CANNONBALL 2014: The Doug Wothke #88 Seat & Saddlebag Set (1929 Harley-Davidson JD)
⚠️ Note on Photos: The large "BAD&G" logo seen across the bag in some photos is a digital watermark to protect our images. It is NOT stamped into the leather. Your bag will come with a clean, unbranded finish (or small makers mark only).
The Challenge:
For the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run, legendary rider Doug Wothke (#88) built a custom 1929 Harley-Davidson JD to take on the 3,900+ mile haul from the humidity of Daytona Beach, FL to the cool coast of Tacoma, WA.
When you are riding a 90-year-old machine across the continent, your gear isn't just an accessory—it's your lifeline. Once again, Doug turned to BAD&G Customs to outfit the bike.
🏆 Featured in Cycle Source Magazine
This exact BAD&G Customs seat and saddlebag build was featured in Cycle Source Magazine's article: "Around The World, A 1929 JD Cannonball Racer."
The Saddlebags: Built for the Long Haul
The 2014 route threw everything at the riders—torrential rain, scorching heat, and high-altitude mountain passes. These bags were built to handle it all.
- Rigid Frame Fitment: Patterned specifically for the 1929 JD rigid chassis, these bags mount securely without fouling the chain or rear brake linkage.
- Max-Capacity Storage: Doug needed space for tools, oil, and spares. We built these deep and wide, using heavy-duty American Steerhide that holds its shape even when fully loaded.
- Road-Proven Durability: After 4,000 miles of vibration and abuse, these bags arrived in Tacoma looking better than when they left Florida.
The Seat: A Solo Seat for the "Iron Butt"
The Cannonball isn't about speed; it's about endurance. We shaped this solo seat to provide critical support for 300-mile days on a hardtail.
- Custom Pan & Foam: Hand-shaped high-density foam isolates the rider from the worst of the road shock.
- Breathable Leather: We used the same heavy-weight steerhide for the cover, allowing it to breathe and preventing the heat build-up you get with vinyl seats.
"Another coast-to-coast run, another set of BAD&G gear that never let me down." — Doug Wothke
Fitment Note:
This specific set was patterned for a 1929 Harley-Davidson JD. However, we can adapt this "Cannonball Spec" design for other VLs, JDs, or vintage Harley-Davidson models.
Planning your own cross-country trip?
You don't need to be in a race to appreciate gear that lasts forever.
Contact us to build a custom touring set for your vintage motorcycle.
ORDERING & SHIPPING
How long does it take to get my order?
Since every item is handmade in our Richmond, VA shop, we don't just pull boxes off a shelf. Most orders ship within 1-3 business days. Custom orders or elaborate tooling may take longer. You will receive a tracking number the moment your label is created.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide. We have sent bags to riders in Europe, Australia, Asia, and beyond. Please note that international customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes.
FITMENT & INSTALLATION
Will these bags fit my specific bike?
We make both model-specific and universal bags.
- If you see your bike listed in our menu (e.g., "Dyna Saddlebags"), those are designed to fit your specific fender struts and shocks.
- If you have a custom chopper or a bike we don't list, check out our Universal Collection or Contact Us with a photo of your bike.
Do I need to relocate my turn signals?
For most Dyna and Sportster models, our bags are designed to work without relocating turn signals, as long as you are running the stock setup. However, if you have a side-mount license plate or aftermarket indicators, please check the measurements on the product page.
WARRANTY & CARE
What is your warranty?
We offer a Lifetime Warranty on craftsmanship. If a stitch pops or hardware fails due to a defect, we will fix it. We build these to last a lifetime. (See our Warranty Page for full details).
How do I care for the leather?
We use premium vegetable-tanned leather. Like a good pair of boots, it needs to be conditioned occasionally. We recommend using a high-quality leather balm or oil once every few months, or after getting caught in heavy rain.
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