Motorcycle Saddle Bags  
   
   
   

Which Bag Size is Right for You?

 

Pictures for Bag Size Comparison Only - Attachment Options Not Shown:

 Testimony from Satisfied Customers  XL, Large, Medium-Large, Medium, Small  see the videos

 

Extra Large Saddle Bag
Large Saddle Bag
Medium-Large Size Biker's Friend Bag
Medium Size Biker's Friend
Small Biker's Friend

 

Bag Size Comparison Chart: Gallons per Bag Size

         from left to right: Extra Large, Large, Medium/Large, Medium, Small

Technical Information: Each bag contains a solid inner core that is surrounded by synthetic leather material.
Measures XL  & XLB *Large & LB Med-Large & MLB Medium Small
OVERALL Measure of Core Including Material (no pad)

Diameter "  x  Length "

Core Only Outside Diameter 12.24" 12.24" 10.20"

 10.20"

  8.16"

Core Only Inside Diameter 12" 12" 10"

10"

  8.0"

Core Wall Thickness .151" .151" .151"

 .151"

 .126"

Core Circumference  38.45" 38.45" 32.04"

  32.04"

  26.64"

Core Length 18.5" 14.5" 18.5"

 14.5"

  14.5"

Core Weight  6.0 lbs 4.5 lbs 4.0

3.5 lbs

2.5 lbs

Cubic Inches 2070 1622 1437

1126

  720

Cubic Feet  1.2 .94 .83

 .65

  .42

Liquid Quarts  29.8 23.4 20.7

 16.2

 10.4

Gallons  8.96 7.02 6.22

4.88

 3.12

Price $249.95 - $149.95 $229.95 - $139.95 $219.95 - $129.95 $209.95 $189.95

Notice the XL and large are the same diameter the only difference is in the bag length. The medium-large and medium are also the same diameter, but have a different length. The small bag has a different diameter.

You get two backrest pads with the XL, Large, Medium-Large, and Medium bag. This extra pad can be attached to the Velcro on the back of the bag and in front of the sissy bar. In this way, you can effectively push the bag forward about two more inches. You can use any kind of spacer between the bag and the sissy bar to move the bag as forward as you like.

see the videos     Need a recommendation of which bag size is right for you?    Click here

Overview: download brochure

There are five size Biker's Friend Saddle Bags- Extra Large, Large, Medium-Large, Medium and Small. See the above table for details. The XL bag is made for a road trip or a rider that wants lots of room. It will surely hold one full size helmet, one 3/4 size helmet, and still have room to spare. In most cases, it is possible to get two full face helmets in the XL bag  The XL bag is perfect for a bigger bike also such as a Honda Valkyrie, Yamaha Road Star,  VTX 1800,  and all the 1500cc bikes and larger. These large cruisers have a big passenger seat and benefit from the XL bag's larger diameter and length. However, the XL bag works fine on many of the mid-size cruisers.  Should you want any of the bags without the backrest pads and lumbar roll, we will take twenty dollars off the price of the bag.

The Large bag is the exact same diameter as the XL bag. The only difference is in the length of the bag. The XL bag (including material) is 19 inches and the large bag is 15 inches Many riders do not want the large look of the XL bag and/or don't need all the storage it has too offer. Yet, they want to benefit from the larger diameter, the ability to hold a full face helmet, and get the most back support.

The Medium-Large size is the same diameter of the medium bag, but with the length of the XL. So, for those riders on a bike with a smaller seat that does not allow them to utilize the XL or Large because the bag may push them too far forward, or they don't like the larger look, the Medium-Large provides more storage and optimal back support with a lower profile. For example, for a Harley V-Rod or Sportster owner that is about six feet tall, the XL and large bag may push the rider too far forward in the seat. One option would be to remove the sissy bar pad and the bag will go back about two inches so the bag no longer forces the rider forward. However, for those that do not want to remove the sissy bar pad, or for those that do and it still does not allow them to lean back as they like, the Medium-Large (and the Medium) solve the problem with a diameter that is two inches less than the XL and Large. Now suppose you only want an around town bag. The medium would be fine, but for those that want to travel overnight or have more things to carry, the Medium-Large provides 25% more storage space than the Medium.

The Medium Bag holds two half helmets but not a full or 3/4 size. Just for fun, I was able to get 30 cans of beer with no ice in the Medium Bag. So, it has plenty of room. I can get 17 cans of soda with no ice in the small bag and 48 cans in the Large bag. The XL bag holds 60! The smaller bag is great for a smaller bike, scooter or for someone who  just likes the look of a lower profile bag. Rest assured we will get the right bag for you. We have a very good idea which size bag is the perfect bag for your bike. So, feel free to call us if you are unsure. Should your initial selection just not work, you have 15 days to exchange the bag. (see guarantee)

Factors such as your height, reach, handlebars, seat, and riding style all effect which bag fits you best. Both bags provide storage and outstanding back support. They differ only in styling and in diameter. (XL and Medium Bag) 

NOTE: When you install our bag, and feel it is pushing your too far forward, it is possible to still get the right fit. If you have a sissy bar with a sissy bar pad that can be removed, simply detach it and our bag will move back the 1.5 to 2 inches (width of your pad). When you feel the bag is too far back simply insert the extra pad between the sissy bar and the bag. If this is not enough use another spacer of some kind. For example, an inexpensive half helmet can sit on your passenger seat. The helmet strap goes around the sissy bar and the bag rests against the helmet. So, don't think your bag size choice is more critical than it is. You have the ability to move the bag back or forward two inches or more if necessary.

Height & Reach:

Shorter riders usually have a shorter reach. This puts them more forward in the seat. Thus, the XL and the Large bag may fit them better as it will extend further from the sissy bar. A taller rider with a longer reach may actually be farther back in his seat and the smaller bag may allow them to lean back more and not be forced forward. For example, I know one rider who is 6' 3" tall and rides a Road King. Because of this (and the type of seat he has) the XL and Large bags do not allow him to lean back as much as the Medium/Small bag does. Because he already has saddle bags and doesn't like the way the seat insert forces him too upright and forward, the Medium or Small bag works best for him. Similarly, a shorter rider on a Sportster or Dyna model may prefer the XL or Large bag. 

Handlebars:

Straight bars force the rider forward on the seat making it more difficult to lean back against the small bag. One of the XL/Large bags would work best. Buckhorn handlebars with pullback risers position the rider further back. Actually, this set up really allows you to lean back against any size bag. Other handlebar sizes, styles, and shapes will effect just how far back you can lean against the Biker's Friend Saddle Bag. 

Seat: 

The saddle bag sits on the seat between the rider and the sissy bar. That portion of the seat varies in length from bike to bike. For example, on this Fat Boy seat, the distance between the sissy bar and where the passenger's portion of the seat ends, is about 12 ".  Remember, the backrest / lumbar roll attaches to the bag and adds some width. 

Generally, if your measurement between the back of the sissy bar and where the passenger's portion of the seat ends (see picture) is 9" - 11" the medium bag works fine. If the distance is between 7" to 9",  you will probably need the smaller bag. Should this measure exceed 11" the XL or Large bag would fit the best. However, the medium and small bag can fit on any seat. A spacer of some kind between the bag and sissy bar can be added to push the bag forward. (see picture) (We offer two back pads on the XL, Large, and Medium bags. The extra one works nicely for this.)

Don't have a passenger seat or luggage rack? Check out the Biker's Friend Fender Guard. This protective pad affixes to your fender with six suction cups that won't scratch your paint. The basic version is great for resting the saddle bag on while the deluxe version also can be used as a passenger seat.

Riding Style: 

Finally, your Saddle Bag selection may be influenced by your riding style. Personally, I prefer to lay back against the bag, in a very relaxed and comfortable manner. I don't like being too upright or leaning forward. Some riders do, however. There is no right or wrong. What is right, is what is right for you. Some people think the XL bag is best for long trips, while the large and medium-large bags are best for shorter rides. Other's prefer the lines of the medium or small bag. Look at the pictures we have on this site. Review the material. You really can't go wrong with any bag size. See installation notes for details on attaching the bag to your bike.

see the videos   Need a recommendation of which bag size is right for you? Click here

Above all we want you to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable riding experience. Any concerns, comments, suggestions, or input you have regarding our products is welcome. Please call, write, or email us anytime at: 1+ 866-950-7500 (toll free). back to top
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See more pictures of the Biker's Friend Saddle Bag on these motorcycles:

Harley Suzuki Honda - VTX Yamaha Kawasaki Big Dog Various

Biker's Friend LLC, St. Charles, MO
See Online Demo  (requires high speed connection)  Testimony from Satisfied Customers