Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags :

How to Choose The Right Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags For Your Bike

By Art Kazinski

One of the most essential accessories of a motorcycle is a motorcycle saddlebag. Saddlebags are used to carry items that cannot be placed in a biker's pocket or backpack. One can put jackets, clothes, refreshments and even helmets depending on the size of the saddlebags. Some saddlebags are made from nylon while others are made of leather. Nylon saddlebags are cheaper compared to leather saddlebags. However, most bikers prefer to
buy leather saddlebags not only because they are very durable, but also because they are low-maintenance as well. Moreover, leather motorcycle saddlebags can be very stylish at the same time. Leather motorcycle saddlebags match the leather accessories of the bike plus the leather clothes riders usually wear for long journeys.

Before buying a leather saddlebag, consider first how big your budget is. Normally, the price of leather saddlebags range from 200 to 500 dollars. The price depends on what type of leather saddlebag you are eyeing. First off, refrain from purchasing leather saddlebags from showrooms no matter how good they look
like. Certified motorcycle riders say that these showrooms tend to charge you more than what the item is really worth in the first place. The same goes with some motorcycle dealerships. More often than not, they don't even provide saddlebags made from authentic leather. You may visit your nearest motorcycle accessories store for cheaper yet heavy-duty leather saddlebags.

The primary thing to consider when buying a leather saddlebag is to see how it is mounted. There are two ways of mounting leather saddlebags in a motorcycle. The first type is the throw-over saddlebags. Throw-over saddlebags are mounted by fastening the strings under the shocks and the seats of a motorcycle. This
type of saddlebag is cheaper and much easier to install than the bolt-on saddlebags. Bolt-on saddlebags, on the other hand, are more secure than throw-over saddlebags. Using a mounting hardware, it is secured by screwing it to any strong part of the motorcycle.

When you're done deciding which type of saddlebag you want to purchase, the next thing to look for is the lock. See to it that the leather saddlebags have locks to protect your belonging.

Choose lockable saddlebags that have buckles instead of snap-ons. This would discourage robbers to steal the things inside your leather saddlebag, as it would take time before they can fully open the motorcycle storage. You may also opt to buy a lock with quick-release buckles. With this, it would be easier for you to open your leather saddlebags. Make sure though that it is not so obvious so as to prevent burglary on your motorcycle compartment. Quick-release buckles are usually hidden under the straps of the leather saddlebags.

Leather, although it is a very durable material, may tend to sag after prolonged use. This is a result from the changing of climate such as exposure to heat, rain and alike. It should be reinforced using a metal frame that  would strengthen your leather saddlebags and prevent it from sagging. Ergo, check if the metal used in reinforcing your leather saddlebags are made from stainless steel. Don't purchase it if the reinforcements
are only made from brass. After two months or so, brass would rust and that would stain on the interior or exterior of your saddlebags.

The last thing to think of when buying leather saddlebags and other motorcycle accessories is the style.
Although leather saddlebags usually come in black, motorcycle accessories stores offer more than that. Pick a color that would fit the rest of your motorcycle leather accessories. Some saddlebags have studs while others have fringes. Nowadays, there are pouch-like leather saddle bags out in the market. These saddlebags are perfectly tailored for female bikers. Most saddlebag styles are made to match classic looking motorcycles.
You can see more choices on different online stores. Make sure that they have a return policy in case the quality of their merchandise did not pass your standards.

About the author:

Art Kazinski writes for Motorcycle Parts and Apparel. Visit him online for a wide variety of leather motorcycle saddlebags, motorcycle accessories, forward controls and more.

Looking to buy motorcycle leather products? Visit Avani's store at: Motorcycle Leather