With gas prices increasing almost every day, more and more people are turning to motorcycles to become their everyday driver. The one drawback to that choice is storage. That is why motorcycle saddlebags where invented, to offer the ease and convent of storage while riding the open road. Ever since the motorcycle was invented in 1867 people have tried to find a way to secure a suitcase or duffel bag to their motorcycle. All with good intentions, there have been many different variations of saddlebags. All those trial and errors have brought us to today's top three most common motorcycle saddlebags.
The most common are Leather, Synthetic Leather and Hard saddlebags. Each one adds its own advantages. While Hard Saddlebags that are made of fiberglass or mild steel, offer higher security and strength than weather conditions. They also have a higher price tag attached to them. On the other hand Leather and Synthetic Leather saddlebags are offered at a lower price, but do not provide the longevity that hard saddlebags provide.
Most leather and hard saddlebags come in a variety of styles and sizes. Many of the choices include very plain looking saddlebags, all the way up to fringe and studs for added details. Hard saddle bags have close to unlimited color and appearance choices. Details for hard saddlebags include chrome details and many different paint designs that can become a custom piece of art. With so many different manufactures out there to choose from it can become quit frustrating so here are some key factors to remember when purchasing saddlebags.
* How much room do you need for storage?
* What weather conditions are you traveling in?
* How do you store your motorcycle?
* How much security do you need?
* What is your budget?
* Make sure it will mount to your motorcycle
* Do you need detachable features?
Most of the early motorcycle saddlebags where throw over style which are still available today. The convince of this style is that they do not require any extra mounting brackets or hardware. You install these types of saddlebags by attaching them under the motorcycle seat. The installation of these motorcycle saddlebags are very quick and easy. The draw back to this is that they are not easy to take off your motorcycle while out on the open road. If removal of your motorcycle saddlebag is essential, then make sure to purchase ones that offer quick release saddlebags or mounted motorcycle saddlebags. Mounted saddlebags are attached to the bike with brackets or hardware most offer the convince of quick release so you are able to detach your saddlebags and carry them with you. The mounting process is more detailed, and be sure that the motorcycle saddlebags you purchase come with mounting brackets or you purchase them separately.
