motorcycles saddlebags

Motorcycle question??
I have a 1979 Honda CB705L. I just bought it, and I was wondering if the seat could open up to a compartment where you can put tools and such. If so, how? If not, how then can you please explain how you put saddlebags on a bike? Thanks!
Like one of your answers said you can look for hinges along one side of the seat underneath on the other side should be a latch to release the seat. Usually that's just for access to your battery and wiring if I remember right. As for saddle bags they joined together with a flat piece of leather that will go in between the seat and fender.......now that you figured out how to open the seat! If you have a sissy bar on the bike you can get storage with a sissy bar bag or a tool bag hanging from your handlebars or front forks. Just go to any part supply website or bike shop and look around for what will work. To do it from home I use J & P cycle www.jpcycles.com but you look on any aftermarket site and you'll be pleased with the choises.
 | Select Saddlebags $107.99 Tour Master Select Saddlebags Introducing the new Tour Master Select line of motorcycle luggage - designed for motorcyclists who refuse to compromise on features but know a good value when they see it. The Tour Master Select Saddlebags offers features seen on more expensive lines of luggage. Features: Heavy duty, 600 denier Carbolex and 1680 denier ballistic nylon construction Adjustable mounting yoke can be permanently mounted under the seat of some motorcycles Bags have removable neoprene layers to help protect the motorcycle Hinged lid provides easy access to the main compartment and offers additional storage space Phoslite dark colored reflective piping provides nighttime visibility Convenient carrying handles Internal support panels hold the shape of the bag when empty or full Rain/dust cover is included and easily stores in the lid mesh pockets External side pockets offer additional, easy-access storage space Integrates with Tour Master Select Tail Bag 15" L x 5.5" W x 11" H (12 Liters each bag) Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | GranThrow-Over Saddlebags $206.99 Kuryakyn GranThrow-Over Saddlebags Add convenience with these great saddlebags! Install in seconds without adding any bulky accessory mounts to your motorcycle. These universal saddlebags are true throw-over saddlebags. Simply adjust the mounting belt and throw them over or under the passenger seat. Use the included universal straps to finish off the mounting and minutes later you're off on your next ride! Throw-over convenience - mount or remove in seconds No saddlebag supports or mounting brackets required Collapsible hidden drink holders Internal and external accessory pockets Fully adjustable to fit almost any motorcycle Expandable main compartment for extra space Heat-resistant material on bottom of bag Weatherproof construction and included rain covers 1200 Denier construction with leather accents for durability and style 24" Tip to Tail Slanted Saddlebags, 12" Tall x 8.5" Wide (one end Expands to 11" Wide) Included Items: One Pair of Saddlebags, Rain Covers & Adjustable Universal Straps Mounting Options: On top of passenger seat with slant forward or backward Under passenger seat with slant forward or backward GranThrow-Over Saddlebags fit great on almost any motorcycle. Full mounting options for motorcycles with turn signals mounted at the end of the rear fender or applications with small silver bullet style turn signals **Note: Applications with larger turn signals mounted to fender struts may limit the number of mounting options. Depending on the specific mounting, these bags may limit access to passenger foot pegs. Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Compact Braided Slant Saddlebags $106.99 Compact Braided Slant Saddlebags from Willie & Max Fits underneath the seat on a wide variety of motorcycles Accented with three-strand braided edges Quick-release buckles Zipper can be locked to the D-ring attachments on the bag with a small padlock (not included)or a cable tie Zippered yoke assemblies and convenient removable carrying handle Carry handle is unique in that you can carry both bags with one handle Measures 12" W x 9 1/2" H x 5 1/2" D Redesigned yoke can fit under or over the seat Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Saddlebags $169.99 The Tourmaster Cortech Saddlebags are part of the Cortech TriBag System. |
 | Cruiser III Slant Saddlebags $125.99 Tour Master Cruiser III Slant Saddlebags Heavy duty, weather-resistant 840 denier and 1000 denier Nylon construction Adjustable mounting yoke can be permanently mounted under the seat of most motorcycles Zipper Removal System: Bags easily remove from the mounting system by a locking zipper Bag has a removable neoprene layer to protect the motorcycle Hinged lid provides easy access to the main compartment and offers additional storage space Dark colored reflective piping provides nighttime visibility Convenient carrying handle Internal support panels hold the shape of the bag when empty or full Rain/dust cover is included and easily stores in the lid mesh pockets External side pockets offer additional easy-access storage space Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Cruiser III Box Saddlebags $125.99 Tour Master Cruiser III Box Saddlebags Heavy duty, weather-resistant 840 denier and 1000 denier Nylon construction Adjustable mounting yoke can be permanently mounted under the seat of most motorcycles Zipper Removal System: Bags easily remove from the mounting system by a locking zipper Bag has a removable neoprene layer to protect the motorcycle Hinged lid provides easy access to the main compartment and offers additional storage space Dark colored reflective piping provides nighttime visibility Convenient carrying handle Internal support panels hold the shape of the bag when empty or full Rain/dust cover is included and easily stores in the lid mesh pockets External side pockets