Saddlebag
Chase Harper
RipStream Saddlebags $155.95
The RipStream saddlebags from Chase Harper are full of features and built like a tank. Constructed from 1000 Denier Cordura with internal stiffeners, the last thing the RipStream feels like is cheap. Installation is easy, thanks to the "throw-over" design; simply join the Velcro straps from each bag over the rear seat, fasten the front and rear straps to something solid (license plate frame and passenger foot rest in our case) and the bags are set. An aluminized heat shield protects from exhaust heat and the reflective piping helps bring attention. Each bag has a 21 liter capacity with bungee nets atop to cram even more.
Dowco Fastrax Elite Series Sport And Adventure Tour Luggage Saddlebags $189.99
When it comes to style and features, the Fastrax line of luggage from Dowco is hard to beat. The saddlebags shown here feature adjustable heat shields, waterproof and lockable zippers, a non-scratch, no-slip rubberized base, a built-in rain hood and four inches of expansion capability. There's also a clear audio pocket and bungee webbing to fit a small lunch. The price to pay for all these features is a lengthy and arduous installation process that requires numerous straps crossing the width of the motorcycle before the bags are finally secure. Installation isn't as tedious on bikes without under-seat exhausts, but extra caution and careful routing needs to be taken on models so equipped.
Nelson Rigg CL950 Deluxe
Saddlebags $153.49
The premier saddlebag in the Nelson Rigg sport line, the CL950 was made with today's sportbikes in mind. Built-in heatshields protect the contents from any radiant heat. Main compartment dimensions equal nearly 20 liters, with an easy access dual zipper opening atop each bag. Like most of the other saddlebags, there are also large outer pockets for any miscellaneous items. Frontal mesh pockets are ideal for holding beverages (with tops, of course). Attachment to the bike is via large Velcro straps that hug tightly over the rear seat. Lower straps and quick-release snaps prevent them from shifting during riding. For even more storage space, the tail packs can connect to the saddlebags with external buckles.
Roadgear Compact Sport
SaddleBags $149.90
If there's one word to describe Roadgear luggage, it's unique. Those pleats you see all over the bag may look a bit unconventional, but it's what allows the bag to expand without the use of expansion panels like everyone else here. Foam inserts line the bag for stiffness, and though an individual bag is too small for partitions, an external pocket and a slash pocket in the lid provides storage space for smaller items. Attachment to the bike is a simple matter of attaching the two male ends of each strap over the rear seat and into the female ends of the matching bag. Bungee straps jut out from the bottom of each bag to secure to the motorcycle. Tighten the straps and secure the bungee cords and don't worry about the bags for the rest of the trip. Roadgear's simple and innovative design has been around for awhile now without any major changes. Probably because there's no need to fix what isn't broken.
Saddlemen
Sport Panniers
$139.95
The Sport Panniers is Saddlemen’s first real entry into the sportbike market. Expandable up to two inches, each bag has over 16 liters of storage capacity. Build quality is top notch, but as installation of the other panniers in this test was rather intuitive, we ran into a hurdle when trying to mount these. The instructions were confusing and installation was anything but intuitive. In short, the male end of the buckled straps reach over the rear seat and connect with the female end, with the lower D-ring clasps used to secure to an anchor point on the motorcycle. Seems simple, except the bags don’t have dedicated, directional straps (one male, the other female). When each bag is a mirror image of each other and the fasteners don’t provide any clues, securing them to the bike gets tricky.