Evaluate how well Motorcycle Luggage meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in motorcycle luggage and you've learned about the different features of motorcycle luggage. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of motorcycle luggage - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the motorcycle luggage available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare the short-listed motorcycle luggage to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Motorcycle Luggage meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available motorcycle luggage in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any motorcycle luggage that is unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any motorcycle luggage that clearly exceeds your price limit.
Flexibility, ease of use, capacity, and durability are probably the most important considerations when you are looking for the right type of luggage for your bike. It is probably fairly obvious to you already that the kind of luggage you purchase will depend on the type of riding that you do and the kind of motorcycle that you have. Integrated luggage offers the most durable options as well as the most durability (it is always hard and strapped on securely) but this type of luggage is only available on large touring bikes. These motorcycles are for the committed tourer only (you can count on going for extensive trips at least two months of the year) or for the financially liberated.
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The most important step in determining if luggage meets your needs is deciding what exactly you will need to carry on a given trip.
Backpacks as a form of luggage are very common, and there are several adjustments that have been made to make them more convenient for the motorcyclist. Courier style one strap bags offer the maximum amount of comfort and load bearing for your back; always remember that when you are using a backpack as luggage, it is you rather than the motorcycle that is bearing the weight. Backpacks with a water compartment are a great way to stay refreshed, hands free, while on a trip.
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Backpacks are good for riders who make quick day trips, but they won't store a lot of goods for a long haul. In addition, storing hard, sharp, or pointed objects in a backpack on a motorcycle can be dangerous in the event of a spill, so the objects you can carry are limited.
Tank bags are an increasingly popular type of motorcycle luggage. These bags sit in front of the rider on the fuel tank, and can double as map holding devices. In addition, there are several types of tank bags that can convert to backpacks if you are out on a scenic tour. Tank bags are held in place with bungee cords or with magnets, each of which has its pros and cons. Bungee cords offer a lot of flexibility but they need to be covered with soft material to prevent damage to your bike's finish. Strong magnets seem ideal, but they will limit the items you can carry; magnets are damaging to any digital information and that can include bank cards! Tank bags sit right on the motorcycle's centre of gravity, so they do not have a lot of impact on the way the bike handles.
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Tank bags also mean that you will have to take your luggage on and off every time you stop for gas. This is a bit of an inconvenience, but compared to some of the adjustments that must be made with other types of luggage is fairly minor.
Rear seat bags and all-in-one bags are designed to sit behind the rider on the motorcycle. This position means that they have the most effect on the handling of the bike, and may take some time to get used to; the more items packed, the greater the difference will be. Rear seat bags sit where the passenger would on a motorcycle, which of course means that they are used by solo riders.
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Lumbar rolls are an important feature on rear seat luggage types as they allow some support and comfort for the rider's back. Rear seat luggage lacking the lumbar roles can press on the lower back of the rider and cause enduring discomfort.
Saddlebags are the most popular items when it comes to motorcycle luggage, and as a result there are more options and considerations with saddlebags than any other type of luggage (also see the
123Buyz guide to buying Motorcycle Saddlebags).
The first choice that has to be made by the motorcycle owner is whether to get hard or soft saddlebags. Hard saddlebags retain their shape and are usually the only types of luggage that can be locked or have a fixed alarm system integrated, but they can never be totally removed from the bike. Soft saddlebags are removed through a system of buckles or clips. In order to retain their shape and the overall appearance of the bike, soft saddlebags should contain an interior framing made of mild steel or an alternative material.
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Hard saddlebags clip on and off the mounting racks. The detachable parts are like any suitcase and can be carried in and out of airports and hotels. Both hard and soft saddlebags require mounting hardware, and this can mean additional expense if the saddlebags are not compatible with the turn signals on your motorcycle. Saddlebags can be purchased specific to certain bikes, or a separate turn signal kit can be used to move the location of the turn signals on the bike to accommodate the luggage.
Luggage that sits on the rear seat or around the seat in saddlebag formation is susceptible to damage from the heat of the engine and the fumes of the exhaust. In fact, luggage that sits too low on the bike may even catch on fire from over heating. It's important to measure the space between the luggage and the heat sources of your bike. If there's not enough room, you can purchase protective guards made of chrome to sit between the heat source and the luggage, deflecting the damaging effects.
When you were considering your requirements in motorcycle luggage it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as bag type, size, flexibility of use, security and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various motorcycle luggage meets your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Types
- Backpack - single strap, double strap, 1 to 3 compartments, water compartment
- Saddlebag/Rolls - hard, soft (restrictions with clearance), Sissy bag
- Under seat
- Tank bags - map holders, can be converted to backpacks
- Rear seat bags
- Integrated
- All-in-one bags - rectangular
- Fork bag/switchback
- Tool pouch
- Dash/windshield pouch
Security
Manoeuvrability/attachment
- Mounting hardware - brass, steel
- Buckles
- Bungee cords
- Nylon webbing - clips, hooks
- Magnets
- Rollers
Bike specifics
- Turn signal location
- Head lights and licence plate positions
Access
Durability
- Exterior materials - leather (cow, kangaroo, synthetic), vinyl
- Reinforced interior materials - powder coated steel
- Liners
- Ultra violet protection
Placement
- Under seat
- Around seat - saddlebags
- Sissy bar
- Front panel - glove box
- Passenger seat
- Behind seating
Adjustments
- Turn signal relocation kit
- Protective guards - chrome
- Heat shield
- Water proof covers
- Lumbar roll
Appearance
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your motorcycle luggage needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in motorcycle luggage.
Once you have finished evaluating the motorcycle luggage available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the motorcycle luggage one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well Motorcycle Luggage compares with competing Motorcycle Luggage
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of motorcycle luggage that meets your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of motorcycle luggage that stands out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which motorcycle luggage on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of the motorcycle luggage best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed motorcycle luggage has the best warranty?
Which motorcycle luggage is the easiest to use?
Which of the motorcycle luggage seems of the highest quality?
Which motorcycle luggage do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating motorcycle luggage that isn't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the motorcycle luggage, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the motorcycle luggage is put together. Check the assembly - is the motorcycle luggage solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the motorcycle luggage from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the motorcycle luggage prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Make sure the motorcycle luggage fits your bike well, and that it is user-friendly - some motorcycle luggage looks great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Fittings - visible, easy to use, accessible
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as damage from a motorcycle crash.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other extras are required - do you need a lumbar roll, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of motorcycle luggage that meets your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:ReviewsReview of motorcycle touring luggage