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Posts Tagged ‘Saddlebags’

Saddlebags are most commonly used to carry luggage on a motorcycle. There are 2 major kinds of motorcycle saddlebags. Throw over saddlebags and hard mount saddlebags. The concept of hard mount saddlebags originated from throw over saddlebags which were used in early 1950 for the first time.

As the motorcycle industry experienced a big boom in 1960 especially after the Vietnam War the motorcycle luggage also evolved. As major motorcycle companies launched bigger and better motorcycle people started traveling farther on there motorcycles. Many riders formed groups and rode cross country and from city to city. The throw over style of saddlebags was soon replaced by a better and more reliable way of carrying luggage.

A group of riders drilled several holes in the back fender of their motorcycles in order to permanently bolt the saddlebags to the motorcycle. This permanent installation resulted in the saddlebags being more reliable and sturdy. This step also contributed towards the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the riders.

Motorcycle companies like Indian Motorcycle Company and Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company noticed this trend and soon started producing motorcycles with struts. The struts enabled motorcycle riders to bolt the motorcycle saddlebags without making any permanent changes to the motorcycle such as drilling holes in the back fender. Later the same strut enables other accessories to be securely mounted on a motorcycle such as motorcycle carrier and sissy bars.

As the Asian motorcycle manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha made their way into North American market they also made sure that the riders get enough room for the luggage. Yamaha motorcycles are a classic example of this as they manufacture most of their bikes with most room for the saddlebags. They also make sure that the turn signal does not interfere with the saddlebags, a common problem with smaller motorcycles.

In 1980 the motorcycle companies realized that most 1000 cc and above motorcycles are used for long rides. To further add value to their motorcycles they started selling motorcycles with fiber glass saddlebags. These motorcycles did well as most of these came with the motorcycle specific luggage. This also saved the motorcycle rider a lot of time and headache.

Despite the popularity of factory installed saddlebags motorcycle riders still prefer leather saddlebags in most cases. This is due to the fact that motorcycles leather saddlebags can be customized to a greater degree as opposed to motorcycle specific fiber glass bags.

Most early motorcycle saddlebag companies used studs, spots and conchs to decorate the saddlebags. Recently the more advanced motorcycle saddlebag companies have started manufacturing and offering saddlebags that are not only motorcycle specific but also match the color of the motorcycle. Another approach is to design the leather motorcycle saddle bags in such a way that it blends in with the overall design of the motorcycle. These advancements have resulted in more and more people willing to install saddlebags on their motorcycles.

The market for hard saddlebags may have shrunk but there are still some manufacturers who continue to manufacture stylish bags. These manufacturers even offer matching brackets so that you can install the saddlebag with ease.

If you are looking for a hard saddlebag then you should look for three features: the bags should be waterproof, should be lockable and detachable. You should also be careful about the size of the bag. Often, the size may be misleading. This is because the hard bags, unlike soft bags, are not expandable, and have stiff internal lining that reduces storage area.

Here is a brief outline of hard saddlebags:

1. AUBURN LEATHER LEGEND BAGS: These bags come in two styles: bolt-on and throw-over, and are made of black American cowhide. They are classy looking with lock-stitched and stress-riveted seams and zinc-plated steel rivets. They have a hard back and their interiors are reinforced with ABS and HDPE plastic. The size of these bags is 12 inches by 13.5 inches by 6 inches.

2. BOSS BAGS: The Boss Bags are made of premium leather with heavy plastic reinforcing in the interiors. They are available in plain black leather or with trimmings. They have lockable lids and quick-release buckle straps. Each bag comes with a fiberglass mounting system.

3. PATRIOT HARDBAGS: These bags are known for their sleek styling and high-quality fit. They are 26 inches by 9.5 inches by 14.5 inches with a 35-liter capacity. Their side-mounting units are made of fiberglass. An additional feature is a watertight gasket seal that keeps rain water from entering.

