subject: Revealing the history of Motorcycle Saddle bags [print this page] Revealing the history of Motorcycle Saddle bags
Saddle bags have been in use for quite a long time. Generally they are used for holding goods in an organized manner. Throw over Saddlebags are the one which were used for the very first time in 1950s. From throw over saddle bags, came the idea of hard mount saddle bag. So now there are two types of saddlebags in use.
During 1960's the motorcycle industry has gone through a growth phase. This growth renders the evolution of motorcycle stuff. With technological advancements in motorcycles, people started using their motorcycles for distant rides. So to carry goods, saddle bag became the best option.
Some of the riders had installed the saddle bags permanently to their motorcycles. This permanent installation boosted the reliability of the bag. It also contributed significantly in improving the overall look of the bike. So the saddle bag soon took the form of fashion and style.
Capitalizing on this trend, Indian Motorcycle Company and Harley Davidson start manufacturing motorcycles with a bar, to allow the riders to install the saddle bag without any hassle.
The same was followed by the Asian motorcycle companies' like Honda and Yamaha, when they extended their operations to North American market. Yamaha did an excellent job in this regard by leaving considerable space for the installation of the saddle bag, at the same time ensuring that the saddle bag is not impeded by the turn indicator.
During 1980s, the motorcycle companies comprehended that people are using bikes for distant rides. So they start offering motorcycles with the saddle bag made up of fiber glass. This idea was welcomed by the riders as it saved them from a big hassle.
Although the saddlebags installed originally by companies are quite common, even then there are a certain percentage of riders, who prefer leather saddlebags, mainly because of its customizable features.
With the popularity of the saddlebags, companies started manufacturing saddle bag with new ideas and innovations. As a modern approach, companies are designing the bags in a way that complements with the personality of the motorcycle, contributing significantly to the overall glamorous look of the motorbike.
