Riding stylishly involves not only riding your motorcycle with class, but also accessorizing it with stylish gear. A motorcycle saddle bag is a great way to store your essential items on your bike, so you can enjoy your ride without having to worry about forgetting your phone or wallet.
There are several different types of motorcycle bags, including soft luggage and hard luggage. Whether you are looking to save money or want to add more security, choosing the right one can make all the difference.
Soft luggage
Saddle bags offer an easy and practical solution to carrying gear on a motorcycle. More convenient than backpacks, they can be locked to your bike for security and are less likely to damage luggage in case you crash over. Unfortunately, soft motorcycle Saddle bags do not provide as much protection compared to hard covered Saddle bags; therefore it is wise to purchase multiple soft motorcycle Saddle bags.
Dependent upon the type of bike you own, there are various methods for mounting Saddle bags on it. Some bikes feature special Saddle bag mounts that attach directly to the fender rail and make for an easy installation that ensures a clean look when removed. There are also systems using docking posts with longer bolts which make installing them simpler; and finally there is also the LOXX system which fits a variety of frames while providing a secure mounting point for Saddle bags.
At Tandy Leather Factory, there are templates to help make this step much simpler - these include hole locations and punch sizes that correspond with the thickness of your thread or lacing material.
Once your back panel has been attached to its gusset, you can begin creating the front of your bag. Lacing can connect it directly to either side; alternatively you could add strap loops if you plan on attaching shoulder straps; once these have been made and attached you can start sewing the gusset panel to the front panel.
Lockable motorcycle Saddle bags provide additional security, deterring thieves from ripping off the bags while you ride. Unfortunately, this option tends to be more expensive than traditional ones.
Mount your motorcycle Saddle bags more securely by employing a locking system that utilizes existing bolt holes in the fender rail. While this method is easier than other methods of installation, this may take more time for setup.
Hard luggage
Motorcycle Saddle bags are an increasingly popular choice among bikers as they can hold more gear than backpacks while being easier to manage and provide for a more comfortable journey when covering long distances. Available in various sizes and styles to meet every bike model's specifications - some even feature lockability to prevent thieves from ripping the bag off quickly! But thieves do occasionally nick Saddle bags off bikes.
Anchoring motorcycle Saddle bags is usually achieved using either a harness or simple nylon cords, which are easily installed quickly. They help prevent your luggage from swinging while riding; however, for overlanding or camping trips lasting weeks at a time you will require more secure systems.
For this purpose, we suggest the LOXX Saddle bag mounting system. Specifically designed to prevent thieves from easily taking your Saddle bags off with simple hand tools, and featuring an anti-tamper locking mechanism to make tampering harder, it also has an innovative locking system which prevents thefts from opening them without authorization.
To create your own Saddle bags, start with a piece of plywood cut into the shape of your template and mark its outline using pencil. This will help line up front and back panels when sewing them together; make sure the lines are clear so your completed product matches up perfectly with your frame!
Once finished, cut your leather according to the line you drew on paper. Make sure not to cut all the way through as this would allow water in. A light source may be helpful in seeing where to cut, and wearing protective gloves could prevent accidental cuts to yourself or others.
Install a fender rail bolt kit to make mounting your Saddle bags simpler. This will eliminate extra bolts and give your bag a sleeker appearance; various sized kits are available from local motorcycle dealers.
Lockable luggage
No matter if it's just for the weekend or an overland journey, making sure your Saddle bags are secure is important. Unsecured bags can easily be removed by an aggressive bike thief. Therefore it's essential that you choose a high-quality bolt kit with stainless steel threading to mount the bags flush against your frame - this provides maximum security as well as keeping them looking their best!
Saddle bags offer an ideal way of transporting gear on a motorcycle. Their easy access makes them quicker to access than backpacks and they provide ample room for belongings. Furthermore, soft luggage may be less likely to sustain damage in an accident compared with hard bags; but be mindful that soft luggage could still suffer environmental degradation that compromises items such as electronics.
Making Saddle bags can be an engaging hobby, but the time commitment required can be considerable. A template will help you establish the pattern and ensure everything lines up appropriately; these templates can be found online from Tandy Leather or other suppliers.
Motorcycle Saddle bags designed specifically to fit different bikes can also be purchased. Though more costly, these usually provide easier installation. Plus, some can even be locked with keys for additional security.
As well as securing your Saddle bags, it is also vital to take other safety precautions when riding a bicycle. Wear a helmet, eye protection glasses, long pants and gloves as well as being familiar with its controls and any potential problems that may arise when out riding.
One of the best ways to secure motorcycle Saddle bags is with a rack designed specifically for them. This will give them a more secure fit on your bike and will prevent accidents from removing them during an accident. Furthermore, this rack allows you to lock them for added theft prevention. Cable-ties or tie knots may also work but won't provide as much security.
Mounting hardware
Saddle bags are an efficient and stylish way to store gear on your motorcycle. Customizable styles or fashion can be added if that is important to you, while there is a range of sizes to choose from. When designing Saddle bags for yourself or someone else it is crucial that their intended use be considered as this will dictate its size, features, and layout.
If you plan on traveling long distance with Saddle bags, it would be advisable to purchase a lock to protect your belongings and avoid theft while at rest stops or gas stations. A lock can also help ensure your Saddle bags remain securely attached during transit.
Once your panels have been cut to their ideal sizes and designs, it's time to stitch them together. First stitch the back panel to the gusset before stitching on the front panel; punch holes and set strap loops before stitching it to the gusset panel.
There are various manufacturers offering bolt-on mounts for motorcycle Saddle bags. Each mount is tailored for specific models and installs easily using existing mounting points and bolts; additionally, they can also be quickly unbolted if no longer necessary.