Saddlebags are the biggest aftermarket purchase you will make for your bike.   You probably are going to be putting in a lot of time to make sure you make the right decision.

Here are some things to consider before you purchase.

What are you going to be hauling in the saddlebags?  Do you need large capacity or just something to use getting to work and back?  Are you or do you plan on road trips with your bike where you are going to need a lot of supplies?  You are going to want to spend some time thinking about this.  Bags are a big purchase. Typically people don’t buy more than one pair of saddlebags.

Do you want a leather bag or vinyl?  If you are going with leather, how thick and what grade of leather?  What types of features does it have?  Double, full grain leather, rot proof stitching and rustproof rivets are good.  There are different levels of materials and craftsmanship that go into making a leather bag.  A good leather bag can last you almost the life of your bike with the proper care.

Another thing to consider is the sagging bag effect.  Leather bags, which can add a lot style to the overall look of your bike and can also start to sag after a while.  The best option to prevent this is to budget Leather Lid Inserts into your overall purchase of a saddlebag.  Leather Lid Inserts makes a leather bag hold it’s shape from the beginning, eliminating sagging bags.

How do you want your bike to look after you attach the bags?  Should it follow the overall line of the bike or do you want them to be a statement too?   Be sure to measure the space for your bags so you have a clear idea of the area you have to work with.

If you spend some time thinking about what you want and what will work for you, you’ll end up with a bag that reflects your style and you will want to use for years to come.