4. CORBIN BEETLE BAGS: These bags are made according to the shape of motorcycles. This gives them a unique fit, and look. They are made of Fibertech and have a smooth finish. Their sizes may vary but their capacity is around 30 liters per bag.

5. GIVI LUGGAGE CRUISER: Givi’s bags, also known as Cruiser bags, are made of polypropelene. They are 16.7 inches by 13.7 inches by 7.7 inches with a capacity of 21 liters. They have side-mounting units and are sold as a pair. They are very light and come in a variety of finishes.

6. NATIONAL CYCLE CRUISELINER SADDLEBAGS: These bags are made from a high-density polymer that makes them dent-resistant. They normally have high-gloss black finish, but custom color matching is also possible. The size of these bags is 24.5 inches by 14 inches by 7.5 inches.

7. SADDLEMEN DESPERADO SADDLEBAGS: These hard bags come with inner stiffeners that maintain their shape even when the bags are empty. They come in several shapes, with each shape meant for a specific bike model.

Soft saddle bags are popular because they are pliable, easier to lug around and very spacious. There are a large number of soft saddlebags available in the market which makes selection difficult. Here’s a shortlist of some of the good bags:

1. Chase Harper European Tour Saddlebags: These are made of Cordura, are water-tight and have 34 quart capacity. Their important features are: attachment around the rear and at the footpegs, a frame tube with quick-release action, hard plastic at the bottom and front, removable plastic exhaust guards, soft nylon backing to prevent scuffing and double nylon handles joined by wraparound leather

2. Dry Bag Saddlebags: These are made of pliable non-porous plastic, are Cordura lined and can roll up like a paper sack. They have hard plastic bag stiffeners, an attachment around the rear and at the footpegs , quick-release buckles on nylon straps and a hard plastic backing

3. Eclipse Dodge Slant Cruiser Bags: They have a nylon body, faux leather top flap and real leather straps and trims. They are highly functional and compact, have rigid inner support panel, soft tricot mesh on the surface facing the bike as well as under the wide seat yoke. They need saddlebag support frames for proper attachment

4. Hondaline Saddlebags: These bags are made of nylon and foam panels and are water proof. They have a top that opens, are easy to pack and carry and can be attached to the bike using a nylon strip.

5. OSI Deluxe Nylon Saddlebags: These bags are made of Cordura and are open at the top. They have a large external pocket and a zipper with nylon tabs for easier pulling. The main compartments of the bags are lined with nylon and stiff plastic. The bags also have a flexible foam support on the side walls. They have four detachable anchor points and rugged Cordura handles for easy carrying

6. Rev-Pack Deluxe Saddle Packs: They are made of heavy urethane-coated Cordura
lined with sealed nylon. In addition, there is a lining of foam between the two plies for insulation and stability. The front flap is large and stiff. The bags can be moved up or down using the harness system that runs over the rear seat

7. RKA Standard Saddlebags: These bags have 22.5 quarts capacity, solid mounting and come with dual straps that tighten down across the seat. The zips open like a suitcase. They have adjustable retaining straps and synthetic sheepskin finish.

8. Roadgear Jumbo Expedition Bags: These bags have 40.8 quarts capacity and are made of 1000-denier Cordura Plus fabric with expanding panels. The bags have nylon-loop straps for the rear footpegs, a quick-release nylon tail strap and can be easily levelled with the passenger seat or raised above.

9. Teknic Saddlebags: These bags are made of 420-denier nylon, are PVC-coated and have a capacity of 35.2 quarts. A wide hook-and-loop yoke over the seat is used to join the saddlebags that have a four-point quick-release system to secure the bags to the bike. They also have an additional common strap for carrying the bag over the shoulder.
a wraparound zipper and two adjustable quick-release straps. A spiral-type zipper system helps release additional inches of cargo space.

