Motorcycle Luggage Review
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Photo courtesy of Dowco
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Since motorcycles do not come with trunks like a car, finding ways to carry
everything one might need can be challenging. In order to satisfy a customer’s
need for storage, either on the commute to work or a long leisure ride,
manufacturers have come up with multiple ways enthusiasts can store their
essentials without making their bikes too bulky. To ensure your customers don’t
leave home forgetting something, take a look at these latest motorcycle luggage
products.
Megan Vickers
Assistant Editor |
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Ace Leather
Products
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“We have recently introduced our
Buckaroo finish saddlebag and tool bag line,” informed
Ace Leather Products owner Allen Hatcher, who added, “The finish is
made exclusively for us from an old process used in the saddle
trade. The finish enhances the grain and adds a deep luster.” The
bags are said to be available in both plain and decorated versions
and they are reportedly priced moderately. These bags offer good
looks and are made to last unlike thin leather and plastic units,
said Hatcher. “We are seeing owners of mid to expensive bikes
looking to Ace for unique designs and quality,” he explained,
adding the company’s sales are up, especially in its higher priced
items. “Buyers want a good looking quality item for cool cruisers,”
he told dealers. |
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Auburn Leather Company
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The Rock Solid Collection features brass chrome plated hardware, heavy nylon thread and salt tested rivets, explained
Auburn Leather Company’s Shannon Bess. Every major panel is reinforced and the bags come with quick release buckles for easy access, noted
Bess. “We are seeing more product ‘knock offs’ of US made products being imported and sold at cheaper prices,” she told us, adding, “The quality of these products in most cases is poor and dealers and end users return to the better made US products, after having a bad experience with quality, returns and availability.” Sales, she said, are very close compared to what they were last year. She explained, the company attributes the lack of growth to imports, the sluggish economy, gas prices and the weather. “We are firm believers in package selling,” Bess stated. She concluded by saying, “If all dealerships will implement a package sell program with their F&I, unit sales and parts and accessories departments to sell all bikes ‘dressed’ they would see their numbers increase dramatically!” |
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Bags-Connection
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“Bags-Connection Quick-Lock tank bags don’t use magnets or straps to attach to the motorcycle. Instead, a small horseshoe-shaped bracket is permanently installed around the collar of the motorcycle’s gas cap,” described Erik Stephens, president of Twisted Throttle, Bags-Connection’s exclusive North American distributor. “This system does not allow the tank bag to touch the tank, preventing scratches commonly associated with use of magnetic or strap tank bags,” said Stephens, who added, “Optional add-ons for the tank bags include a map holder,
GPS/iPod mount, interior light and map light.” Quick-Lock tank bags are said to be available for all makes of metric motorcycles with aircraft-style gas caps. “Luggage is becoming much more integrated with the look of the motorcycle, often blending with the lines of the bike,” described Stephens, who continued, “It’s becoming a seamless part of your motorcycle that often integrates other features, such as gadget mounts, electrical charging systems, lighted map holders and more.” Sales of the Quick-Lock tank bags are up significantly from last year, he noted. Stephens told stores, “By providing installation services and helping customers fit higher-end, comprehensive luggage systems to the bike, dealers can roll a total luggage solution into the sale of a new motorcycle, significantly increasing the profit generated by a single bike sale while helping customers get the most touring use out of their new bike.”
