Saddlebag Review for the 2008 KLR650 – Fieldsheer Expander Saddlebags

Issue: After having purchased my 2008 KLR650, I needed to address my luggage requirements if I wanted to do any long distance or overnight trips.  The biggest obstacle was budget and after paying for the KLR I didn’t have $1,000 in my budget to spend on a set of panniers and a side rack.  I searched the Internet and forums for reviews of saddlebags for the 2008+ KLR650 and I eventually decided on the Fieldsheer Expander Saddlebags because of the positive reviews, $99 price tag and 35 liter (per side) capacity.

Solution: These saddlebags are great.  They were easy to strap and fit to the KLR650, sturdy and are well constructed.  I’ve used and abused the Fieldsheer Expander Saddlebags on long trips, off-road outings, jaunts to the grocery store and my daily commute to work.  These Saddlebags (and my KLR650) have been dropped in the mud, slid along pavement and have been overloaded on numerous occasions and still look almost brand new.  I’ve haven’t had any issues at all nor do I have any complaints about these saddlebags.  Actually I have only one complaint – the rain covers they’re sold with provide minimal protection from the elements and are difficult to keep on place when traveling at speed.  After one ride in the rain I quickly realized the best solution would be to line the inside of my KLR’s saddlebags with garbage bags to protect the contents from the rain.  When you considered they were only $99 and after all they abuse I’ve provided they still have plenty of life left in them.

Notes:

-       One downside of these saddlebags is that the expansion zippers can cake with dirt and mud making it hard to zip and unzip.

-       Use the neoprene inserts!  They’ll save your saddlebags and gear from the heat of the exhaust.  They also prevent the saddlebags for scratching the side of your KLR.

-       Don’t forget to line the inside of your KLR’s saddlebags with garbage bags to keep your gear dry.  You’ll thank me after your next long trip.

-       Don’t forget to empty out and dry the Fieldsheer saddlebags after a heavy rainfall.  Water tends to pool at the bottom of the bags and can create a mess of you don’t dry them out.

Check out our review of the Fieldsheer Access Tank Bag for the KLR650.

Stay obsessed my friends.