Build a Bagger Touring Upgrade Kit

We haven't been slacking around here, either (well, not too much). Since it's the time of year we normally start rounding up our next set of long-term rides, Motorcycle Cruiser is ramping up for a different kind of project-one incorporating a Willie & Max kit slated for launch later this year.

The touring upgrade kit is dubbed Build a Bagger, and after delving into the details, we decided it was a grand opportunity to outfit one of our long-termers for touring duty, and relatively quickly.

The kit includes a full ABS inner and outer fairing that mounts with sturdy steel brackets to existing mounting points-no additional drilling required. You also get a pair of hard saddlebags (also constructed of durable ABS plastic) that feature rubber isolation mounts, polished stainless steel bezels and sealed lids. Those are topped with an automotive-grade, gloss black finish, and are lockable for added security. You also have the option of adding an amplified marine-grade stereo and speakers with MP3 capability.

At a projected MSRP of $1500 for the entire kit, it looks to be more cost-effective than outfitting your rig using an OEM accessory catalog. We'll see if it's an easy way to freshen up an existing ride without having to go into full-bore, hardcore modification-mode. We're especially stoked that it's available as a full kit, or as individual components that can be obtained and installed independently of each other.

The Build a Bagger Kit includes:
•A full inner/outer fairing
•Hard saddlebags (lockable)
•Windshield
•All mounting hardware

With the grand scheme hatched, we've now settled on a Honda Stateline as the test mule because, frankly, Honda simply doesn't have a hard-case bagger available in its cruiser lineup-at any displacement point. So now we're waiting for the first component to arrive from Willie & Max. Stay tuned...

www.willieandmax.com