saddlebags.

Not all throw-over saddlebags are made equal. Before spending money on any set, these are the factors worth checking:

• Turn signal clearance: The FXLRS has rear turn signals that can interfere with saddlebag placement. Some bags need signals to be relocated, which adds time and cost. The best bags for the Low Rider S are designed to work with the stock turn signals right out of the box.

• Material quality: Cheap fabric falls apart in the rain, tears on rough rides, and fades fast. A quality bag should be made of heavy-duty material like 1680D Nylon Cordura, which is tough, water-resistant, and built to last through real riding conditions.

• Mounting stability: A bag that shifts around while riding is both a safety issue and a nuisance. Look for an adjustable yoke that can be set to hold the bag firmly in place without digging into the seat or fender.

• Storage layout: A raw volume is useful, but a good bag also needs a smart internal storage layout. Pockets, organizers, and attachment points help keep gear sorted and easy to reach.

• Sissy bar compatibility: Many Low Rider S riders run a sissy bar, either detachable or hard-mounted. The bag should work smoothly with both setups.

• Hard-mount option: Some riders want the look of a throw-over bag but the feel of a hard-mount setup. A bag that offers a hard-mount bracket as an add-on gives you the best of both worlds.

Viking Bags offers two sizes of the Patriot throw-over saddlebags for the Harley Softail Low Rider S FXLRS. Both are built from the same tough material, share the same smart features, and are designed to fit the 2020-and-later FXLRS without any modification to the bike.

Regular Price: $174.99 | Sale Price: $144.99 (17% off during the Mother's Day Sale)

This is the workhorse of the Viking Patriot lineup for the Low Rider S. At 18 liters of total storage split across both sides of the bike, the Patriot throw-over saddlebags offer more than enough room for a typical day ride or a short weekend trip. The pair provides 1,098 cubic inches of combined storage, which fits up to 25 cans, a telling sign of how practical the capacity really is.

Key specs at a glance:

• Material: 1680D Nylon Cordura

• Dimensions: 13" x 6.75" x 9" (L x W x H) per bag

• Lid Opening: 12.5" x 6.5"

• Total Capacity: 18L / 1,098 Cubic Inches (pair)

• Turn Signal Relocation: Not required

• Fitment: Harley Softail Low Rider S FXLRS, 2020 to current

• Sold as: Pair

• Mounting Type: Throw over (hard mount bracket available as an add-on)

What makes this bag stand out:

• Works with stock turn signals: No relocation needed. The bag is sized and shaped to clear the rear turn signals on the FXLRS right out of the box. This is a huge time saver and keeps the setup clean.

• MOLLE webbing for extra gear: The exterior features MOLLE-style webbing panels. These let riders clip on pouches, tools, rain gear, or other MOLLE-compatible items without taking up space inside the bag. It is a feature borrowed from tactical gear, and it works brilliantly on a motorcycle.

• Detachable interior organizer: Each bag includes a removable organizer. This is useful for keeping small items like phones, wallets, and keys in a fixed spot so they do not shift around on the road.

• Adjustable yoke for a custom fit: The yoke that connects both sides of the bag can be adjusted to sit properly on the FXLRS without pressing into the seat or causing the bags to hang unevenly.

• Sissy bar compatible: These Viking bags work with both detachable and hard-mounted sissy bars, which is an important detail for Low Rider S riders who run a bar.

• Hard-mount upgrade path: For riders who want a more permanent setup, Viking Bags offers a Patriot Saddlebag Hard Mount Bracket that can be added to convert this throw-over bag into a hard-mounted setup. This is a rare feature at this price point.

• Mounting hardware included: Everything needed to install the bags comes in the box. No extra trips to the hardware store.

This bag earns a perfect 5.0-star rating from verified buyers. It is a best-seller in the Viking Bags FXLRS lineup, and it is easy to see why. The combination of solid material, thoughtful features, and a price that undercuts the competition makes it the go-to choice for most Low Rider S riders.

The small Patriot throw-over saddlebags are the right pick for riders who want a low-profile storage option that barely changes the bike's look. It offers a more compact package while still delivering the same core Viking features.

Key specs at a glance:

• Material: 1680D Nylon Cordura

• Dimensions: 10.5" x 4.75" x 8" (L x W x H) per bag

• Lid Opening: 10.5" x 4"

• Total Capacity: 10L / 610 Cubic Inches (pair)

• Turn Signal Relocation: Not required

• Fitment: Harley Softail Low Rider S FXLRS, 2020 to current

• Sold as: Pair

• Mounting Type: Throw over

Who should pick the Small:

• Minimalist riders: If the goal is to carry just the basics, such as a phone, a card, a small tool kit, and a light layer, the small Patriot does the job without adding visual weight to the bike.

