Compared to other means of conveyance, a motorcycle isn't exactly flush with ways to carry your personal belongings. If your bike doesn't have a dedicated storage compartment or a passenger car attached, then your only real option for carrying stuff is wearing a backpack, which can be a little tiring on a long-haul drive without some extra weight-alleviating tricks . Fortunately, there is a way to add some extra carrying capacity to your motorcycle, one inspired by the frontier travelers of old: saddlebags.

Much like the hearty bags hanging from the saddles of pioneer horses, motorcycle saddlebags are designed to latch onto both sides of the rear of the motorcycle seat. This adds a healthy amount of easily-accessible storage space, not to mention a bit of western flair to your ride's style. Saddlebags are readily available from a variety of manufacturers at your local motorsports shop, though before you run out to buy the first pair that catches your eye, you might want to make a checklist.

There are some factors you should consider in order to find the perfect pair of saddlebags for you and your ride. The first and most important question is whether or not your motorcycle is actually ready to rock a pair of saddlebags. Saddlebags are often designed with particular motorcycle models in mind, but you should definitely double-check that your particular ride can hold them, just in case.

Saddlebags are meant to be either attached or draped over the rear of the motorcycle seat. Th.