Saddle Bag Durability

[Lifter]

Hi Gang,

I have general question regarding my saddle bags.

I bought this bike with the bags already mounted. They look like you average generic entry-level type bags.

I plan to use this bike as a daily commuter and will need to ride in all sorts of different weather.

I have a couple of concerns regarding these bags and water.

1. I'm sure they aren't water-proof and that anything that goes in should be water safe.

2. I'm concerned that as they get wet over and over that they will start to degrade and will be useless.

Can anyone offer me some advise on this?

The bags already have no lock, so im getting limited use out of them and if they are going to get ruined the first season then maybe im better off selling them and getting good sized backpack (i plan on running no sissy bar)

Thanks in advance!!!

[alantf]

Very much like I've got, and no problems in nine years - however - check that there's a piece of aluminium, or some such, pop rivetted or bolted under the bag, as it looks like it's touching the exhaust, and you need something to stop the heat damaging the bag.

[Water Warrior 2]

The bags may not be waterproof but don't toss them out because of that. If you have something in the bags that won't do well when wet just use a plastic bag to store the stuff in the bag. Large zip lock bags are handy dandy items to keep in the saddlebags.

[Vegas Street Rider]

I used SNO SEAL on my bags when I lived on the Washington coast. It keeps the leather supple in all climates and does a pretty good job keeping the water out.

[Water Warrior 2]

I used SNO SEAL on my bags when I lived on the Washington coast. It keeps the leather supple in all climates and does a pretty good job keeping the water out.

So what exactly is Sno Seal, where would one find it and do you think it might make boots a bit more water resistant?

[alantf]

If it's waterproof boots you want, try to get a pair with the IMPRAPERM markings. I believe it's a German company (try googling impraperm) They really do work, and never let any water in.

b31.jpg (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=591&stc=1&d=1456476692)

[Water Warrior 2]

If it's waterproof boots you want, try to get a pair with the IMPRAPERM markings. I believe it's a German company (try googling impraperm) They really do work, and never let any water in.

b31.jpg (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=591&stc=1&d=1456476692)

Nice looking boots Alan. But I do have a problem with getting the right fit. I need a size 12 with a 4E width. Yup, that wide. That said, I actually lucked out in 2007 by finding a pair of Alpinestar waterproof boots during my travels in Tenn, U.S. of A. I had all but given up on actual riding boots after searching for a good fit for 2 years. Needless to say I bought them right there and then. Oddly enough they were the only model of Alpinestar that fit me in 2 years of looking. No other boot made by anyone came close.

One boot has developed a very slight leak and I just want to fix that. I did try a spray on coating to stop the leak but it didn't last too long. All I really need is to waterproof what I have in case I get caught in the rain. That said, I plan on being a sunshine rider only but preparation for the unexpected is always a good thing.

The Velcro top fastener started to loose it's grip and I had the local shoe repair fellow add a couple button snaps to solve the problem.

As for everyday shoe wear I hunt down a pair of New Balance shoes. They offer wider shoes that fit but that intails many miles and hours of searching to and fro for a pair in stock to try on. I have fallen arches and also need an arch supports in my shoes so that complicates matters a bit.

[Fawlty]

In depth review of some waterproof boots here. They are supposed to be 'lower priced'but retail at $295!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi-deep-rain-boots-review/

[Vegas Street Rider]

You can usually get SNO SEAL at shoe repair or boot shops. I used it on my Sorel pack boots as well.

[Water Warrior 2]

In depth review of some waterproof boots here. They are supposed to be 'lower priced'but retail at $295!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi-deep-rain-boots-review/


Alas, new boots aren't in the budget just yet. As a side note. When I bought my Alpinestars in Tenn they were NOS and cost $99.50 with a couple bucks for tax. The same boot here in Canada was over $300. With a little waterproofing I hope to wear these boots forever.

[Lifter]

Thanks for the feedback on the bags.. And bonus boots talk lol.

Guess I'm getting boots now too!!! :)

Cheers!

[CMS]

I bought a set of tourmaster bags ( non leather material soft bags ) they came with rain covers and they worked great . To be double sure you can wrap what ever is going in the bag in trash bags , it does work. They come in various sizes. Mine worked great for years. cms

[b1pig]

soft leather bags will almost always begin to sag and stretch over time if they are not supported by something internally. I have a set that came with my wife's Harley. They are full leather bags.... and sag like crap.

The medium bags I bought for her GZ back in 2008 are in perfect shape, and they've been in the rain a couple of times. They are simulated leather. Not water proof, but I keep ziplocks and walmart bags on all of our bikes to keep things dry.

her luggage looks the same in all photos, but heres about the best/clearest I have.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12118_10201400199222942_386765621_n.jpg?oh=c2835e6 10debf4afb7fb33f3e9e2418a&oe=587A5ACB

[Water Warrior 2]

Nelson-Rigg has a nice assortment of textile bags. Some come with rain jackets and some do not. A life time warranty does not hurt either. Some are expandable too.