Automotive Blog Fusion

Soft saddle bags are popular because they are pliable, easier to lug around and very spacious. There are a large number of soft saddlebags available in the market which makes selection difficult. Here’s a shortlist of some of the good bags:

1. Chase Harper European Tour Saddlebags: These are made of Cordura, are water-tight and have 34 quart capacity. Their important features are: attachment around the rear and at the footpegs, a frame tube with quick-release action, hard plastic at the bottom and front, removable plastic exhaust guards, soft nylon backing to prevent scuffing and double nylon handles joined by wraparound leather

2. Dry Bag Saddlebags: These are made of pliable non-porous plastic, are Cordura lined and can roll up like a paper sack. They have hard plastic bag stiffeners, an attachment around the rear and at the footpegs , quick-release buckles on nylon straps and a hard plastic backing

3. Eclipse Dodge Slant Cruiser Bags: They have a nylon body, faux leather top flap and real leather straps and trims. They are highly functional and compact, have rigid inner support panel, soft tricot mesh on the surface facing the bike as well as under the wide seat yoke. They need saddlebag support frames for proper attachment

4. Hondaline Saddlebags: These bags are made of nylon and foam panels and are water proof. They have a top that opens, are easy to pack and carry and can be attached to the bike using a nylon strip.

5. OSI Deluxe Nylon Saddlebags: These bags are made of Cordura and are open at the top. They have a large external pocket and a zipper with nylon tabs for easier pulling. The main compartments of the bags are lined with nylon and stiff plastic. The bags also have a flexible foam support on the side walls. They have four detachable anchor points and rugged Cordura handles for easy carrying

6. Rev-Pack Deluxe Saddle Packs: They are made of heavy urethane-coated Cordura
lined with sealed nylon. In addition, there is a lining of foam between the two plies for insulation and stability. The front flap is large and stiff. The bags can be moved up or down using the harness system that runs over the rear seat

7. RKA Standard Saddlebags: These bags have 22.5 quarts capacity, solid mounting and come with dual straps that tighten down across the seat. The zips open like a suitcase. They have adjustable retaining straps and synthetic sheepskin finish.

8. Roadgear Jumbo Expedition Bags: These bags have 40.8 quarts capacity and are made of 1000-denier Cordura Plus fabric with expanding panels. The bags have nylon-loop straps for the rear footpegs, a quick-release nylon tail strap and can be easily levelled with the passenger seat or raised above.

9. Teknic Saddlebags: These bags are made of 420-denier nylon, are PVC-coated and have a capacity of 35.2 quarts. A wide hook-and-loop yoke over the seat is used to join the saddlebags that have a four-point quick-release system to secure the bags to the bike. They also have an additional common strap for carrying the bag over the shoulder.
a wraparound zipper and two adjustable quick-release straps. A spiral-type zipper system helps release additional inches of cargo space.

Motorcycle jackets are an important part of a rider’s attire. They protect them against bad weather, minimize injuries in case of a fall and give them a smart look. Before selecting a mesh motorcycle jacket you need to look at their important features. Some of the important features of popular mesh motorcycle jacket brands are:

1. AGV SPORT AEROMESH JACKET: This jacket comes with a polyester mesh exterior and an open weave netting inside for better ventilation. It has high-density exterior padding on the shoulder, elbow and back to provide protection in case of a fall.  Two compression straps on each arm, rubber-coated snap closures at the cuffs and a waistband with straps on each side make it a very comfortable wear.

2. FIELDSHEER MACH 1 JACKET: This jacket has a lightweight, thin polyester mesh on the outside and removable armor at the elbows, shoulders and back. There is additional foam between armor and shell that provides extra protection. There is also a zip-out, insulated liner for chillier moments. The jacket has two exterior pockets and a single pouch inside for storage.
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3. FIRSTGEAR MESHTEX JACKET: This ultralight jacket has a mesh nylon shell and a removable EVA shoulder and elbow armor that is perforated. It has soft, perforated lining, adjustable sleeve cuffs and hook-and-loop waist tabs.

4. JOE ROCKET PHOENIX 2.0 JACKET: This jacket with a polyester mesh shell covering comes with removable dual density armor in the shoulders, elbows and back. It has an inner liner with large weave that encourages direct airflow and an unpadded low collar. The waistband is adjustable and has two hook-and-loop straps.

5. OLYMPIA SPORTS AIRGLIDE MESH TECH JACKET: This jacket is made of medium-weave mesh fibers with 500-denier Cordura nylon panels. It has a cool mesh interior lining, a neoprene neck insert, two chest and torso pockets and an interior zip pocket. The jacket can be connected to the pant by an eight-inch connecting zipper. The elbow and shoulder armor is injection-molded and can be removed.

6. REX MARSEE FULL FLOW MESH JACKET: The shoulder, elbows and waist of this jacket are made of heavy-duty 1050-denier Cordura. It has a shimmery outside shell that adds to night time safety and a removable body armor. It also has a lower back/tailbone pad for extra protection.

7. TEKNIC SUPERVENT JACKET: This jacket has an outer shell made of reinforced mesh and a soft, perforated inner mesh lining. The Teknic/Knox armor in the shoulders, elbows and back is removable.

When you next go on vacation the best way to explore a new country is by car. Renting a car allows you to sightsee at your own pace to tourist spots of your own choice. You can easily rent cars from car rental services, but there are certain things you should keep in mind when you are renting a car abroad.

* It is a good idea to make all arrangements from the USA itself before you embark on your vacation. If you rent directly in a foreign land the language and cultural barriers, the foreign currency conversion rates, unfamiliar rental rules and other differences may utterly confuse you. Instead if you rent right from your home country, you are more likely to catch the hidden costs such as late penalties, gas charges and others.

* Make sure your billing starts right from the time of the drop-off. Remember, there are agencies that charge on a full 24-hour basis, even if you use the car for lesser hours per day. Avoid these types of car rental agencies.

* There are various types of discounts that are available on car rentals internationally. For example, the frequent flyer discount, credit card discount, AAA discount or senior citizen discount etc. are the most common type of car rental discounts. Insist on getting the discounts if you qualify for them.

* When you are booking in advance, consider the prospective size of your luggage and the number of people traveling with you. In case the luggage and the size of your group are small you can consider a smaller car. But if you feel you are going to travel with a big group or have big or quite a few luggages, then book a roomier car.

* You should carry an international driving permit with you. It is recognized by some 150 countries. However you must be at least 18 years old to obtain an international driving permit. In the USA, two agencies are authorized to issue the document: the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

* Do not expect to rent a luxurious or automatic car in other countries as you would expect to rent back home. For example, if you rent a car of European make, there is a high possibly that you have to drive a manual stick shift car. However, since you are not familiar with your way around in a foreign city it is better that you insist on renting an automatic car even though it comes at a higher price tag.

So you see, driving in the foreign land is much more than laughing about driving on the wrong side of the road! Be prepared and carry the right documents for safe and happy driving abroad.