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Boss Bags
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The triple windshield pouch is the latest from Boss
Bags, reported President Greg Campbell. “We make them for FLH models with fairings #43 and ones for regular windshields that is a multi-fit #33 (pictured),” he described, adding, “The center pouch is large enough for sunglasses and more, while the outside pockets can hold cigarettes and garage door openers.” These pouches are said to be made of leather and reportedly come with Velcro closures and attach very easily to the motorcycle. Campbell said Boss Bags has noted an increase in the number of accessory bags available, from windshield pouches, to handlebar pouches, to trunk bags and that their sales of these types of bags are up from the year prior. “I believe one of the reasons for this is that they can be matched to our saddlebags,” he explained. Campbell said that it is important for dealers to know that Boss Bags can fit so many different variations of bikes and that sometimes it would be easier for them to just call to find out which pieces would fit what they are looking for. |
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CAO Distributing
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“As in the past, every season we add revolutionary new products to our product line,” said
CAO Distributing. The company announced, “This season, we would like to introduce you to Edge Saddlebags.” These bags are said to come in
Tek-leather as well as real leather. The Edge bags are completely reinforced in all critical points and the wheel side of the bags is reportedly made of special unbreakable plastic. The bags feature a metal reinforced top rim covered in leather, rot proof stitching, riveted stress points, chrome-plated studs and buckles, plus quick release buckles and a removable shoulder strap, said
CAO. “These bags are universal and will work on almost any bike with almost any hardmount saddlebag system,” the company concluded. |
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CMSI Motorsports
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Garret Haider, vice president of marketing and sales at
CMSI Motorsports told us, “The Urban Messenger bag mixes technical components with hip styling. The shoulder strap features a non-slip padded material with reflective stripes that connects with a stylish airplane seat belt buckle. The main flap secures with two metal toggle clasps. Assorted pockets stash all your belongings.” It is reportedly sized to fit a small laptop, with dimensions measuring 17 inches by 11 inches. With the rising cost of fuel, more people are commuting on their bikes and consumers are looking for more variety and style, noted
Haider. His advice is, “Not only should dealers have a good selection of bags, but they need to display them on select bikes.” |
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Cortech
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Helmet House National Marketing Manager Richard Kimes told us the latest in the company’s
Cortech line is the all-new Super 18 liter tank bag, which features a protective non-slip, non-scratch base, expandable main compartment and a top flap internal organizer. There is an internal removable shield tote, a Clear-Vu removable map pocket, an external eyeglass case and a media center personal media pocket, he explained. In the Tour Master line is “the
Tour Master Cruiser II sissybar bag with a new universal mounting system that is designed to handle mounting this bag on sissybars up to 14 inches wide,” said
Kimes. The exclusive, removable Neoprene pads help protect the bike’s finish and the sissybar’s chrome and the all-new and improved universal mounting system is very secure, extremely adjustable and holds the bag in place without sagging – even when it’s not full, he added. Kimes said he has noticed, “More emphasis is being made on ‘luggage systems’, something Tour Master pioneered several years ago, in that riders want tail bags and saddlebags that work together, share integrated mounting systems and offer cleaner styling than a mix and match approach.” Sales of the Cortech and Tour Master luggage products are up considerably since 2006, divulged
Kimes, who added, “Our use of superior materials and construction methods as well as the new technologies we are bringing to luggage systems have made us the leader in the luggage market.” Displaying luggage on a bike (or two) is a great way to raise awareness of the luggage products your store offers, while also allowing your customers to see how the luggage fits and works on the bike, Kimes stated. |
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Deemeed
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Adam Malec, PB GMbH, a German and Polish manufacturer of
Deemeed high-quality motorcycle bags, liners for saddlebags, rain covers for luggage and motorcycle seats, told us the company manufacturers the following bag models: the Voyager1 (1.9 cu. ft.), Voyager 2 (2.1 cu. ft.), Voyager 3 (2.6 cu. ft.), Rolly 1 (0.64 cu. ft.), Rolly 2 (1.2 cu. ft.), Rolly 3 (1.54 cu. ft.) and a small gear bag (10.12 cu. ft.). The bags are made of strengthened polyester with an inner waterproof coat and come with a sewn-in ring system to fasten a cargo net, said
Malec. “Reflective side, front and back strips make you visible at night,” he noted, and the bags also feature an anti-slip rubber pad in the bottom area to prevent damage to the bag below the surface, a removable bottom insert and a handle, shoulder strap and backpack straps makes these bags easy to transport. |
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Dowco
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“Dowco’s new Fastrax Sport and Adventure Luggage Elite Series (pictured on pg. 32) feature great design, loads of storage and nine color options in one box so riders can add a splash of color to complement their bikes,” said Marketing Coordinator Angela
