Soft black leather saddlebags look better than anything else out there, but they're not always the most practical. Leather bags can be crushed, and few lock up to prevent theft. My bike, with its spine and ribs tank, has never had anything stolen off of it -- but that doesn't meant it'll never happen.
These hard ABS bags lock up, so you can bring your valuables on a trip without having to carry your bags into the gas station just because you want a soda. The durable shell will protect whatever you pack, and you can pack a good amount in these 18-inch by 6-inch by 11-inch bags. With both bags combined, you'll have over 2,000 cubic inches of storage.
One drawback to hard bags is that it is more difficult to cram oddly-shaped objects into them. The lack of exterior flexibility prevents you from abusing them in this way, but that's likely for the best.
Pre-wired running lights will give you that much more visibility on the open road. These don't cost much more than any other bag, and the locks and lights are certainly great features, but what really tempts is the weather resistance of ABS bags. A little bit of rubber around the rim makes a great seal, and you can ride through a hurricane and still pull out a dry pair of jeans.
Find these ABS Hard Saddle Bags:
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