Hard Saddlebags

For the long hauler

From horse to bike, saddlebags have been the luggage of travelers. Hard saddlebags are practical, convenient, and built to last. When purchasing hard saddlebags, make sure they are weatherproof and lockable. Detachable features are important, but you can also leave your saddlebags on the motorcycle once you reach your destination.

Consider the shape of hard saddlebags, and remember that stylish can sometimes give the illusion of spacious. However, these are non-expanding bags. Peculiar shapes may leave gaps once the saddlebag is packed to capacity, not only wasting space, but also allowing for shifting during the ride. Because it is important to evenly distribute the weight in saddlebags, simpler shapes allow for even packing and hauling of larger items.

An alternative might be a rigid bag made of a soft material supported by a stiff frame. These are not true hard saddlebags, but they have a smaller price tag and keep their shape.

Installation

The first thing you should do before installing any saddlebags (leather, hard, fiberglass, or rigid) is talk to the dealer or check with the manufacturer to see if you will need to move the rear turn signals. Some hard saddlebags come with rear lights and deflectors, and some bike styles already allow for saddlebags in their light and signal setup. Sometimes the hardware needed to mount the saddlebags is included. If not, purchase hardware that is made for your motorcycle.

Some mounting brackets position saddlebags so that a considerable amount of width is added to the bike. Adding large saddlebags may require you to adjust your balance as well as your space perception.

A favorite of many bikers are Ghost Brackets, designed to work with bolt-on saddlebags. Ghost Brackets are mounted to the saddlebags, keepers replace rear fender bolts, and the brackets lock in place over the keeper bolts. saddlebags do not make direct contact with the motorcycle, so there is little chance of saddlebags scratching the bike, and they can be released in a matter of seconds.