Hi I am wantning to do a bit of touring over summer on weekends 2up with gf, and want a backrest so she doesn't need to hang on so much and I guess some saddlebags would be handy for overnight trips.

Looking at backrests first of all, don't really like the look so would prefer detachable.

Can see you'd need docking kit which is fine, but how would you install saddlebag supports with this attached?

Have also seen one bolt attachment saddlebag supports but never seen them actually installed on bike.

Bike is an 08 883 custom, but they all should be the same anyway.

Whats everyone else running who has saddlebags and backrest?

hard mount bags seem rather expensive at 400-700 a pair

Also how good is the sissy bar mount racks, maybe one of those would do?

3500kms a year just isn't enough

 

check out edge brackets and bags fully removable, all you have are 2 small chrome bolt bits that the bags attach to no ugly support bracket, got em for my Dyna best thing ever

I agree with Madoga, I made the wrong choice and bought the standard sportster brackets and rjays soft saddle bags. The brackets I bought are a pain in the arse to put on and take off. The straps on the rjays bags broke after 3 days. They did get replace with new ones but great... I have a brand new pair of rjays saddle bags that have never been used and look crap on a harley.
In regards to the sissy bar. I felt the same as you. However I bought a fixed one off this forum for a great price and you get used to the look. It is real handy and sturdy as.
What ever you buy, make sure it will fit well and look good on your bike. A mate at work has the edge / ghost brackets. I am very envious.

 Edge brackets do look good hadn't seen them before.  Have my eye on a detachable backrest with rack, so might give that a go and see if saddlebags necessary afterwards.  Thanks for replies.

Here's my set up:

 

 

 Is that a fixed or detachable backrest?

detachable backrest, but had to buy a couple of bolts from Coventry Fasteners.

 

Ah yeah so just longer bolts to have enough meat for the saddlebag supports to go on as well?

Pretty much looks the same as the one I bought, minus the logo on back.

Also checking out a windshield, can get a handlebar mounted National Cycle DX for around $150 or so delivered.

Never had one on before, and once again don't like the look of them, but could be useful on a longer ride to reduce buffeting and noise.

Is it worth spending twice as much for one that mounts to forks or will this work alright do you think?

hey r880 i just got a screen for my 883 custom cat no 58024-96A for $180 from Harley Heaven (forum discount) just fitted it have not been out for a run yet to see how it handles.It looks ok and for that money you cant go wrong,am not a big fan of screens but will be doing a bit of touring soon will keep you posted on the handling after weekend.ireland

hey r880 i just got a screen for my 883 custom cat no 58024-96A for $180 from Harley Heaven (forum discount) just fitted it have not been out for a run yet to see how it handles.It looks ok and for that money you cant go wrong,am not a big fan of screens but will be doing a bit of touring soon will keep you posted on the handling after weekend.ireland

 Ended up getting this rack and backrest for $80 + $75 postage from US.

Also picked up a docking kit for $40, but this one ended up coming with a kit minus bolts anyway, (so if anyone wants to buy one, make an offer)

Not much a fan of look but I take it off when not in use anyway, and rack seems pretty strong (could easily sit on it).

Reports are its pretty comfy and I don't have to worry about wasing on the throttle when taking off when 2 up so thats a win.