Choosing the Best Saddlebags for Your Harley Davidson Sportster
May 16, 2022
If you're a Harley Davidson Sportster rider, then you know that having the right saddlebags is important. After all, you need to be able to carry your gear with you when you're on the road. But with so many different saddlebags available, it can be tough to choose the right ones. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the best Harley Sportster saddlebags. We'll tell you what to look for and how to find the perfect bags for your bike. Read on to get started.
Consider the Size of the Saddlebags
The size of the saddlebags is important for both Harley Davidson Sportsters and riders. If the bags are too small, you won’t be able to fit all of your gear. If they're too big, they will look out of proportion and may even impede your ability to ride. The best saddlebags for Sportster cruisers range in size from 12 to 22 inches. When deciding on the size of the saddlebags, consider the amount of storage you need.
If you plan on taking long trips, you'll need larger bags. For shorter rides, smaller saddlebags will suffice. Harley Davidson Sportster riders can also choose between hard and soft saddlebags. Hard Harley Sportster saddlebags are more durable and offer more protection for your belongings, while soft bags are easier to maneuver and usually cost less.
Ensure They Are Made from High-quality Materials
After deciding on a proper size for your saddlebags, you should look at the quality of the materials. You want to make sure that the bags are made from high-quality leather or other durable materials. This will ensure that they last long and protect your belongings while you're riding. Most riders who buy saddlebags love spending time hitting the road, which means they're constantly exposed to the elements.
If you're one of these people, you'll want to make sure that your investment lasts. Another important factor to consider is the stitching. You want to make sure that your Harley Sportster saddlebags are stitched together properly. This will ensure that they don't fall apart while you're on the road. The last thing you want is for your belongings to spill out onto the highway.
Look for Saddlebags That Are Easy to Install and Remove
When choosing saddlebags for your Harley Sportster, you also need to consider the ease of installation and removal. You want to be able to easily take them on and off when you need to, without having to struggle or spend a lot of time doing so. The best saddlebags for Sportster cruisers come with easy-to-follow instructions and don't require any special tools or skills to install.
For instance, throw-over design saddlebags with secure straps are usually the easiest to take on and off, while hard-mounted saddlebags may require some drilling or other modifications. Look out for extra Harley Sportster saddlebag features like a dual-strap design for extra stability, an anti-sway feature to keep them from moving around too much while riding, and heavy-duty buckles built to last.
Choose a Style That Matches Your Bike and Personality
The Harley Sportster is a versatile bike that can be customized to fit your individual style. When it comes to choosing saddlebags, there are several factors to consider in order to find the perfect bags for you and your Harley.
- Functionality is an important aspect to think about when selecting saddlebags. Will you be using them for long-distance touring or just weekend getaways? Do you need storage for a laptop or other electronics? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options.
- Once you have an idea of the type of bags you need, it's time to start thinking about style. There are several different Harley Sportster saddlebags styles to choose from, so it's easy to find one that best suits your Harley and personality. You can either go for a classic look with leather saddlebags or choose a more contemporary or modern style with designer-style saddlebags.
Whichever route you decide to go, you'll want to maintain a balance between style and functionality when looking for the best saddlebags for Sportster cruisers. This will ensure that you have the perfect bags for both your Harley and your lifestyle.
Make Sure the Saddlebags Have Plenty of Storage Space
This may seem obvious, but your Harley Davidson Sportster is going to come with limited storage space. This means that you are going to have to be very choosy about the things that you take with you on your rides. The last thing that you want is to be caught without enough room to store all of your gear, especially if you love going on those fun road trips with riding buddies.
Harley Sportster saddlebags need to offer enough space for all of your gear. This means checking the storage compartments to see how much space is available and asking yourself some critical questions:
- Do the saddlebags have expandable sections?
- Are there smaller pockets for things like your phone and wallet?
- Are they easy to access while you are on the go?
- Is there a large storage space for things like helmets and jackets?
- What is the weight limit of the saddlebags?
- Are there lockable compartments?
You need to make sure that the Harley Sportster saddlebags have enough space for everything that you want to take with you on your rides. Otherwise, you are going to end up being very frustrated with your purchase.
Check Customer Reviews Before Making a Purchase
One of the best ways to ensure you're buying a quality product is to read customer reviews. Checking what other Harley Sportster owners have said about different saddlebags can help you narrow down your choices and make a decision. When reading reviews, pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. If there are more positive than negative reviews, that's usually a good sign.
However, even if there are mostly positive reviews, be sure to read what people have said about the product's cons. This can help you decide if the Harley Sportster saddlebags are right for you. Only read reviews on the vendor sites and third-party, verifiable sites to ensure they are real.
Buy Saddlebags at West End Motorsports
Now that you know what to look for in the best saddlebags for Sportster cruisers, it's time to start shopping. West End Motorsports is the perfect place to find saddlebags for your Harley. We carry a wide selection of Harley Davidson aftermarket parts and accessories, so you're sure to find the perfect custom upgrade to transform your bike.
We only carry Harley Sportster saddlebags from the top brands like Kuryakyn Luggage, Saddlemen Saddlebags, and Willie & Max, so you can be sure that you're getting a high-quality product. In addition, our team of experts is always available to answer any questions you have about choosing the right aftermarket parts and accessories for your Harley Davidson Sportster.