Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

Brown Leather Saddlebags from India

12K views 125 replies 26 participants last post by  dr.blom 
#1 ·
Has anyone ordered the brown leather saddlebags I'm seeing on e-bay from India made of goatskin? They look pretty nice (though a little smaller than I'd like) and the price is really good. Just wondered if anyone had ordered them and if they were happy with their purchase??
 
#8 ·
Do you have any water issues with the top opening? I have an older pair of Willie & Max bags that has a flap to cover the top. However, it is a pain because I keep forgetting to close it. It looks ike their new ones don't have the flap, so maybe its not necessary.
 
#10 ·
Yes, I have a set. Paid less than 50 USD for the set, shipped. Great value. Look, they are not big, but I can stash my Frog Togg pants in there. I normally carry a water bottle, some tools, and some rags. Still have room if I pick something up from the store as long as its not too big. I really like them.
 

Attachments

#13 ·
From that listing:


Made by professional and experienced artisans from Rajasthan.
i.e. 6-year olds barefoot in earth-floored workshop in a jungle clearing for a dollar a month...

Treated by natural ingredients.
Yes, mainly cow urine and pigeon droppings...

Natural leather smell will go away within few days from the usage of this bag.
i.e. don't put your sandwiches in there for a while...


Only joking...mind you:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...es-dye-leather-95F-heat-Moroccan-tannery.html
 
#14 ·
I know you meant it in good humour, but some of what you say will be true... although that is not a reason not to support this industry by purchasing the goods.

I spent much of my adult life working in the third world, and we rich westerners must be careful not to apply our own expectations to the third world. However hard it may seem to us, the saddle bags will be someone’s livelihood, and getting $50/pair for them in the USA or UK will be a good result.

I like the saddle bags and if they would fit a Scrambler I’d buy a set and be happy that I’d have contributed a little to some chap’s life in Rajasthan.

Best wishes,

Alan



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#30 ·
Ah, now I understand Chris. It was me that misconstrued what had been said.

I think what was said above really was meant in good humour, but I take your point: it is easy for people to cross the line from a harmless joke to blind prejudice.

Best wishes,

Alan


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#31 · (Edited)
I don't think I would buy these bags without being able to see them first hand. Both the price and the source make me question the quality. I would need to inspect them myself. That does not mean I do not buy products from third world countries. We ALL buy stuff from far away places. We vote with our dollars. I have a few DO NOT BUY countries on my personal list, but I keep that list private. India is not even on my radar. Why argue about stuff like this on a forum ? ...J.D.
 
#35 ·
There is a certain ignorant mindset in this country that thinks that ALL THINGS are available in the US. This collective body of ignorant souls does not realize that many things are outsourced to other countries. Hince thier beloved is really made in maybe 5-6 different countries. I have 3 Triumphs that were all made in the UK (older Hinkley units). Even those have Japanese carburettors, some German pieces, and I have added accessories from god knows where ! Some even out of my own machine shop. This is why I stay away from
H-D people generally. It is hard to have an intelligent conversation. ...J.D.
 
#36 ·
How did we get so far astray from discussing some nice looking tote bags that look great on the bikes that the owners were willing to share?
They are nice looking bags and very reasonably priced regardless of where on earth they come from. They look darn nice and very handy in my opinion. I certainly appreciate that the riders that have them posted pictures so the rest of us could see how they looked on a actual bike.
 
#38 ·
I agree and hope we get more picture posts. I would like to know if anyone has modified their bags with hidden quick release buckles. I have a pair of Willie & Max bags that I curse at every time I forget to put in/take out something after fastening the the belt buckles.
 
#40 ·
After fitting my single-side Triumph leather & waxed cotton bag with the included Triumph attachment hardware, I bought a bunch of the same brand quick-release buckles and then using 1" webbing I have attached them to several other bags so I can snap them in to the Triumph mounting piece in place of the leather&wax. Works great. Can't see why this wouldn't work for these Indian bags or any bags. Gotta be way easier than the belt buckles.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rich2009
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top