Parts Magazine Profiles Saddlemen

Behind the Scenes
The Saddlemen Story
A History of Quality and Comfort
This profile orginally appeared in Parts Unlimited’s online magazine.

The Saddlemen/Parts Unlimited relationship has been as long (20 years!) as it’s been successful. In fact, this team-up is so strong that you won’t find Saddlemen’s products in anybody else’s catalog. The synergy here has resulted in more Saddlemen product reaching more happy riders, and those riders are smiling for good reason. Saddlemen is a motorcycle seat, bag, and luggage specialist and that expertise–along with decades of experience–is plainly evident in everything Saddlemen makes.

And speaking of synergy, Saddlemen designs every seat with complementary luggage and accessories in mind, and vice versa. Whether your look is smooth, flames, studs or conchos, with Saddlemen products it’s easy to get an integrated look from front to back.

BST Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1987 by Tom Seymour, initially specializing in comfortable seats for touring motorcycles marketed under the Travelcade brand. Two years later BST started working with OE motorcycle manufacturers and grew that involvement to include most of the leading U.S. and Japanese based OEMs. In 1989 BST also began production of Pony Express-style throw-over saddlebags and matching tool bags and in 1991 the Saddlemen division was started to concentrate on the custom Harley and emerging cruiser markets. Today Saddlemen is the only brand the company is known by. Ever the innovators, Saddlemen introduced strap-on gel pads in 1993, spawning a copycat industry that continues to grow today. Saddlemen was first, though, and is re-inventing this product segment for 2008. Watch for it.

Saddlemen blends artistry and engineering into every seat it makes to provide show-quality saddles that are also a comfort improvement over the stock seat. Every seat is manufactured from the ground up in the USA, too. All design, R&D and seat production is done in Saddlemen’s manufacturing headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, California. Computer driven controls are used for key processes including foam pouring, shipping and even customer service. Those Saddlemen seat covers, for example, are cut out using a computer controlled cutting table that guarantees consistent pattern sizing every time.

An exclusive foam formulation is poured into custom contoured molds and the famous SaddleGel is inserted. Saddlemen is the innovator in gel use for motorcycle seats, developing this long-life formulation after dozens of trial-and-error attempts and lots of miles of testing. SaddleGel dampens shock and vibration, it reduces pressure points and makes for an enjoyable ride no matter how many miles are covered or how many hours are spent in the saddle. Once the seat cover, the foam and the pan are all finished they’re assembled using high-quality stainless steel rivets to bring it all together and every seat is closely inspected before leaving the facility. Higher volume luggage products are also produced overseas where manufacturing is done under Saddlemen’s strict guidelines to produce the broadest range of high-value motorcycle luggage on the market.

And right from the start Saddlemen has supported the sport. This is a company of enthusiastic riders. Tom Seymour, Saddlemen’s founder, was a racer from the ‘60s to the ‘80s and is currently an AMA Life Member as well as an active trail and road rider. In the ‘60s Tom was president of the Yonkers M/C Club, the oldest AMA Charter Club. It was back then that Tom rode to Daytona for the first time, and he’s missed nary a year since along with attending most rallies like Sturgis, Americade, Laconia, Laughlin and all the others. Saddlemen has always been a big sponsor in motorcycle competition, too, including road racing, motocross, enduro, drag racing, speedway and flat track. Racers who’ve received Saddlemen support number in the hundreds and include names like Hayden, Bostrom, Carr, Springsteen, Hale, Pegram, Eslick, Poovey, Coolbeth, Mees–plus the land speed record BUB 7 streamliner that achieved 350-plus MPH. And when those guys get off their racebikes and record-holders to hop on their streetbikes you know those bikes are set up with Saddlemen seats and luggage. And as we said, most everyone on the Saddlemen staff is a rider, too. You might have been lucky enough to ride across the country with them on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, or possibly at one of Drag Specialties’ annual dealer rides. Their enthusiasm extends beyond the product and right into their daily lives.

All of this–the total involvement in the sport, the decades of experience, the innovative seats and luggage, the constant R&D to keep those seats and luggage in tune with the times and assure perfect-fit applications for the newest machines, the quality of the materials and construction–all of that and, of course, the coordinated Saddlemen look makes Saddlemen seats and luggage a great choice. Parts Unlimited has it all.

Saddlemen Special Saddlebag Support Closeout!!

U.S. MADE CHROME SADDLEBAG SUPPORTS FOR ONLY $40!!

Normally sold for $75.00, these high-quality, made-in-the-USA chromed saddlebag supports were made specifically for each bike model, for a perfect custom fit.

