Long-Term Triumph Street Twin: SW-Motech Legend Saddlebags

I've been looking forward to installing luggage on the Triumph Street Twin project bike, and finally got the chance. Since I don't own a car, and commute every day via motorcycle (usually this one), luggage is key, especially for running errands. These SW-Motech Legend Gear Saddlebags are an awesome addition to the Street Twin. Twisted Throttle sells a few different sets of the SW-Motech Legend bags: a 9.8 liter size, a 13.5 liter size, a hard mounted setup, and a soft mounted set up. I opted for the 9.8 liter hard mounted setup, which came with brackets to install on either side under the rear seat, which the saddlebags clip into.

The installation was relatively painless, though the brackets didn’t fit perfectly, and required a fair bit of muscle to align the bolt holes on the brackets to the existing holes under the Street Twin’s seat. But once those brackets were on, the bags have a quick release system that makes them easy to clip in and take off. I’ve left them on, as their brown and black color scheme pairs well with the Street Twin’s classic look.

Thankfully, the Legend saddlebags are made with Napolon synthetic leather and waxed canvas, making them relatively water resistant, and practical for everyday use. The opening is secured with hook-and-loop, a rolltop style, and aluminum buckles. I even did a somewhat normal sized grocery shopping trip recently, and the saddlebags, along with the 17.5 liter SW-Motech Legend Gear Tailbag/Backpack handled the trip wonderfully.

The tailbag is also a hook-and-loop secured, rolltop design, with aluminum buckles, hideaway backpack straps and lots of external loops. This allowed me to strap the bag down to the side brackets with included cinch straps, keeping it secure to the tail. It has a padded laptop pocket inside, as well as a zippered accessory pocket. I even used the Tailbag/Backpack on a recent hike, and it was comfortable on my back the entire 5 mile trek.

If you’re drooling over these saddlebags, but have a different bike, you’ll be happy to know that Twisted Throttle sells kits to accommodate the BMW RNineT, Yamaha XSR900, Ducati Scrambler, and the previous generation Bonneville and Thruxton. You can buy the Legend saddlebags as a matching pair for $545.80, or individually for $212.95 each, plus the bracket at $68.95 each, so you can mix and match sizes, or have a single sided saddlebag. The Tailbag/Backpack goes for $248.95, and can be mounted to any bike with the SW-Motech Saddlestrap ($73.95) or lashed to the saddlebag brackets or other tie down points. Check out the entire SW-Motech Legend Gear lineup at www.twistedthrottle.com.