First, the bad news - hard saddlebags aren't as marketable as they used to be, but the good news is that there are still a lot of these bags available to choose from. These manufacturers even offer matching brackets so that you can install the saddlebag with ease.
You always want to look for a hard saddlebag that has these three elements - it has to be waterproof, lockable and detachable. The size of the bag can be deceiving at times. Often, the size may be misleading. Unlike soft bags, hard bags are not expandable, and the storage area is further reduced by the stiff internal lining.
Here are some great ideas if you're out shopping for hard saddlebags:
Auburn Leather Legend Bags - You will recognize these bags easily as they are black in color and made of American cowhide, and come in bolt-on and throw-over variations. Steel rivets with zinc plating and seams that are both lock-stitched and stress-riveted give these bags an exquisite touch. They have a hard back and their interiors are reinforced with ABS and HDPE plastic. The size of these bags is 12 inches by 13.5 inches by 6 inches.
BOSS BAGS: The Boss Bags are made of premium leather with heavy plastic reinforcing in the interiors. Whether you prefer plain-Jane black leather or fancy bells and whistles for trimmings, it's your call. The lids are lockable and the buckle straps quick-release in nature. Each bag comes with a fiberglass mounting system.
Patriot Hardbags - If you're searching for great style and great fit, then look no further. These bags hold up to 35 liters and measure 26 inches by 9.5 inches by 14.5 inches. Their side-mounting units are made of fiberglass. An additional feature is a watertight gasket seal that keeps rain water from entering.
Corbin Beetle Bags - These are bags that are perfectly shaped to fit onto any motorbike. That way, issues on snug fit become a thing of the past. They are constructed from Fibertech which lends to their smooth appearance. Their sizes may vary but their capacity is around 30 liters per bag.
Givi Luggage Cruiser - Commonly known as Cruiser bags, Givi's bags are constructed from polypropelene. Generally, they are 16.7 inches by 13.7 inches by 7.7 inches and have 21 liter capacity. They are sold in pairs and have side-mounting units. You can choose from several finishes for these ultra-light bags.
NATIONAL CYCLE CRUISELINER SADDLEBAGS: These bags are made from a high-density polymer that makes them dent-resistant. You can either choose solid black or choose different finishes and colors. The size of these bags is 24.5 inches by 14 inches by 7.5 inches.
Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags - These are hard bags that make use of inner stiffeners that retain the same shape even when not in use. Choose from different shapes and designs to match the model bike you are using.
You always want to look for a hard saddlebag that has these three elements - it has to be waterproof, lockable and detachable. The size of the bag can be deceiving at times. Often, the size may be misleading. Unlike soft bags, hard bags are not expandable, and the storage area is further reduced by the stiff internal lining.
Here are some great ideas if you're out shopping for hard saddlebags:
Auburn Leather Legend Bags - You will recognize these bags easily as they are black in color and made of American cowhide, and come in bolt-on and throw-over variations. Steel rivets with zinc plating and seams that are both lock-stitched and stress-riveted give these bags an exquisite touch. They have a hard back and their interiors are reinforced with ABS and HDPE plastic. The size of these bags is 12 inches by 13.5 inches by 6 inches.
BOSS BAGS: The Boss Bags are made of premium leather with heavy plastic reinforcing in the interiors. Whether you prefer plain-Jane black leather or fancy bells and whistles for trimmings, it's your call. The lids are lockable and the buckle straps quick-release in nature. Each bag comes with a fiberglass mounting system.
Patriot Hardbags - If you're searching for great style and great fit, then look no further. These bags hold up to 35 liters and measure 26 inches by 9.5 inches by 14.5 inches. Their side-mounting units are made of fiberglass. An additional feature is a watertight gasket seal that keeps rain water from entering.
Corbin Beetle Bags - These are bags that are perfectly shaped to fit onto any motorbike. That way, issues on snug fit become a thing of the past. They are constructed from Fibertech which lends to their smooth appearance. Their sizes may vary but their capacity is around 30 liters per bag.
Givi Luggage Cruiser - Commonly known as Cruiser bags, Givi's bags are constructed from polypropelene. Generally, they are 16.7 inches by 13.7 inches by 7.7 inches and have 21 liter capacity. They are sold in pairs and have side-mounting units. You can choose from several finishes for these ultra-light bags.
NATIONAL CYCLE CRUISELINER SADDLEBAGS: These bags are made from a high-density polymer that makes them dent-resistant. You can either choose solid black or choose different finishes and colors. The size of these bags is 24.5 inches by 14 inches by 7.5 inches.
Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags - These are hard bags that make use of inner stiffeners that retain the same shape even when not in use. Choose from different shapes and designs to match the model bike you are using.
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