The Best In Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Mar 3, 2024
- 3 min read
I remember when I first realized I needed saddlebags. I was out riding with a buddy. It was cool that morning when we headed out. By mid day, it was a scorcher. I wanted to take off my jacket, but had no where to put it. It wound up in his saddlebag. I decided that couldn't happen again. I was riding metric bikes back then and wound up with a cheap set of bags that while functional, looked horrible. When I got my first Harley, I wanted a set of bags that gave me the functionality that I needed but wouldn't detract from the look of the bike. There are a lot of saddlebag options on the market, but I have found the bag options from Fox Creek Leather to be among the best quality and value.
Leather Saddlebag - Style
The saddlebag options from Fox Creek Leather look great on the bike. They have an old school cool look that can only be found with quality leather. They have a variety of styles to choose from to fit your desired style and your bike. You can choose between a pony express style with straight sides or an angled bag. I find the angled bags are great for Dyna's (like mine), Sportsters, or a metric bike with outboard mounted shocks.
Leather Saddlebag - Construction
They are made from good quality heavy weight leather. The weight of leather, actually refers to how thick the leather is. The bags from Fox Creek Leather are made from 8 to 10 ounce leather. That would measure from 1/8" to 5/32" in thickness. This heavy weight leather is ideally suited for motorcycles. No leather is waterproof. A heavy leather like this though can do a really good job of keeping everything in your bags dry. Especially true when you properly maintain your bags. The heavier leather adds some heft to the bag for a quality feel and will retain its shape much better than a lighter weight leather or, god forbid, vinyl.
Each of the saddlebag options from Fox Creek Leather are constructed in the same fashion. They all have a hard plastic back with some method of tie downs. The hard backing is very important. It allows the bag to hold it's shape. I've seen a lot of bags without this component get overstuffed or not tied down properly and rub on a pulley or brake rotor. Many riders have said that with the hard backing of the bag that they did not need saddlebag supports. I would still recommend them when using any saddlebag.
Leather Saddlebag - Options
When ordering from Fox Creek Leather, you get options. Not only can you choose which style of bag is best for you, but you have the option of a yoke or no yoke. If you aren't sure what that is, a yoke is an adjustable piece of leather that goes under your back seat to attach the bags to your bike. Saddlebags with a yoke are referred to as Throw-Over Saddlebags. If you order a set of bags without a yoke, you will need additional mounting hardware. A hard mounted bag does look cleaner, but the throw-overs are much easier to install and versatile. I also really like the old school feel of throw-overs.
Some of the bags offered also give the choice of color, brown or black. There is an upcharge for the brown bags, but it's pretty reasonable. Some of the Fox Creek bags give you an option for a wider bag, which adds a lot of capacity.
One of the best things about all of the leather products from Fox Creek Leather is that they are made in America! It is such a hard thing to find these days. Fox Creek Leather has a really interesting business model. They are based in Virginia, but work with Leatherworkers across the country to delivery great quality products at a very fair price. Be sure to check out our review of their motorcycle vest options as well!
If you are in the market for a great set of Leather Saddlebags, you will not be disappointed with any of the offerings from Fox Creek Leather.