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You spent a lot of money getting just the right motorcycle saddlebag for your motorcycle.  You knew the look you wanted, the style you wanted and the saddlebags look great on your bike.

In fact your bags are probably designed with some great features to make them last as long as your bike, with the proper care.   Heavy-duty buckles, rustproof, brass rivets, double layer leather construction to reduce sag, extended flap to help keep it from sagging and reinforced backs to help keep the shape.  With rot proof thread and leather straps, a lot has been done to make sure these bags withstand a lot of elements.

But let’s face it, even with all those great features, they still can’t withstand the sag.  We’ve all seen it, a sagging bag on an incredible bike. Why put up with it when you don’t have to. Keep the classic lines of your bike looking classic.

To get rid of the sagging bag, you don’t need to get another saddlebag; you need to get something that reinforces your current bag. Leather Lid Inserts makes the saddlebag keep it shape.  Leather lid inserts are easy to install, last as long as the bag and keep the line of your bike looking clean.  An added benefit is that they are a fraction of the cost of a new saddlebag (Leather Lid Inserts are only $100.00 click here for more info).  No matter what kind of bag you own, there is a leather lid insert to fit it.

Your saddlebag with all its great features is designed to last as long as your bike, combine it with leather lid insert and the bag will look great the whole time as well.

If you know the style of saddlebag you want and are shopping for the best price, there are a few things to look out for.  If you are buying in person from a dealer you can see these things for yourself. If shopping over the Internet, you need to be aware of some wording to get the best bag possible for the price you want to pay.

Because your saddlebag is making a statement, along with your bike, you don’t want a cheap knockoff.  The best bags are made with double thick leather and shouldn’t need a liner or reinforcements like steel.  If you see an ad for a super thick leather bag that also has a liner and steel reinforcements you need to ask why.  It might be that the on-line seller’s interpretation of super thick is a little lame.

There isn’t anything wrong with liners, but they have their place and that place isn’t to keep the bag you spent a couple of hundred dollars on, in its proper shape.  Even double thick leather bags are going to succumb to sagging.  You can easily prevent a sagging bag by using a product called leather lid insert that provides the support a bag needs to retain it’s shape.

Another term is split leather.  Split leather and leather are two very different things.  Split leather is made from the flesh side of a hide and is much more delicate.  Suede is made from split leather.  Split leather can look good over a hard side, but you want to know what you are buying.

A bag can last as long as the bike, given the proper care.  To have it withstand the elements look for descriptions like rot proof stitching, nickel-plated, rust proof, brass rivets, heavy-duty buckles and leather straps.

Of course not every web site is out to deceive you.  Most are like this one, reputable, honest and will give you your money’s worth from the products that they sell. But it is important to know few terms when buying saddlebags online so you will get what you expect.

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.

Saddlebags are not the only accessory that can add flair to your bike.  We’re talking tank and fender bibs, mud flaps and floorboard fringe.   Of course there are also the engine guard chaps, grip covers and tool bags.

Just because these accessories are cheaper than a good saddlebag, doesn’t mean you want skimp on quality.  You are going to want to look for some of the same features as on your saddlebags.

Depending on the accessory, look for full grain leather, rot proof stitching and rustproof rivets, if they are needed.  Like leather saddlebags, leather accessories are naturally water and oil resistant, but because these items are probably not going to be double thick leather look for any additional treatment methods that will make them more resistant to water and oil.

Also, one size will not fit all on these types of products. Accessories are made for specific bikes so make sure you are buying what will fit your bike.