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Motorcycle Saddle Bags – 4 Crucial Options to Consider Before Buying One   by Jenny Carson

As one axiom goes, “We are the choices we make.” Throughout any given day, we make an array of choices. We decide what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We choose whether to relax by staying home and watching TV, or catching a movie at the theaters. We also choose what to wear, who to e-mail, which newspaper to read, which tasks to prioritize, when to exercise, and when to walk our dog (or cat). Likewise, here are some options when choosing between different motorcycle saddle bags:

1. Hard-Mount or Toss-Over
The two primary types of motorcycle saddlebags are Hard-Mount saddlebags, and Toss-Over saddlebags. Hard-Mount saddlebags tend to be sturdier and better suited for heavier luggage. For instance, if you tend to take lengthy road trips, then you should probably consider Hard-Mount saddlebags, for those aforementioned reasons. Manufacturers introduced this type of saddlebags after the Toss-Over saddlebags.

The other type of saddlebags is the Toss-Over saddlebag. While this type of saddlebags tends to be less durable than the Hard-Mount saddlebags, the main benefit is that they tend to be more portable. If you want saddlebags that are more “portable” then you should consider Toss-Over saddlebags. Manufacturers began producing this type of saddlebags, during the 1950s.

2. Plastic or Leather
Leather saddlebags include several benefits. Many bikers value the soft and flexible texture of leather. Furthermore, leather is lighter than other materials, making it easier to transport whenever you need to remove the saddlebag. Leather is also waterproof. While it is resistant to stains, you should clean it immediately if dust, mud, etc. soil it. Finally, while leather requires more care than other types of materials, it is extremely durable if you maintain it correctly.

Plastic is another common material used for saddlebags. While it is less flexible than leather, this is the material to choose if ruggedness is your priority. Nevertheless, plastic is also heavier than leather, so it is more advisable if you plan on keeping your saddlebags attached to the motorcycle’s frame. Next, plastics tend to be more waterproof than leather. In addition, plastic is less vulnerable to various types of stains, so you could delay your cleanup longer than with leather saddlebags. In a nutshell, plastic saddlebags remain durable with less maintenance required than leather saddlebags require.

3. Pockets or Studs
When selecting saddlebags, you can also choose models with studs or pockets. While studs are merely ornamental, they can give your saddlebags a tougher appearance. Secondly, pockets can provide a way to easily access items that you need to use frequently.

4. Large or Small
Various sizes of motorcycle saddlebags are available on the market. Which size is right for you? You should consider various factors, such as: