Saddlebags and sportbikes have never really worked well together.
Affordable, yet low-tech, most saddlebags require mounting straps to be draped over passenger seats, rubbing on a bike’s bodywork, ruining paint and then–adding insult to injury–need to be tied down so they don’t fall off or flap in the breeze.
Until now, the solution to this problem was an exorbitantly priced set of hard saddlebags with expensive, bike-specific mounting brackets–if the company even made an application for your motorcycle.
Today, the revolutionary Sidemount Luggage System (SLS) from The Cycle Guys changes the saddlebag-mounting game.
Utilizing stock passenger footpeg brackets as mounting points, the SLS magically mounts in minutes without touching bodywork or seats. No brackets are bolted to subframes. No drilling or other modifications are necessary.
Making all of this possible is the Sidemount Luggage System’s unique Locking Rotational 360 Degree mounting system. Each bag’s angle is fully adjustable to clear turn signals and exhaust pipes, allowing them to sit properly and securely lock in place on every bike.
SLS bags are rated at 10 pounds each, with enough space to carry the necessities of a well-equipped adventure. Once their expansion flaps are unzipped, they’ll easily shelter full-face helmets. To keep smaller items organized inside, each bag features an elastic cargo net pouch.
The Cycle Guys’ Sidemount Luggage System comes complete with two SLS bags and a simple mounting system for most sport and standard motorcycles. They have a suggested retail price of $299 and will be available in May.
What I appreciate about the discussion is that it seems honest about trade-offs. On a sportbike, you want to keep things light and aerodynamic — stuffing big panniers or bulky luggage would mess up balance and performance. So using compact luggage or even a simple backpack or tank bag might be the smarter choice. It’s a reminder that riding style and luggage setup should match, not clash.
I also think about what kind of trips you really need luggage for. For quick city errands or short day rides, you don’t need to overthink storage: a small bag for essentials might be enough. For longer rides, maybe minimalism helps — pack lighter, plan carefully, bring only what you need. It’s a bit of a mindset shift compared to “pack everything and anything.”