The XMT-MOTO Saddlebag Lids with 6×9 inch speaker grilles are designed to replace the factory lids on 1993-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring models, including Road Glide and Street Glide hard saddlebags. They come in vivid black and aim to combine audio integration with everyday storage use. After spending time with these lids on a few different bikes, here is what stands out—both good and less so.
Installation is fairly straightforward if you are comfortable with basic tools. The lids bolt directly onto the existing saddlebag hinges and latch mechanisms, so no drilling or major modification is needed. The speaker grilles are pre-installed, which saves time, but you will still need to run speaker wire and mount the speakers themselves inside the bag. The fit is snug on most Touring models from the specified years, though some owners of early 1990s bikes have reported needing slight adjustment to the hinge alignment. The vivid black finish matches factory gloss paint reasonably well, but it is not a perfect match for every bike—especially if your saddlebags have faded or have a different sheen from age.
In real-world use, these lids do exactly what they promise: they let you add 6×9 inch speakers to your saddlebags without cutting into the original lids. This is a big plus if you want to keep your stock parts intact for resale or future changes. The sound quality depends heavily on the speakers you choose and how well you seal the bag interior. Without adding sound-deadening material, expect some rattling and muffled bass from the hollow bag cavity. That is not a flaw of the lids themselves, just a reality of using a hard plastic storage space as an enclosure. Many riders line the bags with foam or polyfill to improve acoustics—worth planning for.
One limitation worth noting: the speaker grilles are not waterproof. They have a basic mesh cover that keeps out large debris, but rain can reach the speaker cones if water pools on the lid or if you ride in heavy downpours. For most riders, this is manageable with a set of waterproof speaker covers or by avoiding extended wet weather. But if you park outside or ride in wet climates regularly, this could be a concern. The lids also reduce internal saddlebag space slightly—not dramatically, but enough to notice if you pack the bags tightly. The speaker magnet protrudes into the bag, so tall items like a jacket or tool roll may need repositioning.
When compared to aftermarket saddlebag lids from brands like Hogworkz or Custom Dynamics, the XMT-MOTO option is generally more affordable but lacks some premium features. For example, some competitors offer lids with integrated LED lighting or more robust weather sealing. The XMT-MOTO lids are a solid middle ground: they get the job done without breaking the bank, but they do not add frills. If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to add audio to your touring bike while keeping a clean stock look, these are a reasonable choice. On the other hand, if you want maximum sound quality or all-weather durability, you might be better served by a fully sealed speaker pod system or a lid with a dedicated enclosure.
These lids are best suited for riders who already own a set of 6×9 speakers and want a simple, no-fuss installation. They also work well for those who prefer a factory appearance over flashier custom options. They are less ideal for riders who demand perfect paint matching, who ride in heavy rain frequently, or who need every inch of saddlebag space for storage. Overall, the XMT-MOTO lids are a functional, practical upgrade that does what it says—just set expectations around sound quality and weather resistance realistically.
