The motorcycle provides one of the most thrilling ways to travel. Whether you are heading down the street or across town, motorcycling can provide you with thrills by the mile (or kilometer). However, one of the most vital issues when going on a motorcycle road trip, is successfully hauling your luggage with you. saddlebags serve as a means of storage, which will make your road trip extra convenient.

The first motorcycle saddlebags
Motorcyclists mainly use saddlebags on their bikes, in order to haul their luggage. Two primary varieties of saddlebags exist. There are the hard-mount saddlebags, and the throw-over saddlebags. As you might expect, to install throw-over saddlebags, you must throw them over the motorcycle. Throw-over saddlebags first emerged in the early 1950s. Afterwards, manufacturers began producing hard-mount motorcycle saddlebags.

As time progressed, motorcyclists became bigger, and motorcycle road trips became longer. In the 1960s, riders began to use motorcycles more as a recreational vehicle. Instead of merely riding across town, they would ride across the state, or across the country.  Thus, saddlebags required some adjustments to accommodate the longer treks.

Do-it-yourself bolting
Some motorcyclists began attaching their saddlebags to their motorcycles, by bolting them onto the fenders. Not only did the motorcycles look more attractive, but the saddlebags were also more securely attached to the bikes. Within time, this new method of using motorcycle saddlebags became increasingly more popular.

Soon, manufacturers noticed that secured saddlebags provided them with an opportunity for their bikes to accommodate the luggage. Thus, they included struts on their motorcycles, so motorcycle owners could bolt their saddlebags onto the motorcycle, without causing any damage. Within time, the struts could also accommodate other items, such as motorcycle carriers. Motorcycle manufacturers also produced bikes with increasingly more space for saddlebags. Some motorcycles even included permanent saddlebags made of fiberglass.

Form after function
Recently, motorcycles have focused on manufacturing saddlebag luggage that itself complements motorcycles better. For instance, some saddlebags match up well with the designs of certain motorcycle models. On the other hand, other saddlebags include colors that complement the colors of bikes. The improved aesthetics of saddlebags made numerous people more willing to install the luggage on their motorcycles.

Installing motorcycle saddlebags may first seem to be a daunting task. However, following some basic steps can help the process to be more successful:

1. Select motorcycle saddlebags
Okay, this may seem somewhat obvious. You cannot install saddlebags until you select them. However, you have some major choices to make. For instance, you need to decide whether you prefer a hard or soft model. Hard models tend to be bulkier, but also provide more security. Meanwhile, if you want more options, such as using motorcycle luggage that is more mobile, then consider soft saddlebags.

2. Clean and prepare the bender bolt portion of your motorcycle
Whether you are installing soft or hard saddlebags onto your motorcycle, you must first ensure that the fender bolt region of your motorcycle is clean. On various makes of motorcycles, such as Harley Davidson motorcycles, you must install the saddlebags atop the fender bolt region on the motorcycle’s rear portion. Thus, the region must be clean as a bean.

3.  Install the spacers or lifting brackets
You must take this step prior to placing the motorcycle saddlebags on the motorcycle. The pieces will prevent the bags from being adjacent to the motorcycle’s exhaust pipes. They will also prevent damage to both the motorcycle saddlebags, as well as to the motorcycle. Verify that you have installed the spaces or brackets snugly and that enough space exists between them.

4. Organize the saddlebags’ hardware
One of the most important steps when dealing with the hardware for the saddlebags, is not to lose it! Each and every one of the pieces is vital. In particular, make sure to install the fender mountain bracket, if your saddlebag hardware pack includes it. The bracket functions in holding and steadying your motorcycle saddlebags.

5. Install one of the saddlebags
Now you are ready to start installing the actual saddlebags. Hold the saddlebags up to the machine’s fender. Line up the saddlebag’s boltholes, with the fender’s bolt region. The saddlebags contain mounting holes, in the bag’s side. Line up these holes with the mounting bracket, which you have installed. Position the bolts in their corresponding holes, one at a time. Then tighten up the bolts until the saddlebags are lined up properly.

6. Install the other saddlebag and do some checks
Repeat Step #5 for the other saddlebag. It is of the utmost importance that the bags are lined up and attached properly. This will prevent movement of the saddlebags while you are cruising on the road. To verify that the saddlebags are secure, jiggle them a little to ensure that you have securely fastened the bolts.  

7. Take your motorcycle for spin
The best way to determine if the motorcycle saddlebags are properly installed, is by taking off on a test ride. Keep in mind that your motorcycle will not remain stationary whenever you ride to your various destinations. During the test ride, stop and examine the saddlebags and their bolts. Ensure that the bolts are secure. 
 
When you need luggage to haul everything you need for a road trip or a trip down the road, then consider saddlebags, such as leather saddlebags. This type of luggage is a cinch to install, if you follow some basic guidelines. Saddle up with confidence, by using saddlebags!

Tags: motorcycle saddlebags | leather saddlebags | leather saddlebags | saddlebag luggage | saddlebag luggage | saddlebags