Lettenberger. The Fastrax bags feature lockable, waterproof zippers, clear electronics storage for MP3 players with audio/power ports, hydration bladder storage, attached sewn-in rain hoods, adjustable storage expansion, lockable security cables and more, she described. “Fastrax works with virtually any sport or adventure bike model,” Lettenberger added. Riders are looking for accessories that are innovative and designed with their needs in mind, she noted, adding, Dowco’s sales are up over last year. Selling motorcycle luggage should be easy; it is the one essential item riders need if they are planning on doing any serious riding, explained
Lettenberger, who concluded by saying some riders need more capacity, while others can get by with one bag. |
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EMGO International
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The Buffalo Bar pack, Buffalo Softside bags and the Buffalo backrest bag are the latest from
EMGO International, divulged Operations Manager Greg Tysor. “The Buffalo Bar pack is a two piece pack system that fits on most luggage racks and sissy- bars. It includes mesh side pockets, roll bag, cargo net and a removable, waterproof liner,” described
Tysor. The Buffalo Softside bags are said to be double lined with internal stiffeners so the bags maintain their shape and the bags also reportedly feature cross straps for easy installation. “The Buffalo backrest bag is a huge 1,560 sq. inch double wall bag that mounts on a
backrest/sissybar,” he added. There are more choices than ever before, noted
Tysor, who told us EMGO’s sales are the same as last year. His advice is simple: “Display [the bags] on a bike - no exception.” |
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GIVI USA
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“The T450 trolley bag attaches to either GIVI Monokey or Monolock mounting hardware and is the perfect daily commuting bag,” stated
GIVI USA Chairman Paul Collins. He said he has noticed that besides the increase in competition, manufacturers are putting more effort in the design and features of their bags to utilize the ever-increasing technology offered to enhance motorcycle riding. Collins told us the company’s sales are the same compared to 2006 and that retailers should know the price, features, warranty and availability of each of the bags they offer. |
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Kimpex
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The latest luggage product from Kimpex is the Sissybar Bag and Roll RoadPAK, reported Marketing Project Leader Marie-Josée Turcotte. Made of a nylon textile 1680D with PVC backing, the bag comes with polyester webbing, nylon #8 with steel zipper-puller, metal D-rings, hooks and plastic buckles, as well as 3M reflective material and Lumidex reflective material on the side panel, she described. The bags also include a waterproof cover, a tie-down strap in the main compartments, a retractable handle that locks into position for transport and the exterior workstation includes pen/pencil loops, a business card/I.D. holder and pockets for additional notebook accessories, Turcotte explained. She concluded by saying the top roll can be mounted to the sissybar alone. |
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The Leatherworks
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Aimée Thacher, President of The Leatherworks stated, “We have introduced several new products over the last several months. We have added key locks as an option that will work with most of our saddlebags with the box top lids.” This new lock reportedly allows the bags to be secured and, because the lock is located in the body of the bag, they cannot be cut off. Thacher said she has noticed that in the luggage market, the quick detachable items, such as iPod cases, water bottle holders, pockets or saddlebags, are continuing to grow. “The customers want to be able to take it with them and not worry about it being stolen or not having it permanently mounted,” she explained. “Customers like to be given choices,” said
Thacher, who concluded, “Dealers should have a couple of options of saddlebags available, whether displayed or in catalogs.” |
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Marsee Products
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The Corona Tank Bag for BMW, Ducati and Triumph motorcycles is the latest from
Marsee Products, informed National Sales Manager Marc Benson. The new bag can easily be mounted to the gas cap and doesn’t touch the gas tank, he explained, adding, the tank bag features closed cell foam and semi-rigid exterior, plus a waterproof interior and a poly carbonate map pocket. “Competition is strong and the consumer is getting the best quality product available, at a great price,” Benson told us. With the price of gas increasing, motorcycle touring is down, he said, therefore, Marsee’s sales are also down. “For 2007, the Corona tank bags will be available in 15 liter Tour Pocket, 10 liter Rocket Pocket and 6 liter Ciao Borsa configurations and are available for many BMW, Ducati and Triumph motorcycles,” Benson concluded. |
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OGIO International Motorsports
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The No Drag is a sleek backpack for street bike enthusiasts, said
