Advantages and Disadvantages of Hard Mounted and Throw-Over Motorcycle Saddlebags

Saddlebags are the most popular type of motorcycle luggage bags as they are comparatively more useful than other luggage options. In old times, the term “saddlebags” was used for the luggage bags mounted on the back of the horse. It includes two bags connected through a strap in between so they can be easily hung on both sides. The same idea from horse riding was put into practice by bicycle riders and then by motorcyclists as they started using them for long-distance rides. Initially, the same throw-over saddlebags were installed on motorcycles to provide adequate storage space for riders to carry luggage. However, over time, as motorcycles continued becoming more advanced, the accessories and mounting options became more practical, urging motorcyclists to install hard-mounted saddlebags for a more rigid and feasible solution for longer rides. Continue reading this article to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of hard-mounted and throw-over motorcycle saddlebags.

Despite being an older concept of mounting saddlebags, throw-over saddlebags are still a preferred choice of many riders. The throw-over saddlebags usually include luggage bags that are made of soft and lightweight synthetic material that are easy to mount on the saddle without specialized mounting equipment. There may be one or two strong straps connecting the two bags and this same wide strap is passed over the saddle to keep the bags fixed in place. To make sure the throw-over saddlebags are fixed in place, the strap is sometimes pressed under the seat and then further small straps are used to tie the bags with the motorcycle frame or grab rails.

If you prefer the look of throw-over motorcycle saddlebags and find them more useful on a bike, Viking Bags offers supreme-quality 14L Patriot Small and 27 L Patriot Large Universal Motorcycle Throw-Over Saddlebags that are light, spacious, and easy to carry.

• Throw-over saddlebags are super easy to mount on a motorcycle. All you need to do is to make sure that the main center strap is attached to the bags and then just put the strap on the saddle with both bags hanging on either side of the bike.
• They are also cheaper as they do not come with specialized mounting assembly and tools to mount them on your motorbike.
• You do not need to spend money for the installation or require specialized assistance to mount throw-over saddlebags on your bike.
• They are the most ideal if you have to go on an unplanned trip and you do not have time to install hard-mounted saddlebags. Put all your necessary items and stuff in the saddlebags and fix the strap onto the saddle.
• These motorcycle bags are usually compact and light and they do not impact the overall handling of the bike and make it heavy.
• You do not have to keep specialized tools with you to install and remove the throw-over saddlebags from your motorcycle.

• Throw-over saddlebags do not provide a cleaner and perfect look to your motorcycle as they are not firmly mounted or bolted to the rear frame.
• The main strap connecting the saddlebags can sometimes make the riding experience uncomfortable for passengers, especially on long-distance rides.
• They are comparatively less safe than hard-mounted saddlebags as they incline more towards the rear wheel and can cause obstruction in the spinning of the wheel.
• Due to not being firmly mounted, throw-over saddlebags can move a lot during the ride, causing distraction to the rider.
• They are mostly made of soft material and are usually small and compact due to which they offer small storage space.
• They are not perfect for riders who prefer high-speed performance and adventure rides.

Hard-mounted saddlebags are the most advanced saddlebags which use solid and rigid mounting options like nuts and bolts to keep the bags fixed in place. These bags are usually made of hard materials, including fiberglass, metal, or ABS plastic. The leather saddlebags, which are quite popular on classic cruisers, also use hard-mounted assembly.

As most young riders will prefer, Viking Bags has a huge collection of versatile hard-mounted motorcycle saddlebags specially designed for your bike, including the large 28L Phantom painted hard saddlebags for H-D Softail Low Rider S current model and 26L large shock cutout leather saddlebags especially designed for the Honda Rebel 500.

• Hard-mounted saddlebags are the most frequently used and most popular luggage bag options nowadays.
• They are firmly installed on a motorcycle to restrict any sort of movement and vibrations during the ride.
• There are zero chances that the hard-mounted saddlebags will come off or fly away during the ride due to being firmly mounted.
• Hard-mounted saddlebags are also more spacious and wide. You can carry loads of stuff in hard-mounted saddlebags for long-mile tours and motorcycle trips.
• Hard-mounted saddlebags live longer and they do not deform easily as they are mostly made of hard material.
• Hard-mounted saddlebags are also a safer option compared to throw-over or soft saddlebags as they are rigid and there are zero chances of them coming closer to the rear wheel.
• Modern-day hard-mounted saddlebags are easy to mount and incorporate portable mounting assembly to install them easily on your motorbike in less time.

• Hard-mounted motorcycle saddlebags are overweight and slightly extended outwards, which can impact the leaning and handling characteristics of a motorcycle to a certain extent.
• They require special tools to mount them on the motorcycle’s rear end.
• You may be required to make changes to your motorcycle's rear end to install some of the hard-mounted saddlebags.
• If you do not have the required tools and skills, you must hire a professional to install hard-mounted saddlebags on your bike which can cost you extra.
• It can take a few minutes to an hour to install these bags securely on your motorbike.
• These saddlebags are also expensive as they include mounting assembly.

Hard-mounted and throw-over motorcycle saddlebags have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and riders may argue which one is the best depending on their preferences and style of riding. However, most modern factory-made bikes come with stock hard-mounted saddlebags as they are popular, safe, secure, and clean-looking luggage bag options. Throw-over saddlebags are good for a rugged look on a customized motorcycle, especially café racers. However, utility-wise, hard-mounted saddlebags are more trendy and useful for long-haul touring and multi-day motorcycle trips.