What do you carry in your saddlebags and how do you organize it? I just put some RKC bags on my softail and am shocked at all the extra space I can fit a lot more tools now. Microfibers, a can of pledge, etc. But what else should I put in my bags? Saddlebags are completely new to me...

Drew

 

We all soon learn to balance the weight- even a few pounds can lead to an all day lean and a sore back or neck from correcting.

Depends what i am doing.

touring on my Classic, I have plenty of space and usually a Tbag for clothing ( and backrest) shop manual in tour pak

weighed my saddlebags before leaving for Sturgis ( 3 week trip) and saddlebags weighed in at 32 pounds each.

left saddlebag carried socket set, screwdrivers and fix a flat, can of mr sheen ( English pledge) rags, mechanics gloves, soap and cleaner. some bailing and electrical wire, tape and a set of bulbs ( most of this stuff in the airline goodie bags from the pointy end) and helmet

right bag had wrench set, a bunch of small tools 1/4" drive stuff, some nut drivers and voltmeter and tire plug kit, spare shoes, flip flops, rain suit. chaps toilet paper


for around town when tourpak is removed

leatherman, flashlight, insurance/reg etc, owners manual, chaps, rainjacket, leather vest, ballcap, gloves, knit cap, phone & ipod chargers etc. HOG road atlas
Has room in there for jacket as well ( HD Switchback with removable layers and some armor

Mike

 

I like my lid organizers in my saddlebags. In my saddlebags I always have:
-Eye Drops
-Travel size Saline Solution and Case
-Gum
-Fleece Face Mask (for cold or rain)
-Gloves (lightweight or cold weather)
-Chaps (spring and fall)
-Sweatshirt (year round)
-Small tool kit
-Clear glasses

Saddlebag lid organizers are real nice for keeping all that stuff organized.

 

Wow, I can bring all of that?

Drew

 

Of course having the trike now it's a little different buy with all tje baggers I've had in the past
Left bag held rainsuit, small tool roll, tire plug kit, Slime air compresser, half cover.
Right bag remained open for items bought.
Having a tour box, that's where gloves, glasses, atlas, bungie cords, ballcap, lunch for work and assorted items.
Now for extended trips I hooked up tje Bushtec trailer and we were ready to go.
The trailer has become like American Exprss, never leave home without it.

 

I would add some zipties also. Had to search all over at a ralley. Finally ended up with gorrilla tape

 

Gotta have zipties... and a little wire.

 

Snap-On tool kit, tire plug kit, mini compressor, clear glasses, Plexus, microfiber towel, Zooke, sunscreen, Chap-Stik, gum, flashlight, multi-tool, US road atlas, $40 cash, rainsuit, gloves, baseball hat, and a few other odds and ends.

I use those organizers that fit in the bottom of the bags.

 

As I am not very organised with what is in my bags I have found that those bank bags with zippers hold up pretty well for holding smaller items..

 

On a daily basis I have my rain suit and face mask, shock air pump, harley tool bag and my detachable rider backrest if it's not already installed. On the other side will be reg and insurance, flashlight, spare reflective vest and my reflective vest that is required to get on post, ball cap, winter gloves, atlas and something to drink. If i'm going on a longer ride and need more room I attach the king tour pac.