Best Saddle Bags Under 4K

So, I have done a few trips on my RS200. So far I had been using a rucksack as a tailbag tied together to the bike using Bungee ropes. It was functioning good but it wasn't practical. Once in a while, if I pass through a pothole or a sudden jerk, it would come sliding down and rest against my back!

And talking about it holding it together using Bungee cords, OMG, such a pain, takes 10-15 minutes as opposed to the tank bag which generally takes 1 minute to set up! 

A rider knows the value of 10-15 minutes if he is to leave on an early morning.

So, my search for a practical and budget friendly saddle bag begun. I came across a few of the bags and further shortlisted it to one. Here are my choices-

1) VIATERRA CLAW 

The Claw from Viaterra has been a huge success among the KTM Duke riders and other bike owners as well.The product is highly practical, which ufunctions both as a tailbag and a saddle bag, making it one of the most cost efficient saddle bag that you can use for a 2 week long trip.

The bag has a capacity of 62 litres and the ability to hold 5 litre jerrycans makes it a must for Leh-Ladakh and other remote places.

The bag also comes with a simple to hold design whose capacity can be reduced using the velcro strips if needed. The only minor disadvantage it has that it covers the seat while adding functionality, which means you have no option other than to ditch the pillion. 

2)RYNOX STACKER

Rynox has been a game changer in motorcycling apparels industry and is a reliable brand when it comes to jackets, gloves or bags. This product from rynox is a game changer as well. With an MRP of Rs.3600, the bag is one of the most economical in the market with high practicality.

The bag has a total capacity of 48 litres, 24 each side. Two main compartments, two side zippers for stuff needed for quick access, a bottle holder and a multipurpose small pocket for tools or maps.

The build quality of the bag is superb. It also comes with a rain cover and reflective strips. Some of its cons include,

Non adjustable strip between the two bags

Although Rynox claims it to be universal but it would have been better if it provided velcro strips to adjust the length between the bags.

No plastic sheets for support  

The bag is missing the plastic sheets inside which would hold the bag together when the stuff isn't much. 

Without this, the bag just collapses and feels saggy.

3) VIATERRA RAPIDE

The products from viaterra have been more bike specific like the wolf made for pulsars or Velox made for KTMs. The rapide however is universal fit for most bikes. It is a good alternate to the wolf or Rynox Nomad v2.1 for RS200. The nomad is priced a little higher at around 5k while the wolf isn't compatible with the RS200.

The rapide is priced at a merely 3200 rupees and has a capacity of 38 litres combined,19 litres each side.

Unlike the stacker, it has a plastic support inside so that it doesn't lose its shape when empty.

Rapide is one of the best in the business and has capacity enough for stuff for a week lojng trip.

4) CRAMSTER COLT

The colt from cramster is a highly practical bag with its pricing at around ₹2900. The bag is made from 600D water resistant fabric and comes with reflective strips as well. The overall capacity of the bag is around 37 litres.

The colt has been in the market for quite sometime. Though, it serves the purpose of the saddle bag quite well, it looks a little outdated with the fabric and the design. 

The thing to be noted is that it is made for bikes with upswept exhausts so it is not a universal fit. For bikes with straight exhausts, the stallion from cramster is a better option. Overall, the bag serves the purpose well and is the most efficient of the lot.

5) GOLDEN RIDERS MINI 48

The golden riders bag, the new kid in the block has been quite impressive with their quality and efficiency.

The product is available at just ₹2800 and has a capacity of 48 litres, 24 each side. 

It might look like a 90's kid school bag but is a sturdy and easy to use, efficient product. Setting it up is a breeze. It also comes with a protective rain cover. While it is a perfect fit for a royal enfield and other major bikes, it is not for the RS200 and requires some extra effort to set it up. 

Out of the five, it is the cheapest of the lot but equally efficient.

This sums up the options that were available to me and I hope it would help you to choose.

By the way , I went for the Rynox stacker and got it for ₹3200 from a website. 

Stay tuned to the blog for more motorcycling related apparel updates. 

The list is mainly for Pulsar RS200 and the bags may or may not be compatible with others.