Motorcycle Saddlebags

Hard Mounted or Throw Over Motorcycle Saddlebags

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.

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How do you reform leather that has gotten wet and lost shape. I.E leather motorcycle saddlebags.?

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what is the best method for restoring leather motorcycle saddlebags that are curling and getting stiff?
saddlebags are in good condition except for the weathering and age.

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How-to restore leather motorcycle saddlebags?
I was told by an "expert" biker familiar with leather restoration to saddlesoap then neetsfoot, then mink oil them. any feedback?

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Can I carry a handgun in a motorcycle saddlebag or duffle bag in KY, VA, WV, NC, SC and TN?
I'm going on a trip and want to carry my gun. I have a permit in IL. Not a concealed weapons permit. Can I carry the unloaded gun in one bag and the ammo in another bag?

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Motorcycle Saddlebag Sizing Help?
My dad's birthday is on the 29th of this month, and I really want to buy him saddlebags for his Harley. I know he really needs and wants some, so yeah. Only problem was, when I went to the website I had heard about, I discovered that saddlebags come in different sizes (duh, I know I should have known they would, but it never clicked). Now I can't just ask my dad what size bags he needs since it's a gift, but I don't have any other way of knowing, hence I turn to you, Yahoo! Nation. Any motorcycle aficionados (particularly Harley riders), please help!!! Or, if you just know the answer you can help too, aficionado or not... Ok, my dad rides a 2006 Harley XL 1200C Sportster. What size saddlebags would fit this? Also, I know they say hard bags are more durable though soft bags are more amiable (so you can force more stuff into them), but which one do you personally think is better? Ok thanks so much for the help. Remember, a 2006 Harley XL 1200C Sportster ;-)

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