If you're looking for 2013 street glide extended bags, you probably already know how much they can transform the look of your bike from a standard cruiser to a custom bagger. There's something about that low, elongated profile that just makes a Harley-Davidson look finished. The 2013 model year is a bit of a sweet spot in the Touring lineup, sitting right at the end of an era before the major Rushmore changes took over in 2014. Because of that, finding the right set of bags requires a little bit of homework to make sure you're getting the right fit and the right style for your specific setup.
Why Go with Extended Bags Anyway?
Let's be honest, the stock bags on a 2013 Street Glide are fine, but they leave a lot of empty space between the bottom of the luggage and the ground. That gap can make the rear of the bike look a little "leggy," for lack of a better word. When you swap them out for extended versions—often called stretched bags—you're basically filling in that visual void.
It creates a seamless line that follows the curve of the rear fender. Most of these bags offer a 4-inch or 5-inch stretch, which is usually plenty to cover up the mufflers and give the bike that slammed appearance without actually having to lower your suspension and ruin your ride quality. Plus, you get a little bit of extra storage space, though most people are really doing this for the aesthetics.
Understanding the 2013 Fitment
One thing you've got to keep in mind is that 2013 was the last year for the "old style" bag lids and latches. If you're shopping for 2013 street glide extended bags, you need to make sure the bags are designed for the 1997-2013 frame. In 2014, Harley changed the mounting points and the way the lids open.
I've seen a few guys accidentally order 2014-and-up bags thinking they'll just bolt right on, but the hardware is totally different. The 2013 bags use those classic "puck" style mounting fasteners inside the bag, and the lids hinge outward rather than having the one-touch latch system. If you already have a set of lids you love, make sure the extended bottoms you buy are compatible with your OEM 2013 lids. It'll save you a massive headache and a lot of extra cash.
ABS Plastic vs. Fiberglass
This is the age-old debate in the bagger world. Back in the day, if you wanted custom bags, you had to go with fiberglass. Nowadays, high-quality ABS plastic has pretty much taken over the market for several reasons.
ABS Plastic is what your factory bags are made of. It's tough, it's got a bit of flex to it, and it holds up well to the vibrations of a big V-twin. It's also injection-molded, meaning the inside of the bag is just as smooth as the outside. This is a huge plus because you don't have to deal with itchy fiberglass strands or a rough finish inside your luggage.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, is great if you're doing a completely one-off custom build. It's much easier to cut, bond, and reshape if you're a bodywork pro. However, it can be brittle. If you hit a big pothole or drop the bike, fiberglass is more likely to crack, whereas ABS might just scuff. For a daily rider, I usually tell people to stick with the ABS versions of 2013 street glide extended bags.
Choosing Your Exhaust Cutouts
Before you pull the trigger, take a look at your exhaust pipes. This is where a lot of riders get tripped up. Most extended bags come in three flavors: dual cutouts, single cutout, or no cutouts.
- Dual Cutouts: If you're running the classic true-dual exhaust setup, you'll need a notch in both bags so the pipes can exit cleanly.
- Single Cutout: This is popular for guys running a 2-into-1 performance exhaust. You get the cutout on the right side and a smooth, solid bottom on the left. It looks incredibly clean and custom.
- No Cutouts: If you have "turn-down" pipes that exit under the bike before the bags start, you can go with a completely smooth look. This is the ultimate "slammed" look, but you've got to make sure your exhaust heat isn't going to melt the bottom of your new bags.
The Importance of Quality Hardware
I can't stress this enough: don't cheap out on the mounting hardware. You might find a killer deal on a set of 2013 street glide extended bags, but if they don't come with gaskets or if the hinge points are weak, you're going to regret it the first time it rains.
Your 2013 Street Glide vibrates—that's just what Harleys do. If the bags aren't secured with solid mounting pins and reinforced at the stress points, they'll start to rattle or, worse, develop stress cracks. Many aftermarket bags allow you to swap over your factory hardware, which is often the best route because you know the HD stuff is built to last. Just make sure the pre-drilled holes in the new bags actually line up with your 2013 rails.
Paint and Finish Considerations
Most of the time, when you buy these bags, they arrive in a primer gray or a "Vivid Black" finish. Now, a word of caution: "Vivid Black" from an aftermarket factory isn't always a 100% match for Harley's factory Vivid Black. It's usually close enough for most people, but if you're a perfectionist, you might want to get them painted locally.
If your bike is a more unique color—like Big Blue Pearl or Ember Red Sunglo—you're definitely going to be buying unpainted bags and heading to a body shop. Prep work is everything here. Since these bags sit so close to the ground, they're going to take a beating from road debris and gravel. A good clear coat is your best friend.
Installation Tips for the DIY Rider
Installing 2013 street glide extended bags isn't exactly rocket science, but it does take some patience. The first thing you should do is a "dry fit." Don't paint them, don't glue in the liners, and don't throw away your old bags yet. Bolt them onto the bike to see how they sit.
Check the clearance between the bags and your rear fender. Check the distance from the ground. If you're running a lowered rear end, you might find that the bags scrape when you lean into a turn. It's much better to find this out while the bags are unpainted than after you've spent $500 on a custom paint job.
Also, think about adding some skid plates to the bottom. Small metal or plastic strips glued to the underside can save the actual bag from getting chewed up if you happen to bottom out on a steep driveway or a sharp corner.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to 2013 street glide extended bags is one of those modifications that offers a huge "bang for your buck" in terms of visual impact. It changes the entire silhouette of the motorcycle, making it look longer, lower, and more aggressive.
As long as you pay attention to the 2013-specific fitment, choose the right material for your riding style, and match the cutouts to your exhaust, you'll be set. It's a project you can easily handle in a weekend in your own garage, and every time you walk out and see that rear-end profile, you'll know it was worth the effort. Just take your time with the alignment, and don't forget to double-check those mounting pucks before you head out on a long ride. There's nothing worse than seeing your hard work bouncing down the highway in your rearview mirror because a fastener wasn't tight!