Want to carry your gear without a back-breaking backpack or a top case that ruins your bike's lines? Leather motorcycle saddlebags are the biker-friendly answer. But you still need to choose the right style for your bike, your motorcycle, and how you'll be using it. Saddlebags for quick and easy mounting, solo saddlebags for an asymmetrical chopper look, rigid saddlebags for serious touring, swingarm saddlebags for a discreet look: this guide will help you decide. Plus, as a bonus, we have the 30 Ledrie models distributed by Holdfast in France.
Why genuine leather rather than synthetic?
Leather motorcycle saddlebags last at least 20 years with basic maintenance. Leather develops a patina, absorbs shocks, doesn't crack in freezing temperatures like plastic, and adds a distinctive touch to a chopper, bobber, or café racer that's simply irreplaceable. At Holdfast, we distribute the Ledrie range —a historic German brand that works with leather using traditional methods, such as punch cutting and assembly.
For maintenance, consult our guide: Caring for your motorcycle leathers . A well-maintained leather jacket can last for 2 or 3 motorcycles.
The 5 families of motorcycle leather saddlebags
There are five main families, each with its own advantages and typical uses:
1. Saddlebags (throw-over)
The saddlebag slips over the seat: two pockets connected by a leather strap that goes over the saddle. Installation takes 2 minutes , no special bracket required. Ideal for weekends, road trips, or for the biker who doesn't want to detract from the aesthetics of their motorcycle with visible rigid supports.
- Ledrie 13L saddlebags — the universal model, black leather, system thrown onto the saddle
2. Solo panniers
A saddlebag on the left (or right, depending on preference). A boldly asymmetrical look , the quintessential chopper and bobber signature. Modest volume, but sufficient for a helmet, sweatshirt, camera, and socket wrench. Mounting options vary: solo seat, swingarm, sissy bar.
- Ledrie 30L solo pannier — large volume, universal
- 18L solo pannier — medium, balanced format
- Postman 30L solo pannier — inspired by the US postal service in the 50s
3. Rigid side panniers
Ledrie hard saddlebags have a reinforced fiber structure beneath the leather, preventing them from deforming even when empty. Mounting with a bracket is more technical but provides greater stability during travel. Recommended for long distances and touring motorcycles.
- 17L Rigid — compact format
- 18L Rigid — average volume
- 22L Rigid — the standard
- 25L Rigid — larger
- 32L Rigid ou 32L v2 — for serious travel
- 33L Rigid — long-term format
4. Swingarm bags
Mounted directly to the rear swingarm, these saddlebags are model-specific (swingarm shape, rear wheel clearance). They neatly conceal the bag's volume and maintain a clean look. Ledrie swingarm saddlebags fit most Harley-Davidson models:
- Swingarm 12L Sportster XL — for modern Sportsters
- Swingarm 6,5L Sportster XL — discreet format
- Swingarm 11L Softail 1984-2017 — for older Softail
- Swingarm 9L Softail black — uniform anodized black
- Swingarm 6,5L Softail 1984-2017 et Softail 2018+
- Swingarm 9L Softail 2018+ — recent
- Swingarm Straight 9L Softail 2018+ — straight cut
- Swingarm Straight 10L Softail 1984-2017
- Swingarm 5L V-Rod 2002-2017 — Specific V-Rod
For the Dyna you will need an additional support : Left Dyna support.
5. Luggage rack bags and sissy bar
Large capacity for long journeys or transporting equipment. Mounts on the rear rack or sissy bar backrest. Volumes up to 67L.
- 32L luggage rack ou 32L v2 — daily format
- 37L luggage rack - AVERAGE
- 67L luggage rack — the full weekend format
- Sissy bar bag — discreet volume on backsplash
Small leather accessories to know
To complement a leather luggage set, here are two useful references:
- 1,5L fork bag — mini bag on the front fork for a phone, a key, a bank card
- 1L Tool Kit ou Universal tool kit — rollable, handlebar or frame mount, for your emergency kit
Harley Model Guide
Sportster XL
Sportster = compact size. Bulky saddlebags ruin the lines. Opt for:
- Swingarm 12L ou Swingarm 6,5L
- Solo 30L for occasional travel
- 22L Rigid with suitable Sportster mount
Softail (1984-2017)
The classic Softail range has its dedicated Ledrie part numbers:
- Swingarm 11L Softail 1984-2017
- Swingarm Straight 10L Softail 1984-2017
- Swingarm 6,5L Softail 1984-2017
Softail (2018+)
New geometry, new references:
- Swingarm 9L Softail 2018+
- Swingarm Straight 9L Softail 2018+
- Swingarm 6,5L Softail 2018+
- Swingarm 9L Softail black
Dyna
The Dyna doesn't have a dedicated swingarm bag, but you can add a support and use universal models:
V-Rod
The special case: V-Rod 2002-2017 models have a dedicated Swingarm V-Rod 5L black model . For newer V-Rod models, universal mounts work better.
Assembly and maintenance
Installation : For rigid and swingarm saddlebags, allow 1 hour for workshop time — attach the bracket, mount the bag, and check that it does not touch the rear wheel or exhaust. For sidecar and solo saddlebags, 2 minutes is sufficient. Maintenance : Gentle monthly brushing, cleaning with soapy water twice a year, conditioning with leather balm after each cleaning, and waterproofing spray after heavy rain.
FAQ
Are Ledrie panniers waterproof?
Leather is naturally resistant to rain. For maximum protection, apply a waterproofing spray after 1 month of use and periodically thereafter.
How much weight can be put in a leather satchel?
The rigid 32L models can support up to 10 kg per side. Solo and saddle-style models remain around 5-7 kg.
Will the leather develop a visible patina?
Yes, in 12 to 18 months, the black Ledrie leather develops a unique patina that personalizes your bag.
Free delivery from €150 in mainland France, 48-hour dispatch from Marseille.
View the entire Ledrie saddlebag collection ›