• City riders: For daily commuting or short trips around town, this is a clean, simple storage option that does not noticeably change the look of the Low Rider S.

• Riders who prioritize style: The smaller form factor sits closer to the fender, creating a tighter, more factory-style look compared to larger bags.

Like its larger sibling, the small Patriot includes MOLLE webbing, works with the stock turn signals, and comes with an adjustable yoke for a stable fit. It also works with both detachable and hard-mounted sissy bar setups.

One of the biggest selling points of any throw-over bag is how fast and simple the installation is. The Viking Patriot bags live up to that promise. Here is what the process looks like:

1. Set the yoke width: Before placing the bags on the bike, adjust the yoke to match the width of the Low Rider S frame. The adjustable strap makes this easy and ensures the bags sit level on both sides.

2. Drape the bags over the rear fender: Place the yoke over the rear section of the bike so each bag hangs evenly on both sides. The bags are designed to clear the rear wheel and fender without interference.

3. Confirm turn signal clearance: The bags are cut to avoid the stock rear turn signals on the FXLRS. Do a quick visual check to confirm nothing is pressing against the signals.

4. Attach the included mounting hardware: straps or other hardware that help keep the bags from swinging. Attach these to a stable point on the frame for added hold.

5. Load the bags evenly: Always distribute weight as evenly as possible between both sides to keep handling balanced on the road.

The whole process takes under ten minutes for a first-time install. That simplicity is hard to put a price on.

There are plenty of motorcycle bag brands out there, but few match what Viking Bags delivers in terms of model-fit design, feature depth, and build quality at an accessible price.

Here is what sets Viking apart:

• Fit is built in, not bolted on: Viking designs each bag to fit a specific motorcycle model. The Patriot bags for the FXLRS are not generic throw-over bags resized for the Low Rider S. They are built around the FXLRS geometry from the start, which is why they clear the signals, sit level, and stay stable without awkward adjustments.

• Materials that last: The 1680D Nylon Cordura used in the Patriot bags is a commercial-grade fabric that withstands UV exposure, rain, road grime, and daily use better than standard polyester options at lower price points.

• A full product ecosystem: Viking Bags offers the widest range of saddlebag styles for the Low Rider S of any aftermarket brand, covering hard bags, quick-mount systems, leather options, and soft throw-over bags. A rider can start with a throw-over bag and upgrade to a hard-mount bracket without needing a whole new bag.

• Trusted by over 100,000 riders: Viking Bags is the best Harley-Davidson motorcycle luggage solution, trusted by a large, loyal customer base, and has built its reputation on real-world performance, not just marketing.

• Fair pricing with honest value: The Viking Patriot Medium at $144.99 during the current sale (regular $174.99) is competitive for what the bag delivers. Comparable bags from other brands often cost more and offer fewer features.

Yes. The Viking Patriot throw-over saddlebags are designed to fit the Softail Low Rider S FXLRS 2020 and later without any changes to the bike. Turn signal relocation is not required.

Yes. Viking Bags offers a Patriot Saddlebag Hard Mount Bracket that converts the throw-over Patriot bags into a hard-mounted setup. This is available separately on the Viking Bags website.

Yes. Both the Patriot Small and Patriot Medium come as a pair, with one bag for each side of the bike.

All Viking Bags products come with a 1-year warranty. The brand also offers a 45-day return and exchange window, making it easy to buy with confidence.

The answer comes down to how much storage is needed and how low-profile the rider wants the setup to look.

For most riders, the Viking Patriot Medium (18L) is the smarter buy. The extra capacity, built-in organizer, and hard-mount upgrade path give it more flexibility for different riding situations. At $144.99 during the Mother's Day sale, the value is hard to beat.

For riders who want something lighter and more discreet, the Viking Patriot Small does the job without drawing attention. It carries the essentials, stays out of the way, and keeps the Low Rider S looking sharp.

Both bags ship from Viking Bags, the best Harley-Davidson saddlebag maker for riders who want quality without compromise. Whether a rider is planning long hauls or just needs a dependable daily bag for the FXLRS, the Viking Patriot series delivers on every front.

Head over to vikingbags.com to explore the full range of saddlebags built for the Harley Low Rider S, compare sizes, and take advantage of current sale pricing before it ends.