On the first gen bikes the lines on the bags continued the visual flow from the fins on the front fairing thus tieing the various components together. The second gen restyle screwed that up.
....Only reason I brought up the lines on the bags was because it was the first thing that came to mind when I was trying to think of a feature of the bike that was all form and no function,...
I'll agree that their main purpose was probably visual appeal, but doesn't anyone think that they stiffen the outer panel of the saddlebag? I know when I'm trying to cram too much stuff in there and putting my body weight against it to get it closed, that I'm glad their there.