Clearance Sale on Highwayman Elite Luggage

Deep Discounts On Great Quality Saddlemen Bags and Pouches!!

Recently discontinued from our luggage line, the “Highwayman Elite” family of saddlebags, sissy bar bags and tool pouches offer excellent value for the rider’s dollar.  Constructed with heavy-grain “elephant hide” synthetic, and genuine leather straps, Highwayman Elites offer distinctive looks and Saddlemen design and convenience.  NOTE: The only way to order any of these high-quality items, at these fantastic prices is to call Saddlemen directly at (800) 397-7709 and mention that you saw this on our website. Each piece of Highwayman Elite luggage is offered at rock-bottom clearance pricing, plus shipping within the continental U.S. which will generally run $12.00 to $18.00, depending on size. You will not be able to order these online… YOU MUST CALL US AT (800) 397-7709 and ask for the Highwayman Elite Clearance. Limited quantities left…

Part # X05-02-003, our Highwayman Elite Large Tool Pouch for $18

(Measures 12″ x 5.5″ x 4″)

Part # X05-03-003, our Highwayman Elite Large Tool Pouch with Studs for $19

(Measures 12″ x 5.5″ x 4″)

Part # X05-02-011, our Highwayman Elite Medium Sissy Bar Bag for $28

(Measures 11″ x 8″ x 4.75″)

Part # X05-03-011, our Highwayman Elite Medium Sissy Bar Bag with Studs for $29

(Measures 11″ x 8″ x 4.75″)

Part # X05-02-041, our Highwayman Elite Large Slant Saddlebags - SOLD OUT

(Measures 15.5″ x 6″ x 9.5″)

Part # X05-03-041, Highwayman Elite Large Slant Saddlebags with Studs - SOLD OUT

(Measures 15.5″ x 6″ x 9.5″)

Part # X05-02-042, our Highwayman Elite Jumbo Slant Saddlebags - SOLD OUT

(Measures 18″ x 6″ x 12″)

Part # X05-03-042, our Highwayman Elite Jumbo Slant Saddlebags with Studs for $129

(Measures 18″ x 6″ x 12″)

Part # X05-02-045, our Highwayman Elite Small Slant Saddlebags for $79

(Measures 12″ x 9″ x 6″)

Part # X05-03-045, our Highwayman Elite Small Slant Saddlebags with Studs for $89

(Measures 12″ x 9″ x 6″)

Part # X05-02-071, our Highwayman Elite Large Trunk Bag for $69

(Measures 14″ x 9.5″ x 10″)

Part # X05-03-071, our Highwayman Elite Large Trunk Bag with Studs for $69

(Measures 14″ x 9.5″ x 10″)

Click here to see all of our current closeout specials

Saddlemen Introduces New Hard Luggage Line

Saddlemen’s Hard Case Luggage has great looking streamlined shape and cuts through the wind. Solid, reinforced and weatherproof, our matte black plastic construction looks at home on any bike, scooter or ATV. Universal mounting kit allows attachment to existing luggage racks, while its quick disconnect mounting system allows trunk to be removed from bike in seconds. Easily transported off bike. All hardware is included – everything you need is included for complete installation to rack.

HC1700 – fits Motorcycles, Scooters and ATVs

• Holds one full face helmet and other needed gear
• 28 liter / 1700 cubic inch capacity
• Dimensions: 15″ L x 15″ W x 10″ H overall outside measurement

HC2900 – fits Motorcycles, Scooters and ATVs

• Holds two full face helmets and other needed gear
• 48 liter / 2900 cubic inch capacity
• Dimensions: 17″ L x 23″ W x 13″ H overall outside measurement

Saddlemen’s S2600 Deluxe Sissy Bar Bag Endorsed After Multinational European Road Tour

After using our S2600 Deluxe Sissy Bar Bag on two European road trips, Saddlemen customers William and Gerlide D. emailed us complimenting our bag’s design and value. “I must admit I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of your product… The contents of the bag stayed dry through heavy rain. After many miles the bag has retained its shape and great looks.”

To learn more about the experiences of satisfied Saddlemen customers, and the benefits our technology and workmanship can offer to you, please click on the following link: Saddlemen Feedback and Testimonials

Additions To Online Product Instructions Page

User Guides And Instructions For New And Upcoming Saddlemen Motorcycle Luggage Releases Added To Support Page

As part of our continuing effort to provide helpful online information about our products, Saddlemen has recently added a number of downloadable, online instruction sheets for new and soon-to-be-released luggage items to our support page.