Motorcycle saddlebags have been around for more then 50 years. They are great for storing supplies for long trips. From everything like purses, tools, first aid kits, drinks and snacks, to spare helmets and cleaning supplies for your bike. There are so many uses for motorcycle saddlebags, as very few of the necessary items for long trips or even trips to the local supermarket actually fit in the pockets of bikers. In addition, there are a few items that should always be carried by bikers, and the pockets won’t accommodate them all, but motorcycle saddlebags will. With all the motorcycle saddlebags out there, what sets them apart? There are two main types of motorcycle saddlebags. There are hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags, and there are throw over motorcycle saddlebags.

Hard Mounted Motorcycle Saddlebags

For more stability, these hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are definitely in the lead in this area. In the 1950′s a group of bikers drilled holes in their fenders to attach the motorcycle saddlebags. This prevented them from flying off and flapping around. After some major motorcycle manufacturers got wind of the new trend, they saw how popular it was among the bikers. Instead of having the bikers drill holes into their fenders, they made mounting for motorcycle saddlebags. These hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are now custom on many bikes, and can be added to many more. If you add these hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags to a package with a new motorcycle, you might end up paying more then you would if you added them yourself. The dealer marks it up when they are adding it to the accessories. Now the question is whether you want hard leather or soft leather. Hard leather provides better protection for your items then the soft leather motorcycle saddlebags because the hard leather would resist any objects bumping into them better then the soft leather motorcycle saddlebags. These generally have mounting brackets to keep them off the wheels and other vital motorcycle parts.

Throw Over Motorcycle Saddlebags

The advantage of throw over motorcycle saddlebags is that it is not necessary to make any modifications to the motorcycle, whereas hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags required modifications that have quickly been included by most manufacturers. Throw over motorcycle saddlebags are like the name says attached by throwing them over the seat of the motorcycle. Generally they go in front of the signal flasher and over the stocks. Many times these types of motorcycle saddlebags require removing the seat to install the throw over motorcycle saddlebags. These types of motorcycle saddlebags are generally harder to install, but they are traditional types of motorcycle saddlebags. While the hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are easier and more sturdy, the throw over motorcycle saddlebags are the motorcycle saddlebags of the original bikers, before the hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags were designed. While some bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts may be daunted at the thought of the work involved in installing throw over motorcycle saddlebags, some true bikers revel in the ability to work with their hands to make something all their own.

Article by Dona Rosa

The Kawasaki Company, for sure, does not call for any introduction. It is a famous and illustrious company that started its operation long way back in 1924. However, at that time, it concerned itself with only the metallurgy and the aircraft industry.

It was only in 1949 when the motorcycle industry came into the domain of Kawasaki Co. They started producing engines that could be fitted and used in the motorcycles. Engines of various powers and sizes began to be manufactured by them–60cc, two stroke 150 cc and as well as 250cc four stroke engines. The most interesting fact in this regard is however that the Kawasaki Co. had a long time collaboration with the BMW, almost dating back to the time when they were involved only in the aircraft industry. As a result, all these motorcycle engines manufactured by Kawasaki Co. worked on the technology developed by BMW.

However, soon in 1954, the Kawasaki Co. that now had become Kawasaki Motorcycles successfully launched into the market a complete motorcycle named as Meihatsu. Meihatsu was originally a sister company of the Kawasaki Aircraft Co.

Not only motorcycles, the Kawasaki Company aimed to extend their hold also into the scooter industry, bringing into the market their own scooters. But this hope of theirs did not last long because of the stiff competition meted out against them in the market by the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon–the then scooter giants.

Anyhow, the company succeeded in maintaining a strong foothold in the motorcycle industry. The Kawasaki Co. started having burgeoning sales of the motorcycles. The motorcycles proved to be long lasting and provided a good mileage, satisfying its customers.

