leather saddlebags?

[americanspiri...]

Anyone with experience can tell me whether leather saddlebags are a good idea? I've seen some PVC ones about, which are waterproof, but would like to hear some ideas. Just something in my heart says I want leather, but not sure it's the most sensible approach.

Also when choosing waterproof trousers do you have to choose the size up from your jean size, or is it already factored into the size?

As you can see I preempt much rain.

Thanks everyone.

[Pernig]

I have a pair of leather saddlebags and they perform no worse than a normal pair of panniers, although most of the saddlebags I've seen seem to be a little less practical than regular ones (ie no extra pockets, not expandable, no bungees included etc).

As for waterproofing, the waterproof covers that come with panniers are invariably crap. If they actually stay on and manage to keep your stuff dry the chances are they will get singed by your exhaust fumes. Me and others on here will agree that putting your luggage in bin sacks before putting it in the panniers is the way to go.

If you are after leather saddlebags for the looks then that's definitely what you should get. I bought this set which was great value. The only thing I didn't like was the rucksack but everything else I use.
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H100 Breaking for spares

[americanspiri...]

Thanks Pernig. I've seen many of those textile panniers with flimsy waterproof covers and had ruled them out a while ago. Just in terms of looks. The PVC ones were designed just like the leather saddlebags but being PVC were waterproof. But it doesn't matter now since I realised they're from the US so incur customs tax etc, and I don't want to pay any of that. Figure I'll go for some leather ones I saw on ebay, and like you say shove a bag inside.

I like the leather set you got. For me it's a little too much leather than I can handle. Too many libations needed to the great buffalo in the sky. But I'm sure they look great on your bike.

Thanks again.

[Handsome]

A mate's got a set of leather ones that come out on special occasions ie: random weekend piss ups and rallies, they hold 42 cans of lager between the two and most of somebody elses shit that they couldn't be arsed to pack back right due to hangover/lazyness *Raises hand* they're not an exensive set and they've never let water in and he swears by them...

Mine on the other hand are the Oxford textile set that hold nowhere near that amount and as above you have to bin bag everything as wet toilet roll when you're dying for a shit isn't a nice sensation tbh...
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Previous Bikes...Honda NSR 125 RR...Kawasaki Zephyr 550...Suzuki SV 1000 S...Yamaha FZ8...Current Bike...Suzuki GSX-R 750...

[Peirre oBollox]