OGIO International Motorsports National Sales Manager Andy Donahue. “The sleek design is geared to the commuter or student who will carry a laptop, helmet, extra pair of shoes, clothes, or anything else for a nice ride with no drag,” explained Donahue, who added, “Design and application is the key to the motorcycle luggage market. Whether it’s a laptop sleeve or an iPod pocket, the product must meet the daily needs of the consumer to make their travel both comfortable and efficient.” Sales are up with the introduction of OGIO’s new technology and design in the industry, divulged Donahue. Stores need to look for quality, durability and OGIO’s 30 year warranty so they feel confident in standing behind their products, he added. |
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Shock Doctor
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“The Power Dry Helmet Bag not only carries and protects your helmet, but when connected to the Power Dry Blower, dries and refreshes your helmet between rides, races or practice sessions,” stated
Shock Doctor Director of Communications Nell Hurley. “The Power Dry Helmet Bag is constructed of ballistic nylon and form fitting neoprene,” she described, adding, “The bag is easy to carry, with a soft handle on top, or it may be fastened to the Shock Doctor Racer Backpack.” It reportedly comes in shapes and sizes that accommodate GT (forced air)/Formula helmets,
moto/BMX/crew helmets and helmets with HANS attached. One thing she said she has noticed is that consumers are spending a lot of money on gear and so they have a vested interest in protecting it with high quality luggage. “Consumers want bags that look and perform great and can be used for a variety of applications, whether it’s road travel, or air travel, or whether it’s long-term travel or short-term travel,” explained Hurley, who continued, “The more versatile the luggage, the better.” Shock Doctor just introduced its motorsports bags this year, divulged Hurley, so they cannot comment on how their sales are doing. However, she did wish to tell dealers that Shock Doctor’s motorcycle luggage can be used for all types of travel. |
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Sumax
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Kirk Van Scoten, owner of Sumax told us the latest products from the company are the Hard Saddlebags for Harley FL Touring and Softail bikes. “The fiberglass bags are made here at our facility with closed molds, which are environmentally friendly – no emissions – and produce perfect parts,” said Van
Scoten, who continued, “The bags feature a torque hinge to the rear that holds the lid in place so it doesn’t come slamming down on your hands and a chrome lockable latch up front.” The interior of the bag is said to be finished in a dark heather trunk lining and double seals make it waterproof. The outside is finished in a grey primer gelcoat finish for easy sanding, he said, adding, “The bags come in stock width and 2 1/2 inches wider resulting in 30 percent more cargo space.” Since baggers are in, Van Scoten said Sumax also offers matching bagger fenders with and without lighting and stainless steel support brackets to complete the package. Sales on their bags are way up due to the ‘made in the USA’ quality, he noted. There are two things a store should know when selling these bags, Van Scoten advised, “A product on display sells itself and big bags lower the center of gravity on the bike.” |
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U.S. Saddlebag Co.
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“The Quick-Release leather saddlebags are designed to fit most cruisers,” reported
U.S. Saddlebag Co. owner Peter Roderick, who added, “The black powder-coated frame kit simply fastens to the motorcycle with two bolts and the patented quarter-turn quick release system allows for secure installation and removal of the saddlebags in a matter of seconds.” The saddlebags also feature quick release front belts for easy access, Velcro sealed and heavy-duty YKK vislon nylon zippers, stainless steel buckles and rivets, plus a custom formed high-density lightweight polypropylene back piece, described Roderick. “People are looking for quality products at reasonable prices and that’s what U.S. Saddlebag is offering,” he explained, adding, “Sales are up since last year due to the increasing popularity of the saddlebags.” By installing saddlebags and accessories on a motorcycle and then displaying the vehicle on the showroom floor, stores can increase their sales, Roderick concluded. |
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Willie & Max
Saddlebags
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The latest product from Willie & Max Saddlebags
is the High Pipe Saddlebag, “designed to fit motorcycles with high pipes or dual pipes on one side,” noted Vice President Rick Mullis. “It is designed to clear the pipes, but long enough to carry a lot of gear and still look great,” he stated, adding, this saddlebag is available in three styles: standard, braided and studded. Personal customization is one trend he said he has noticed in the luggage market. “Every biker wants a look that is unique and distinctive. We also hear from our customers that they want U.S. made products that carry a solid warranty and can be easily returned for upgrades, modifications or repairs,” he explained. Willie & Max’s sales for 2007 are up, thanks to the use of the Internet to educate its dealers and customers about the company’s products, divulged Mullis. “We have also expanded our manufacturing capabilities to deliver our products on time,” he added.
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With the wide variety of bags luggage manufacturers offer these days, it should be no problem for your customers to find something that’s perfect for them. As a number of these companies stated, keeping the bags displayed on a bike on the showroom floor can entice riders to buy them, which can increase overall sales. We hope you enjoyed this month’s motorcycle luggage feature and remind you to check out our reports on motorcycle textile products and street apparel, elsewhere in this issue.
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