However, you as a customer should also perform some tasks in order to let the motorcycle continue giving you good service. Here are some–• Take your bike for repairing or servicing at regular intervals of about 6months• Regular maintenance can also be done by you in order to keep your budget low for your Kawasaki motorcycle maintenance• Avoid rash driving so as to not let accidents damage your vehicle

All said and done, the thing you should look for are Kawasaki’s saddlebags GPz 1100. These are effectively manufactured bags that ensure your motorcycle engine to be extremely smooth running. The Boss Bags even have the provision for release traps and lids that can be locked. You can also go for Throw over saddlebags which have these quick release straps but not the lockable lids.

These saddlebags are multi featured and ensure a comfort ride. These contain-

• a 0-199 MPH/KPH speedometer that is adjustable• an adjustable tachometer that as per your wish can remain displayed on the saddlebags• a provision for your checking the oil pressure where you can also set the warning point• a provision for checking the fuel level on a routine basis. This provision is however optional.• a voltmeter that warns you if the voltage is low

It is so very smooth sailing and efficient that a nickel can be made to balance on the tank even when the motorcycle runs at a speed of 10,000 rpm!

You can use such motorcycle saddlebags which tie the two halves together, allow the two yokes to overlap, thus, causing an alignment of the holes. This will ensure your having space so that the bag bottom does not touch the exhaust pipe. The engine being slick and smooth is an additional advantage that you, for sure, won’t mind to pay for.

In order to protect the Kawasaki saddlebags, make them more or less shock proof and ensure their safety, cover them with proper soft and thick lever covers, preferably made of Buffalo leather. You should go for lever covers that are 80oz thick and are made of genuine saddlebag leather. You can also opt for the Milwaukee Joker leather vest that is made of cowhide, which possess efficient tailoring and in which detailing is done throughout the vest to ensure sophistication.

Kawasaki products come into the market in various styles and sizes. So, it is hard for places to be recommended where the tabs to your bike can be secured. When the motorcycle engines, GPz, were designed by engineers of Kawasaki Company, they looked into two areas with special concerns–

• its power–the Engineers ensured that the vehicle runs with extreme smoothness and has a high midrange power• its look–they gave it a dye cast license plate that has a paint on it of Carbon fiber. This gives the bike a high tech look

The Kawasaki Company also made sure that their product could reach to the masses. For this, they launched into the market some low priced bikes with omnipotent ZX-11 mill. These, however had enough power rendered by its small intake. Also, in these bikes an alteration was brought in the cam profiles and the saddlebags.

Through all these it is quite clear that the Kawasaki Company strives forth for extreme customer satisfaction, bringing innovations in their products’ look, style, efficiency and of course, in the quality of the Kawasaki saddlebags.

About the Author

For more info, check out our: Kawasaki Saddlebags and see what fine goods they have there like motorcycle saddlebags

Article by chrishaney

Motorcycle Saddlebags are very important when it comes to riding your motorcycle. Nothing else can make a considerable difference as much as the motorcycle saddlebags while you are traveling on your bike. Riding a motorbike requires much attention and carefulness than driving a four wheeler. Also you have to take the necessary precautions like wearing a helmet and positioning yourself properly on the bike, such that you are able to maintain your balance properly. Two wheelers are greatly susceptible to and are often the victims of road accidents. There have been several cases, wherein the accidents have proved fatal.

Great accuracy and control come through simply setting your mind and body free from all kinds of chains. While riding your bike you should be able to ride it without getting your bags in the way as far as possible. The knapsacks can be used while traveling on your bike as they can clasp your body tight. But the best option for you to ride freely is the motorcycle saddlebags. When properly installed, these accessories can help you greatly. Motorcycle saddlebags hold just about everything for your motorcycle bag. Choosing a single best from amongst a broad range of motorcycle saddlebags is an overwhelming task and demands a great deal of research, contemplation, and selection. Some tips might prove useful when choosing a good quality bag. For instance, never buy motorcycle saddlebags from motorcycle dealers as they can prove to be expensive. The best source to find motorcycle saddlebags is to search online.

