How to Make Your Own Motorcycle Luggage

Professionally-made motorcycle luggage can be quite costly, so one other option is to fashion something yourself. Thanks to the advent of easy-mounting brackets, you can mount almost any type of luggage to your motorcycle, and take it on and off with ease. While you could endeavor to sew your own leather saddlebags, most people don't have the proper industrial sewing machine to do the job right. For a project that costs you the least time and money, get creative and start with manufactured luggage that you can modify to fit your motorcycle.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Painter's tape
  • Spray paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Search thrift stores, garage sales or online auctions for a small, hard-sided square suitcase. A "carry on" size suitcase will work well, and may come in the signature "biker black." While you can opt for something soft-sided, a hard-sided model will keep out the wet weather. Choose a suitcase that is about the size of a saddlebag and looks like it will fit on the side of your motorcycle. Check to make sure the suitcase shuts and locks securely before you buy it.

    • 2

      Tape the edging and zippers of the suitcase, and then spray paint the suitcase a color that matches your motorcycle. Since most motorcycle luggage is black, it might be a good option that will make your luggage look a little more professional.

    • 3

      Purchase an easy-mounting luggage bracket for your motorcycle from a company like Easy Brackets or Leather Connexion.

    • 4

      Attach the bracket docking posts to your motorcycle, and attach the bracket mounting plate to the back of your luggage. Be sure to mount your bracket mounting plate so that the suitcase has the open side up.

    • 5

      Slide your luggage onto the bracket that you mounted to the side of your motorcycle. With the easy-mounting system, you should be able to swap your luggage off and on the motorcycle with ease.

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