Why are saddlebags so expensive

Givi is probably the name most synonymous with plastic hard luggage, but sifting through their catalog can often be quite confusing.

This is not to say you can't modify certain universal racks to accomplish the task at hand. On a recent Triumph Thunderbird project, Lemmy modified a universal mounting rack to fit Hardstreet cases. With a bit of sweat and know-how, he was able to save a few dollars and end up with a great-looking and functional final project. Keep in mind that you don't always need the most expensive cases to tackle your intended purpose.

These Hardstreet Slimbag saddlebags are a step up over soft luggage as they can be quickly detached from the bike and provide the added security of a locking mechanism.

Photo by Andy Toback. These are inexpensive, lightweight cases, which offer lockable storage without a ton of weight and bulk. While not as tough as full-on aluminum cases, modern plastics can often take quite a beating. Last, but not least, aluminum panniers have become extremely popular with long-haul riders looking for luggage that can handle whatever obstacles the road might throw their way.

These are going to be your most expensive option, as aluminum cases coupled with a rack system can easily surpass the thousand-dollar mark. The benefit, however, is that they are virtually indestructible. Get a dent in them? Simply hammer it out. Crack them in a crash? Weld them back together assuming you can find a craftsman versed in welding aluminum.

They are usually available in a variety of sizes, offering the ability to accommodate single-sided exhausts bigger box on the side without the exhaust, smaller box on the side with the exhaust while balancing overall weight. They also provide a preferred spot for riders to plaster stickers of their favorite coffee shop or an "I Rode the Dragon" sticker.

As mentioned earlier, remember that almost all hard luggage will require a specific rack system designed to fit universal cases to a specific model of bike. There is not a right or a wrong answer for what luggage will work best for you and your ride. It really comes down to your budget, the type of bike you ride, the style of riding you pursue, and what functionality you find to be most valuable. The right set of luggage will have you lusting for the open road, confident that you're prepared for the adventures that lie before you.

Navigation Menu. Wish List. Please reference our International Shipping Policy for details. International Shipping Policy. Self-Service Returns. Doesn't fit? Don't love it? A combination of hook and loop, locking straps and zippers make securing full bags a cinch and the straps roll up the bags when empty. Understated style and tough fabric make the Chase Harper Phoenix a universal performer for a wide range of motorcycles.

Urethane-coated ballistic nylon keeps out the elements and quarter-inch foam walls help the bags maintain their shape and add impact protection. Adjustable hook and loop and quick-release buckle straps work together for universal fit and the bags have full-length zippered inside pockets under each flap for extra cushioned cargo. However, they would not fit every models. For Sportster or Shadow owners, you are not suggested to order them because the space between shock and tail light is too small to install the saddlebags.

Also, we do not suggest ordering them if your motorcycles have the same design like Sportster. ABS Plastics: The product dimension is The products are made from high-quality ABS plastic, not recycle or used plastic.

Due to the feature of ABS plastic, the saddlebag will have a little unavoidable wiggle on irregularity road. To solve it, we provide 8 rubber spacers to reduce the their negative effect as more as possible.

No Advance-drilled hole: We do not add any pre-drilled holes. And, you are able to install the saddlebags with brackets based on your individual demands. The installation is not identical but the basic steps are the same for every motorcycle. PS: Please make sure the clearance between the saddlebags and top exhaust.

Large Capacity - Enough room to store some regular stuff, such as gloves, wallet, earphone, power bank, raincoat, jacket. Chrome's stylish "Car Like" door handle. The aerodynamic design matches the shape of the rear fender ABS plastic, which is sturdy and durable. The metal lock with two keys improves safety. Chrome plated all around.

The standard size fits most cruisers. The flip side opening door design will not interfere with the rear luggage compartment. Heavy metal door hinges. So our customers can flexibly install the bag on everyone's motorcycle. Enough room for all your necessary gear; including most full faced helmets. We chose the saddlebags in this roundup based on classes of motorcycles and entirely stereotypical rider types.

Still, the traditional lines between cruisers, dual sports, standards, and sportbikes get hazier with each new model year. The right bags for an interstate hauler with onboard ice coolers and heated seats are probably all wrong for a scooter or knife-edged naked urban road burner. The best saddlebag fits your motorcycle and what you need to carry. Try to buy saddlebags that are easy to access. By ease of access I mean quick release buckles.

Quick release buckles let you open and close the motorcycle luggage without buckling and unbuckling its straps. Some more advance features that you should look for are detach ability, reinforcement, and color matching.

More and more motorcycle riders are choosing motorcycle saddlebags that can get taken of and put on the motorcycle within seconds. This option is available in more expensive set of motorcycle bags. Color matching is another popular phenomenon. More and more bikers are trying to match the color of their bags with their motorcycle; this certainly enhances the motorcycle's look.

Editorials » Automobiles » Motorcycles ». Most Popular. Wet Kit - What is It? Check it out here. They can store much more and are usually for equipment that riders still need quick access to but does not fit in the tank bag. Equipment carried in tail bags usually includes a raincoat or rain gear, a first aid kit, tools for emergency repairs, and even a change of clothes, handy for those Vietnamese surprise cloudbursts.

To get a better understanding of which tail bag to choose, check this video out. Check out the available choices of tail bags from Givi. Top boxes are hard cases that mount to the rear of a bike and are installed on a rack. Though tank bags are common for riders in general, top boxes are more widely used by the locals as they can have huge storage capacity.

Top boxes usually have the largest carrying capacity of all the luggage mentioned. However, riders should be careful in deciding whether they want this or not. This is because top boxes are placed quite high and behind the rear wheel. Givi Vietnam provides a large selection of Top boxes to choose from. Ryan also gives his take on the best top boxes on the market in this video from Fortnine.

Even before horses turned into horsepower, saddlebags were widely used. Nowadays, some may associate saddlebags with cruiser riders as they most commonly use them. The blacked-out leather carrying cases were not only stylish but extremely practical. Now, saddlebags are made from the toughest materials and almost any motorcycle can install a trusty pair. Saddlebags are pretty much universal and a pair of them can mount to almost any type of bike with ease. Saddlebags are mainly used for storing larger, heavier and bulkier items like tyre repair kits and inflation packs, repair tools, a larger amount of clothes, camping equipment, and more.

Some people go on one-way adventure tours meaning they start from southern Vietnam and head all the way to the far north and end the tour there. These riders would especially benefit from saddlebags. Side panniers function very similarly to saddlebags.