Questions don’t come up only during convenient business hours – that’s why we offer information online, available any time.

Our latest documents include a revised instruction sheet for our “Sport Version” of the Deluxe Tail Bag (TS3200S), an extensive user guide for our extremely popular BR3400 Backrest, Seat & Sissy Bar Bag, instructions for our brand-new EXR1000 Accessory Bag, as well as installation guides for new “Teardrop” Specific-Fit Saddlebags for Suzuki VL1500 Intruders and Boulevard C90s, and for Yamaha XVS650 V-Star Classic and Custom.

Besides providing a quick, easy backup source for lost installation sheets, this online collection of user guides and instructions is also a handy place to preview Saddlemen items and their features.

We at Saddlemen invite you to see what our expertise, craftsmanship and technology can do to make riding more enjoyable.

Our Bottle Caddy: Another Great Combination Of Saddlemen Convenience, Versatility And Value

Tank-Mounting Storage For Any Ride

The Saddlemen Bottle Caddy is one of the convenient storage options from our range of tank bags and pouches, designed for maximum flexibility and ease-of-use.

We invite you to see what our expertise and technology can do to make riding more enjoyable and even more refreshing.

Providing More Flexibility And Options For Securing Motorcycle Luggage

Saddlemen has always strived to provide convenience, value and adaptability with our luggage lineup. The Versa-Mount yoke continues that tradition.

Saddlemen Versa-Mount System

Model: 3550-0117

Suggested Retail Price: $24.95

The easy-to-use Versa-Mount yoke and harness system fits under the passenger area of two-up seats, allowing the attachment of a sissybar bag, rack bag or seat bag to a motorcycle without the use of a sissy bar or rack. The two-piece construction enables the yoke to be adjusted to fit a variety of passenger area seat widths and includes a one-inch-wide security strap and D-rings to insure that luggage will stay put on almost any motorcycle with a one-piece, two-up seat.

· Easy to install and easy to remove

· Attaches to almost any bike in seconds

· Adjustable straps feature chromed, spring loaded hooks

· Can be used with many types of luggage

· No sissy bar or rack necessary

· Considerably adds to the amount of potential luggage a bike can carry without modification

· Matching luggage available

Available through Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited at dealerships nationwide, and at saddlemen.com

A downloadable, printable version of the Versa-Mount instruction sheet is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format at this link.

Our Luggage Donation Assists The Black Sheep High Desert Chapter With Their 2011 Toy Run For The Salvation Army

We at Saddlemen were pleased to hear about the success of last holiday season's Toy Run organized by the High Desert Chapter of the Black Sheep. The club officers kindly sent us photos of the raffle winners who took home Saddlemen luggage. The proceeds of the raffle went towards a cash donation to the Salvation Army.

Besides the raffle earnings, the Toy Run collected a whole lot... of toys!

Saddlemen regularly contributes products to charity. We're happy to have been able to brighten last Christmas time for families and children in need.

Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags

Each Bag is Designed for a Specific Model & Hugs the Bike’s Frame

The nostalgic styling of Saddlemen’s rigid-mount Desperado bags is emphasized with details such as conchos, chrome studs and three locking buckles for security.

These traditionally shaped cargo carriers feature inner stiffeners to maintain the bag’s shape when it’s empty, and a solid ABS plastic-molded back and bottom support to offer additional shape retention and allow the unit to mount directly to the frame or struts for a custom fit. Select models even offer a quick-detach mounting option that allows them to be removed for off-bike use; check for your bike’s application.

I recently bought a roadsofa seat from an individual from eBay. I installed it yesterday and road my bike in to work today, which is a one hour trip. I will have to say that before today after riding for about twenty minutes my butt would begin to become very uncomfortable. Today for the first time in the three years that I have ridden my bike I had no comfort problems at all. Your seat has taken something that was fun, butt painful, and made it a complete joy. I am not sure what you did , or how you did it (butt) I really appreciate it. THANK YOU from well below the bottom of my heart.

- Craig S.

Saddlemen says every bag is specially built for each bike model, so bag applications are designed to hug the specific bike’s frame. The Desperados are made for heavier loads and maximum durability, and the exterior material construction is waterproof, allowing for easy clean-up with a damp cloth. All hardware and installation instructions are included. The bags have integral built-in turn signals as required, or relocation instructions are supplied if necessary. The exterior material used on the bags’ body is a stylish, synthetic leather with real leather trim.

The Desperados are available in two sizes: 14 inches long by 10 inches tall by 6 inches wide, or a larger capacity that is 17.5 inches long by 12 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide.