| When you travel on a motorcycle, you'll eventually | | | | Types of saddle bags available: |
| need something that you can stow your "stuff" in. | | | | 1) Toss over |
| There are a number of options available to you on | | | | 2) Hard mount |
| the market today. We'll take a look at one of them | | | | 3) Leather |
| now, saddle bags. | | | | 4) Plastic (Fiberglass) |
| As the name implies, these bags are situated on the | | | | Toss-Over saddle bags are more portable. The bag's |
| bike in much the same way the Pony Express riders | | | | yoke goes on your motorcycle frame and hang |
| used to use them. You can carry items without | | | | downwards on the sides of the frame. |
| them being in the way up front, interfering with your | | | | Hard-Mount saddlebags are sturdier and better suited |
| control. | | | | for heavier items. Manufacturers introduced this type |
| Three things you might want to consider before | | | | after the Toss-Over saddlebags. |
| buying motorcycle luggage are: | | | | Leather saddlebags are soft and flexible. Lighter than |
| 1) Can be mounted on a motorcycle securely, can be | | | | other materials, leather makes it easier to transport |
| locked and are easy to access? | | | | whenever you need to remove the saddlebags. While |
| In order to mount a motorcycle saddlebag on any | | | | leather is waterproof and stain resistant, it still need |
| motorcycle the saddlebags must have mounting | | | | conditioning and cleaning to keep it looking good. |
| hardware. | | | | Plastic (fiberglass) is less flexible than leather, but |
| 2) One of the most needed features of saddlebags | | | | sturdiness is key. Since plastic is heavier than leather, |
| is their ability to lock. Try to buy saddlebags that can | | | | you may want to keep your saddlebags attached to |
| be easily locked. This would give you a piece of mind | | | | the motorcycle's frame. Plastics are more waterproof |
| while away from you motorcycle. | | | | than leather and less vulnerable to stains. Plastic |
| | | | | bags remain durable with less maintenance. |
| 3) Convenience. Look for saddlebags that are easy | | | | Before you run out to add saddlebags or luggage to |
| to access and have quick release buckles. They let | | | | your motorcycle, think about the following questions: |
| you open and close the motorcycle luggage without | | | | What are they going to be used for? |
| having to buckle and unbuckle straps. | | | | What is the best type for me? |