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Make sure to have the right motorcycle saddlebags for the trip you're going on. You can also include tank bags, handlebar bags, sissy bar bags, trunks and even trailers. It all depends on the traveling you do.
I prefer the hard saddle bags as apposed to leather bags. Most hard bags give you the option of having a fabric bag to place inside them making it easier to put clothes and belongings in and carry them to and from your bike.
If you use a sissy bar bag, try to keep the weight low. I've seen a lot of riders packing bags up high on their backrest and it makes the bike all that more top heavy. The lower you keep the weight, the better your bike will handle. That goes for loading up the bags as well, try to put the heavy items on the bottom of the bag. Make sure to secure them well. Use straps and not bungee cords. If they're not water proof, either put your belongings in plastic bags first, or put a plastic bag over the top of your sissy bar bag then secure it all down.
Handle bar bags are great for things you need access to without having to rummage through your clothes or other items stored. You can put tools, change, pens, smokes, anything small that you would like quick access to. Tank bags are also great for that and will hold things that are a bit larger. Get one with a clear map pocket on top so you can have a map tucked in there when you need to look at it. I would not get a tank bag that stands up too high, Personally I don't like things that tend to get in my way of controls etc. so that may be something to consider when looking into a tank bag.
Trunks are great for storage. Most trunks are big enough for a couple of helmets when not hauling gear so keep that in mind if you are purchasing an add on trunk for your bike. It's great for locking up your helmets when out and about. Again a trunk with a fabric bag to fit in it is a great thing to have. Trunks are also handy to mount electronics in like CB's, CD Players or even amps and speakers!
Trailers can be the ultimate "saddlebag", okay so maybe they are in a class by themselves and I talk about them elsewhere, but when the gear you are carrying just doesn't fit, it's better to pull it behind you than keep piling it higher and higher on your bike. Just remember, the higher you go with your gear, the more dangerous you make your ride.
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