If you've ever spent five minutes digging by means of your heavy panniers just to discover a lip product or a garage door opener, you'll know why incorporating saddle bag guard bags to your setup is such a huge alleviation. There is something incredibly annoying regarding having plenty of storage space on your own bike but nothing of it being "quick access. " You pull over, kill the motor, hop off, open the hard bag, plus start rummaging. It's a whole challenge. That's exactly exactly where these little guard bags come within to save the day—and your state of mind.
Basically, these bags utilize that dead space ideal in front associated with your hard bags, mounting directly on to the rear crash bars (the guards). They aren't designed to hold your week's worth of washing, but they are perfect for the stuff you should grab without a second idea. Let's enter precisely why these things are becoming a staple for anybody putting serious kilometers on a traveling bike.
The reason why You Really need Them
A lot of people think they have plenty of storage until they're actually on the particular road. You've obtained your main saddlebags packed tight along with clothes, tools, and maybe a rain fit. Then you understand your phone is definitely at 4% and your charging cable is buried on the very bottom from the left bag. If you had saddle bag guard bags , that cable would end up being here at your convenience.
It's just about all about organization. Think of these bags as the "glove compartment" of your own motorcycle. They remain within arm's reach while you're ceased at a red light or pulling into a gas station. I've found they are the perfect place for such things as sun glasses, a small kickstand plate, or also a spare pair of gloves. Creating a dedicated spot regarding the little stuff stops the "black hole" effect that happens in larger traveling luggage.
Components and Durability
When you're searching for a set of saddle bag guard bags , you'll notice they will usually are available in 2 flavors: leather or heavy-duty synthetic materials like Cordura or high-end vinyl. Buckskin looks killer, specifically on a classic-style cruiser or the Road King. It gives that old-school vibe and generally ages pretty well if you take treatment of it. Nevertheless, leather needs upkeep. You've got to state it, or it'll eventually crack and fade beneath the sunlight.
On the other hand, the particular synthetic options are usually a bit more "set it and forget this. " They handle rain better and often come along with waterproof zippers, which is a substantial plus. There's nothing worse than starting a bag following a light drizzle only to find your registration documents turned into a soggy mess. A lot of riders prefer the particular synthetic stuff mainly because it's easier to wipe down after the dusty ride.
The Built-in Bottle Holder Function
A great deal of saddle bag guard bags come with a very specific, really useful feature: a built-in water bottle owner. If you ride in hot weather, you understand how fast you can get dried up. Having a spot for a bottle that will isn't rattling about inside a very hot saddlebag is a game changer.
Some designs feature an open-top pocket having an elastic drawstring, while others have a more secure zippered compartment for a flask. Even if you don't utilize it for water, that pocket is the great location for the small canister associated with fuel treatment or even a rolled-up rag intended for wiping your visor. It's that extra bit of versatility that makes these bags worth the investment decision.
Installation Is usually a Breeze
One of the particular best things about incorporating saddle bag guard bags is usually that you don't need to be a grasp mechanic to install them. Usually, it's a tool-free work. Most designs use a series associated with heavy-duty Velcro band or buckles that wrap around the particular guard bars.
The secret is to get them tight. You don't want them sliding over the bar or flapping around when you're doing 70 on the road. I usually suggest checking the straps right after your first couple associated with rides only to create sure everything offers settled in place. Once they're locked down, they stay put. And since they're held upon by straps, a person can take them off in seconds if you're cleansing the bike or if you're concerned about someone walking off together within an unfamiliar region.
Will They Fit Your Bike?
While saddle bag guard bags are most typical on Harley-Davidson touring models like the particular Ultra Classic, Electra Glide, or Road Glide, they aren't strictly restricted to one brand. In case your bicycle has rear saddlebag guards (those stainless or black bars that protect the particular bags in case of the tip-over), there's the good chance you will find a bag that will fits.
The key is the shape of the bar. Most bags are created for the regular vertical and side to side bar configuration. Some aftermarket companies create universal versions with adjustable straps, therefore even if you're on the Vulcan or even a Goldwing with custom guards, you can usually discover a way to make them work. Just maintain an eye on the clearance between the bag and your passenger's floorboards. You don't wish to cramp your passenger's style or provide them with nowhere to put their feet.
Protection for Your own Guards
A good underrated benefit of saddle bag guard bags is they in fact protect the bars themselves. Those chrome guards are expensive to replace in the event that they get scuffed up. By having to wrap a bag close to them, you're including a layer associated with padding. If you accidentally kick the pub while getting around the bike or if a passenger's boot rubs against it, the bag takes the hit instead associated with the metal. It's a small benefit, but it helps keep the bike looking pristine intended for longer.
Maintaining Things Secure
Since these bags are on the outside from the bike, security is some thing to think around. Most don't come with locks—they generally use snaps or zippers. Due to that, I wouldn't recommend leaving your budget or an expensive GPS unit in them overnight at a resort.
Use them for the "disposable" or less important stuff. Think snacks, charging cables, a tire pressure measure, or perhaps a cheap set of backup sunglasses. If you do need to keep something more valuable within there while you're grabbing an espresso, look for bags that have a locking zipper pull or perhaps a flap that can be secured with a small padlock.
Style and Aesthetics
Let's be honest, all of us care about how the bike looks. Some people worry that including more bags will certainly make the bicycle look cluttered. Yet because saddle bag guard bags sit in that recessed area within front of the panniers, they really look very integrated. In case you match the material to your seat or your main bags, these people almost disappear in to the silhouette of the particular motorcycle.
If your bike is definitely blacked out, proceed with matte black synthetic bags. In the event that you've got a lot of stainless- and tan natural leather, find a set of distressed brown buckskin bags. They could in fact enhance the "touring" look of the particular bike, making it look like a machine that's prepared to cross the country at a moment's notice.
Maintenance Tips
To help keep your saddle bag guard bags looking great, you've have got to give them a small love. If they're synthetic, a fast spray with some UV protectant from time to time will certainly prevent them from turning gray or purple from sun exposure. If they're leather, utilize a great quality leather conditioner once or two times a season to keep them elastic.
Also, keep close track of the inside. Since they sit near to the road, fine dust and road grit may sometimes find its way inside. The quick vacuum or even a wipe with a damp cloth each few weeks keeps your gear clean. Plus hey, if a person ride through a massive rainstorm, it's the good idea in order to take the bags off and allow them to dry out completely before strapping all of them back on. This prevents any humidity from getting trapped between the bag and the guard club, which could lead to corrosion or form.
Final Ideas
At the particular end of the particular day, saddle bag guard bags are one of those "wish I'd bought these sooner" upgrades. They solve a specific problem—the insufficient accessible storage—without costing a lot of money or requiring the permanent modification to your bike. Whether you're a daily commuter who needs the spot for your work badge or a long-distance tourer which wants quick access to snacks and water, these bags are usually a simple, efficient solution. They make life on two wheels just the little bit softer, and anything that allows you to spend more time riding plus less time digging through your luggage will be a win in my book.