Wednesday, June 23, 2010

About Motorcycle Saddlebags

Motorcycle saddlebags come in many types, styles and materials. They are use to carry personal belongings, first aid kits and extra stuff. They can be decked out or plain, and are an easy way to carry gear around when traveling on a motorcycle.


History


Three men are credited with patenting motorcycle saddlebags: Stephen Galbraith, Thomas Wargin and R. Kirk Rasmussen. The official patent on the motorcycle saddlebag was filed in 2001 but was not accepted until 2004. Motorcyclist, however, have been rigging luggage or bags to motorcycles since motorcycles were invented in 1867 (the first motorcycle was invented by Stephen Roper and was coal-powered).


Function


The ultimate function of a motorcycle saddlebag is to carry and store stuff. The official patented motorcycle saddle bag is mounted onto the rear of a motorcycle just above the rear wheel. It is oblong in shape and has a hinged lid. The inside of the saddlebag is hollowed out and often has a protective lining. In this hollow area is where clothing, food, medical supplies or just stuff can be stored for travel.


Features


Each motorcycle saddlebag can be personalized or a standard version. It is all up to the motorcyclist tastes. The material used can be leather, canvas or other tough fabrics. Some saddlebags come with extra pockets for storing money, keys, wallets and cellphones, while other saddlebags may be generic or simple versions with one large holding space. Some features on a motorcycle saddlebag may be tassels, metal studs or leather embroidery.


Benefits


Motorcycle saddlebags can store just about anything you can think of. Instead of trying to fill jacket pockets, pants pockets and vest pockets with travel accessories a saddlebag gives the motorcyclist convenience. This is a place to store extra clothes, money, food and other niceties that may be needed when traveling. It also personalizes a motorcycle, as owners can decorate saddle bags according to their personal tastes.


Considerations


A few important things to keep in a motorcycle saddlebag are extra clothes, hidden money, a first aid kit, a Swiss army knife and a canned or dry meal. These things may come in handy when traveling a long country road in the middle of nowhere or just when you want to take a ride. You never know when you will need these extra items, so it is always good to keep them on hand.







Tags: motorcycle saddlebag, when traveling, extra clothes, Motorcycle saddlebags, saddlebags come