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Riding a motorcycle is a freeing experience, but sometimes it doesn’t mesh well with other things you want to do. Often you need more storage space for your belongings. Adding saddle bags not only changes the look of your bike but also gives you a place to stow your stuff. Add one of the best saddle bags to your ride and feel the freedom of cargo space.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Milwaukee Leather Saddle Bag
- Best Value: Bikeraccess Braided Two-Tone Slanted Saddlebags
- Honorable Mention: Diamond Plate 2 Piece Motorcycle Saddlebag Set
- Most Waterproof: Nelson Rigg Sierra Dry Saddlebags
- Honorable Mention: Dowco Willie & Max Synthetic Leather Compact Slant Motorcycle Saddlebag Set
Types of Saddle Bags
Hard
These cases have solid sides, top, and bottom. They’re typically made out of plastic or aluminum. These bags provide you with the most protection and security. They’re weatherproof and lockable. Most solid bags require you to bolt them to the bike. This makes them harder to remove and will require additional hardware for installation. These saddlebags tend to be bike-specific.
Soft
Soft bags tend to have more variety and forgiveness when it comes to size and shape. This makes them more universal in their fitment on different bikes. They’re typically made out of leather, ballistic nylon, waterproof vinyl, or another composite material. Most of these bags don’t require additional hardware to install and can be easily removed.
Permanent
These bags require you to bolt them onto the bike. While they technically aren’t permanent, they’re difficult to put on and remove. This extra effort makes it not worth taking them on and off regularly. You’ll find that you’ll need an extra bracket and hardware to attach the bags to your bike.
Removable
These bags can be easily removed and mounted on your bike. Some are easy enough to remove every time you park the bike. Others are easy to remove, but a bit more cumbersome. Removable bags typically don’t require extra hardware or mounting brackets. Some have a special bracket that the bag hooks onto.
Best Saddle Bags: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Milwaukee Leather Saddle Bag
Best Value
Bikeraccess Braided Two-Tone Slanted Saddlebags
Honorable Mention
Diamond Plate 2 Piece Motorcycle Saddlebag Set
Most Waterproof
Nelson Rigg Sierra Dry Saddlebags
Honorable Mention
Dowco Willie & Max Synthetic Leather Compact Slant Motorcycle Saddlebag Set
Our Verdict on the Best Saddle Bags
If you’re looking for durable bags from a well-known maker, then the Milwaukee Leather Saddle Bag set is a great choice. If you’re looking for a set of bags that are good quality but still fit in your budget, then the Bikeraccess Braided Two Tone Slanted Saddlebags are sure to impress.
Benefits of Saddle Bags
- Weather protection. When you’re on your bike, you’ll experience all kinds of weather. This isn’t great for your cell phone, laptop, or other belongings. Weatherproof saddlebags can keep your belongings safe and dry.
- Extra storage space. Whether you’re riding to work or just out for the day, you need a place to put your valuables. Sometimes your pockets just aren’t an option. This is when saddlebags give you much-needed storage space.
- Ability to ride further. If you want to travel further, you’ll need to bring a change of clothes and personal items. Saddlebags can act like your luggage. Now you can travel overnight or longer while riding.
Key Features
Material
The material the saddlebags are made out of will determine how durable and waterproof they are. The most common materials are leather, nylon, plastic, and synthetic leather. Plastic bags are vulnerable to cracking. Leather will give you that classic motorcycle style and durability. Nylon bags are some of the most durable on the market.
Size
The bag you choose needs to fit your bike, so they don’t interfere with its operation or your ability to ride. Avoid oversized bags, especially if you have a large exhaust. Measure the length of space from behind your leg to the back of the motorcycle. Then measure the height from the mounting point to just above the exhaust. Custom bags will ensure you get a perfect fit but also cost the most.
Closure
The simplest closure is a fold-over flap that provides no security. Other closure options include Velcro, snaps, buckles, or proprietary closures. Some hard saddlebags let you lock them with a key. Consider the level of security you want when choosing the type of closure you want on your bags.
Saddle Bags Pricing
- Under $100: Saddlebags that are under $100 are made of cheap materials and are not likely to last long. They lack reinforcement of the stitching, and the material can rip or crack. They also tend to have a universal fit, so while they’ll work, they won’t have a perfect fit.
- $100 to $350: These bags are a bit better in quality and can be made from genuine leather or ballistic nylon. They’ll have reinforced stitching. They tend to have a universal fit, so they won’t have an exact fit for your bike. Options are mostly soft-sided with limited hard-sided styles.
- $350 to $600: These bags are larger in size or are designed to fit a certain make and style of bike. This gives you a better and more secure fit. You’ll find more hard-sided options in this price range.
- $600 and up: These bags have the most features and will typically come with the required mounting hardware. You find more unique shaping details, several additional pockets, compartments, and reinforced stitching.
Other Considerations
- Interior Compartments. Take a look at the inside of the bags. Some have one large compartment, while others have several smaller pockets or dividers. These extra pockets can keep smaller items more accessible and prevent them from getting lost in the bottom of the bag. Some bags have removable dividers to give you complete freedom in how you use your bags.
- Cost. Consider your budget when deciding which bags to buy. You need to balance your budget with functionality to ensure you can afford what you need. Hard-sided and permanent bags tend to be more expensive than soft-sided and removable bags. Custom bags are the most expensive option but provide you with the best fit and most functionality.
- Weatherproof. Pay attention to whether or not the bags are weatherproof or waterproof. This will tell you how protective they’ll be in weather such as rain. Weatherproof bags will keep your items dry in light rain but tend to leak in a heavy downpour. Waterproof bags will give you the greatest amount of protection.
Tips
- Pay attention to the method used for securing the bag closed. You can find bags that have a flap, while others have a tie, snap, buckle, or strap and loop closure.
- Think about what you intend to carry in your bags to see if they will accommodate the weight and size of the items. Some bags are only meant to carry small, lightweight objects, while others are meant for cross-country travel.
- Match the style of your bags to the style and look of your bike. If you have a lot of details and chrome, then continue that trend with bags that have extra detailing. If your bike is more simplistic, then look for more streamlined bags without a lot of accents.
FAQs
No. You need to find a set that’s compatible with your motorcycle. Make sure you have accurate measurements before you purchase a set. Also, make sure that they don’t interfere with your lights or sit too close to your exhaust.
The material that your bags are made out of will affect how much you can put in them, their durability, and their security. The most secure bags are hard case bags that you can lock. Other options are leather and PVC.
This is a personal preference. Some bags have a single compartment, while others have several pockets. If you want small items to be quickly accessible, then smaller compartments may be good. If you have a few large items, then one large compartment may be the better choice.