Shopping online offers many shopping enthusiasts, the ease and convenience to shop for motorcycle saddlebags. There are many online stores that offer these types of bags for sale. This gives you the opportunity to shop for the best of saddlebags like the Harley Motorcycle Saddlebags without even having to go through the heavy traffic, long queues at the cash counter and interacting with rude salespeople. Nevertheless, you have to ensure and take care that when you shop online, the site security, their shipping charges, refund policies, etc. are properly addressed. You get the best deals if you can get online, competitive prices and outstanding services.

A motorcycle saddlebag can be tested whether or not it fits your motorcycle, by positioning it near to the rear fender of your bike. Also, the descriptions of various online models will show as to which motorcycles the saddlebags fit. Saddlebags should be bought considering your budget. Leather Motorcycle Saddlebag would be cost-effective. Always select a bag that meets your needs. After selecting a saddlebag get it properly installed. This is a swift and easy process.

Riding a motorcycle can be very exciting and pleasurable and can be one of the finest activities in the enjoyment of a vacation. Luckily, a motorcycle saddlebag can easily accommodate all of your cycling requirements. Finding the best motorcycle saddlebags for your motorcycle will make you manage the itinerary more comfortably.

About the Author

SB is the author of this article on Motorcycle Saddlebag Accessories. Find more information about Saddlebag Support Systems at http://www.gotsaggybags.com

Article by Adam Costa

Any person looking to travel on two wheels should consider the ultimate in motorcycle luggage: saddlebags. Unfortunately, most folks buy saddlebags that aren’t in line with their lifestyle; they might be too large, too small, not secure enough, too secure, etc. Here are my recommendations on what to consider before you buy motorcycle saddlebags:

Are you planning on long term travel? This may be the most important question to ask. There are two main types of saddlebag: the throw over (which is removable) and the mount (which isn’t). If you are going on tours for a week or more, mount saddlebags provide more security and less hassle. On the other hand, if you see yourself day tripping a lot, a throw over saddlebag will allow you to provide room for luggage should you need it, while also giving you the freedom to remove them at the drop of a hat.

Check for quality. Ensure that the frame will not stain easily (rust looks much worse on a motorcycle than it does on a car). Also, the saddlebags should fit tightly and securely around your bike; it’s a real downer to stop every fifteen minutes and readjust your luggage.

Pretend your saddlebags are beds. The same logic applies to saddlebag shopping as mattress shopping: the firmer they are, the longer they will last. Over time saddlebags naturally sag (much like their riders), so it’s best to buy a firm one and break it in. This will add years to the life of your saddlebags.

How good is the lock? I’m shocked at the number of folks who spend hundreds of dollars on the right helmet, and protect it with a five dollar lock. If you looking for the best way to carry motorcycle luggage, saddlebags are the way to go, but they are easy prey for theft if not locked properly.

About the Author

In conclusion, you can learn more about motorcycle luggage saddlebags and motorcycle tents at our website.

Motorcycle saddlebags have been around for more then 50 years. They are great for storing supplies for long trips. From everything like purses, tools, first aid kits, drinks and snacks, to spare helmets and cleaning supplies for your bike. There are so many uses for motorcycle saddlebags, as very few of the necessary items for long trips or even trips to the local supermarket actually fit in the pockets of bikers. In addition, there are a few items that should always be carried by bikers, and the pockets won’t accommodate them all, but motorcycle saddlebags will. With all the motorcycle saddlebags out there, what sets them apart? There are two main types of motorcycle saddlebags. There are hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags, and there are throw over motorcycle saddlebags.

Hard Mounted Motorcycle Saddlebags

For more stability, these hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are definitely in the lead in this area. In the 1950′s a group of bikers drilled holes in their fenders to attach the motorcycle saddlebags. This prevented them from flying off and flapping around. After some major motorcycle manufacturers got wind of the new trend, they saw how popular it was among the bikers. Instead of having the bikers drill holes into their fenders, they made mounting for motorcycle saddlebags. These hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are now custom on many bikes, and can be added to many more. If you add these hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags to a package with a new motorcycle, you might end up paying more then you would if you added them yourself. The dealer marks it up when they are adding it to the accessories. Now the question is whether you want hard leather or soft leather. Hard leather provides better protection for your items then the soft leather motorcycle saddlebags because the hard leather would resist any objects bumping into them better then the soft leather motorcycle saddlebags. These generally have mounting brackets to keep them off the wheels and other vital motorcycle parts.

Throw Over Motorcycle Saddlebags

The advantage of throw over motorcycle saddlebags is that it is not necessary to make any modifications to the motorcycle, whereas hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags required modifications that have quickly been included by most manufacturers. Throw over motorcycle saddlebags are like the name says attached by throwing them over the seat of the motorcycle. Generally they go in front of the signal flasher and over the stocks. Many times these types of motorcycle saddlebags require removing the seat to install the throw over motorcycle saddlebags. These types of motorcycle saddlebags are generally harder to install, but they are traditional types of motorcycle saddlebags. While the hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags are easier and more sturdy, the throw over motorcycle saddlebags are the motorcycle saddlebags of the original bikers, before the hard mounted motorcycle saddlebags were designed. While some bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts may be daunted at the thought of the work involved in installing throw over motorcycle saddlebags, some true bikers revel in the ability to work with their hands to make something all their own.

Saddlebags are most commonly used to carry luggage on a motorcycle. There are 2 major kinds of motorcycle saddlebags. Throw over saddlebags and hard mount saddlebags. The concept of hard mount saddlebags originated from throw over saddlebags which were used in early 1950 for the first time.

As the motorcycle industry experienced a big boom in 1960 especially after the Vietnam War the motorcycle luggage also evolved. As major motorcycle companies launched bigger and better motorcycle people started traveling farther on there motorcycles. Many riders formed groups and rode cross country and from city to city. The throw over style of saddlebags was soon replaced by a better and more reliable way of carrying luggage.

A group of riders drilled several holes in the back fender of their motorcycles in order to permanently bolt the saddlebags to the motorcycle. This permanent installation resulted in the saddlebags being more reliable and sturdy. This step also contributed towards the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the riders.

Motorcycle companies like Indian Motorcycle Company and Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company noticed this trend and soon started producing motorcycles with struts. The struts enabled motorcycle riders to bolt the motorcycle saddlebags without making any permanent changes to the motorcycle such as drilling holes in the back fender. Later the same strut enables other accessories to be securely mounted on a motorcycle such as motorcycle carrier and sissy bars.

As the Asian motorcycle manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha made their way into North American market they also made sure that the riders get enough room for the luggage. Yamaha motorcycles are a classic example of this as they manufacture most of their bikes with most room for the saddlebags. They also make sure that the turn signal does not interfere with the saddlebags, a common problem with smaller motorcycles.

In 1980 the motorcycle companies realized that most 1000 cc and above motorcycles are used for long rides. To further add value to their motorcycles they started selling motorcycles with fiber glass saddlebags. These motorcycles did well as most of these came with the motorcycle specific luggage. This also saved the motorcycle rider a lot of time and headache.

Despite the popularity of factory installed saddlebags motorcycle riders still prefer leather saddlebags in most cases. This is due to the fact that motorcycles leather saddlebags can be customized to a greater degree as opposed to motorcycle specific fiber glass bags.

Most early motorcycle saddlebag companies used studs, spots and conchs to decorate the saddlebags. Recently the more advanced motorcycle saddlebag companies have started manufacturing and offering saddlebags that are not only motorcycle specific but also match the color of the motorcycle. Another approach is to design the leather motorcycle saddle bags in such a way that it blends in with the overall design of the motorcycle. These advancements have resulted in more and more people willing to install saddlebags on their motorcycles.