Hi, I'm a newer rider and ride a 2006 Honda Shadow VLX.  I want to get saddlebags and have been checking the internet. My problem is I'm not sure if the bags I look at will require me to move my rear directionals.  Which I don't want to do.  So if anyone has this bike and got saddlebags please let me know what may fit.  I did some measurements but I'm still hesitant...Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks  

I have a 2004 Honda VLX (VT600CD).I previously had Willie & Max braided compact slant bags that I transferred from my previous Rebel but needed something larger. Got the standard size of the same brand 16 x 11 x 6.5 and they fit fine, no relocation necessary. The only modification I did was to the yoke. They won't fit under the seat properly if the yokes overlap so I cut them to fit together but I already knew I had to do it because I did it to the previous ones. Great fit.  

Buy yourself some honda mounts for your bike.
Most saddle bags come with a heavy thick backing plate.
You can mark the holes with an awl before mounting the brackets.
I change my bags every few years for a new look,very simple operation.