Qualities of Good Saddlebags

When it comes to motorcycle saddlebags and luggage you would be surprised to know that most people do not have a clue what they want. There are a very few motorcycle manufacturer who truly concentrate on motorcycle saddlebags. Most motorcycle dealerships do not carry any motorcycle saddlebags. Motorcycle dealerships that do carry the saddlebags offer a limited variety. To make things worst some manufacturers offer cheap bags made of extremely poor quality leather that sag within the first 3 months.

This article concentrate on what a motorcycle manufacturer should look for when buying saddlebags. Buying a saddlebag is not a rocket science. It is easy and beneficial. A motorcycle saddlebag is made up of leather, metal, plastic and hardware. Making sure all of these are of good quality is the first step towards a smart buying decision.

The leather is the most important factor to concentrate on while buying a saddlebag. Saddlebags are either made of leather (cowhide) or synthetic leather. Both have their own advantage and disadvantage. Leather is usually preferred over synthetic leather by most motorcycle riders. However leather is also a lot more expensive than the synthetic leather. A Saddlebag made of leather should cost between 200 to 400 dollars. On the other hand a saddlebag made of synthetic leather should not exceed $200. If some one is selling saddlebags made of leather (cowhide) for less than $200 it is most likely not genuine leather. The thickness of leather on a saddlebag is the first and the best way to identify the quality of a leather saddlebag.

The second most important component of a saddlebag is the metal used on it. The metal is used on the saddlebags in the form of studs, rivets, spots and conchs. Some of this metal is used for decoration and the other is used to put the saddlebags together. Make sure that the studs and rivets used on the saddlebags are made of stainless steel. Some manufacturers use brass which has a tendency to rust.

The third and final issue to watch out for is mounting hardware provided with the saddlebags. Mounting of Motorcycle saddlebags is very important. If the saddlebags are not mounted properly they can not only be a great in convince but they can also be hazardous. Make sure the saddlebag manufacturer or the company you buy saddlebags from also provides you a clear set of instructions on the way to mount those saddlebags on your motorcycle. Your first preference should be a manufacturer who also offers the mounting hardware for your saddlebags.

Last factor to concentrate on is the features the motorcycle saddlebag offers. The most basic feature every saddlebag should have is locking system, detach ability and quick release buckles.