offer additional easy-access storage space Saddlebag Dimensions: Medium- 10"h x 12.5"w x 8"d Large- 11"h x 14"w x 8"d Extra Large- 11.5"h x 17"w x 8"d **Note: Supports may be required depending on bike measurements Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Compact Slant Saddlebags $98.99 Compact Slant Saddlebagss from Willie & Max Fit underneath the seat on a variety of motorcycles Quick-release buckles Zipper can be locked to the D-ring attachments on the bag with a small padlock (not included) or a cable tie Zippered yoke assemblies and convenient removable carrying handle Carry handle is unique in that you can carry both bags with one handle Accented with silver conchos Redesigned yoke can fit under or over the seat, if desired Measures= 12" W x 9 1/2" H x 5 1/2" D Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Cruis'n Deluxe Saddlebags w/Universal Supports $296.99 Saddlemen Cruis'n Deluxe Saddlebags w/Universal Supports Distinctively styled saddlebags look great on any style motorcycle with a layered lid and spacious zippered side pouches that flow together to create truly handsome luggage. Rugged SaddleHyde construction bags with strong internal reinforcement to hold their shape with lids that pivot forward when opening to provide excellent cargo access. Contents stay clean and dry with zippered openings covered by weather flaps fitted with ?-turn hasps that accept mini padlocks for security. Detachable and fully adjustable yoke system allows easy installation and combines perfectly with Saddlemen's saddlebag supports. You can add a Saddlemen quick-release kit with supports to change?from a throw-over saddlebag set to a rigidly mounted set that can be removed from your bike in seconds. Includes installation instructions plus all yoke attachment and adjustment hardware. Throw-over style fits most motorcycles. Also available without pair of chrome saddlebag supports. Measures: 20?" x 12?" x 9" |
 | Sport Saddlebags $139.99 Available in Black, Blue, and Red! The Tourmaster Cortech Sport Saddlebags are part of the Cortech Sport TriBag System. |
 | Phoenix Saddlebags $101.99 A perfect complement to today's cruisers, the Phoenix Saddlebags are fully insulated to help protect your items from the elements. |
 | Desperado Saddlebags $125.99 Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags Desperado? Saddlebags from Saddleman New nostalgic-look saddlebags available in three sizes Made of a durable combination of materials including genuine leather, marine grade vinyl, chrome-plated brass and tough plastic frame All feature bright chrome studs, chrome buckles and genuine leather straps with lockable, quick-release hidden buckles Available in Throw-Over mounting which quickly releases saddlebags from bike; carry handle included Saddlebag support brackets recommended Jumbo= 18" L x 11.5" H x 6.25" D Large= 15" L x 10.5" H x 5.75" D Medium= 11" L x 9 1/2" H x 5 1/4" D Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Mounting Yokes for Universal Saddlebags $24.99 For optional over or under the seat installation of universal saddlebags Available for standard or large universal rigid mount saddlebags Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
 | Cruiseliner Saddlebags $719.99 National Cycle Cruiseliner Saddlebags Permanently attached lids are hinged in the front and swing forward for easy access to the interior 1-1/4" tight fitting seals conform to the shape of the lid to keep the elements out A keyed push button lock is recessed into the lid Mount to the Cruiseliner Mounting Brackets for a perfect fit |
 | Three Saddlebags $84.99 Gears Three Saddlebags Heavy duty 1200-denier Technolast, UV treated polyester construction with polyurethane coating to resist mildew Large main compartment with rigid inner supposrts and two side pockets Rugged rubber handles Covered zippers with rubber puller tabs Reflective back strip Fastex quick release buckles Measures: 19-1/2"L x 11"W x 11"H Click Here for Additional Luggage Information |
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Which is the better of the 4 to suit me: Suzuki GZ250, Savage 650, Honda Rebel 250, or CMX250?
I'm a fairly new rider (about a month now) but I have experienced great success so far. I aced the MSF program's riding test on a 1998 Suzuki GN125. I'm now looking for my first motorcycle. Will the Savage 650 (aka Boulevard S40, am I right???) be too powerful/heavy? I'm a 5'4" 160 lb female. Also, I expect to ride the freeway somewhat often. Are there any other motorcycles you can recommend? I've heard good things about the Ninja 250 but I think I prefer the cruiser style, especially with the convenience of saddlebags. Any suggestions, please?

Yeah, S40, Savage, same old LS650 that has been in continous production since 1986 (and it was "retro" style then!)
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
Given "freeway somewhat often" you would appreciate the S40. I have a 2000 Savage. It merges onto the Los Angeles Freeways in third gear with fourth and fifth reducing the RPMs. It will do 85, which is enough to keep up with speed of traffic. (Gotta LOVE So. Cal.!)
The trio of 250 cruisers all weigh in a hair over 300 pounds dry. The S40, thanks to having just one cylinder, is only 50 pounds heavier. Wet weight, on the road ready to ride, is listed at 381 pounds. The next lightest cruiser, the little 500cc Kawasaki, is 472 pounds. Yamaha's 650's are over 500 pounds. I rather appreciate the light weight: http://paladin.savageriders.com/Can-you-do-this.MOV (big file, long time to download)
My saddlebags are LeatherLyke, about $480, but while they look like leather they are hard plastic, lockable, hold 18 quarts or 20 pounds each -- which is a 10 pound bag of potatos with a little room to spare, or two gallon jugs of milk, or a five liter box of wine. Over four years old and they still look good. I have the sissybar (an option on the S40) and made a bracket to carry a 21" Airline Carry-On Suitcase.

