New or used, Saddlebags are always a great buy. Harley-Davidson is well known for their bagger motorcycles which means they have created some of the best saddlebag inserts and liners to go with them. You’ll find some excellent aftermarket options too in case of required replacement. While many riders take their bags as they come without much thought, there are benefits that you can enjoy by adding your custom touch to these often-overlooked motorcycle accessories.
Here we’ve got a list of the best Harley Davidson saddlebag liners and inserts-
Best Overall – Advan Black Moto Onfire or Bestem
Best Multi-Suitability – Saddlemen Liner Set or Hopnel HDSL
Best for Touring, Cruiser (2014>up) – Moto Onfire
Best for Touring, Cruiser (down<2013) – Moto Onfire or KemiMoto
Best for Glides, Road King (’90-’20) – Kuryakyn or KemiMoto
Best Single Sided Liner Insert (Touring ’80-’21) – Saddlermen or KemiMoto
Best Harley Carpet Liner – CaliBikerClub ’14-’18 or CaliBikerClub ’93-’13
Best Budget – XMMT  or YHMTIVTU or HDBUBALUS
Why Do Saddlebags Need Inserts or Liners?
With an insert or liner installed along with the quick-release buckles, you can secure your bike to your satisfaction. As riders are now more aware of the need for security, many have moved on to utilizing multiple locks for their bikes which means carrying more keys and fobs with them when they go out riding. With an insert or liner installed, you don’t have to worry about locating a key – unlock the bag lid latch, and open it up!
Harley Davidson Saddlebag Liners and Inserts – Top Table
Best Brands – Inserts or Liners of H-D Saddlebag
There are several brands for inserts and liners of the H-D saddlebag-
Advan Black
The brand has a large lineup of bags, including leather liners and inserts that are available in several colors such as black, brown, tan, and several shades of gray. Compared to other manufacturers, Advan Black is more expensive and qualityful.
Saddlemen
Saddlemen, as in our record, is probably the most prominent brand in automotive bags and relevant product manufacturing industry. Naturally, for Harley inserts and liners, it’s really reliable. It makes heavy-duty products from different materials, including kraft polypropylene fiber. Their bags include non-skid bottoms that prevent shifting inside the bag while riding and have tall walls to keep dirt out.
Kuryakyn
Of course, Kuryakyn is a big name in the motorcycle accessories industry. Their inserts used to be made of heavy-duty 100% waterproof materials resistant to tearing, ripping, and puncturing. Similarly, the added vinyl with a non-skid coating on the bottom adds stability while riding.
Benefits of Saddlebag
Utility
The saddlebag is a large storage compartment. You can also use it for storing tools, gears, and other equipment to make your travel convenient.
Protection
The saddlebag has enough room for you to put all of your valuable things inside it, so those valuable things will be with you wherever you go.
Convenience
You can ride your motorcycle and take your luggage with you simultaneously without hauling them behind on a truck or shoeing them.
Security
Even though you don’t have to carry your luggage with you, it doesn’t mean that the luggage is not trackable. By using a strap or other security measures, you can ensure that your luggage will always be there when you get back.
Types of Motorcycle Saddlebags
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Plastic Saddlebags
Plastic saddlebags are usually less expensive than leather ones. However, they are not as durable and can be easily scuffed or scratched.
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Vinyl Saddlebags
These saddlebags are made of vinyl and give an added protection to your motorcycle against scratches and damage due to road debris.Â
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Leather Saddlebags
Leather saddlebags are considered to be more stylish and sophisticated than other types of bags available. The traditional look and feel of leather give a whole new dimension to your motorcycle’s overall appeal and appearance.
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Suede Saddlebags
They are considered to be the most popular options available for motorcycle riders. They are elegant, comfortable, stylish, and come with a unique feel. These bags are also available in a variety of styles and colors.
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Nylon Saddlebags
Nylon saddlebags are lightweight, economical, and easy to clean. Many riders prefer them for storing helmets, gloves, or other important accessories.
Saddlebag Inserts & Liners – Pricing Range
Saddlebag liners vary in price depending on their design and material, but you’ve got to remember that better quality materials mean higher prices. The most basic saddlebag liners sold online can be around $30, while the pricier ones are upwards of $150.
There are also saddlebag inserts sold in motorcycle shops, but these usually come loaded with features, and pricing is steep. If you’ve got the budget for it, then go ahead and choose from an extensive list of options offered by the store’s sales representative. But if you’re on a tight budget, then choosing from online shops is a better option.
What is a Drop-in Saddlebag Liner?
A drop-in saddlebag liner is a foam padding made from closed-cell spray applied foam. Its main purpose is to provide a shock barrier for the motorcycle’s passengers and potential damage to the held contents. Drop-in saddlebag liner also provides a cushion to take up vibration and soften contact points.
What Should I Keep in My Motorcycle Saddlebags?
The saddlebags on your motorcycle are designed to provide you with extra storage space. Keeping them tidy and organized helps you maximize the amount of cargo you can carry on your bike. This is important whether you’re commuting or taking a long road trip, as it lets you bring everything you need without worrying about where to put it.
How Do You Secure Saddlebags?
- Lock the saddlebag
Some saddlebags come with locks; you can lock the saddlebags with a key, which is not easy for others to figure out how to open.
- Tape and tie down the bags
If your saddlebag doesn’t have a lock, or you don’t want to bother about keys, then you can tape and tie-down your bags after every ride. This will prevent anyone from stealing your bags.
- Saddlebag liners and inserts
If you have a set of saddlebags, you should have a padded liner/insert to secure the contents from being scratched or damaged by the metal frame that holds it in place on your bike.
Do Saddlebags Need Brackets?
With the increased use of saddlebags on motorcycles, there is the question of whether or not they need brackets. It can be argued that not having them provides you with swag points while using them reduces your street cred. You can purchase bags without them, but most typically require some hardware to attach to the motorcycle properly.
Do Saddlebags Affect Handling?
Many bikers ask themselves if saddlebags affect the handling of your bike. The answer is neither good nor bad; it depends on how you use them. You can put one bag only, both bags or no bags at all.
For those that will use both saddlebags, good quality liners and inserts can help improve the handling of your motorcycle by eliminating the weight issue.
Custom Saddlebag Liners – Why Are They Better?
The custom saddlebags are better because they are normally made of neoprene which is a rubber material. They have less padding than most other soft bags, but they are also more durable for this reason. A custom saddlebag liner will fit the bag it was made for better than any off-the-shelf model will.
You can even buy them with stiffeners to increase their durability. They may not have as much padding, but they have a certain amount of air space in them to help cushion your items even more.
Concluding Remarks
Motorcycle saddlebags are an integral part of your bike’s appearance; this is why it’s important to choose the right ones. A good motorcycle saddlebag lining can enhance your bike’s beauty while protecting its upholstery. You will also improve your motorcycle’s ride quality and durability, depending on the lining you choose. It’s not just about appearance, but comfort and safety as well.
