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GEARBAG: Saddlemen Pet Voyager
The Pet Voyager is a terrific way to transport a small dog (or cat) on a motorcycle - safely, securely, and comfortably – both for the dog and owner alike.
Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman  |  Posted September 17, 2012   Charlotte, NC
Olivia seems to just love the wind in her face, as she sticks her head out of the top of the carrier. (Photo: Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman).
Over the years I have received dozens of letters asking me if I am aware of any pet carriers designed for taking a dog along on a motorcycle. I had never seen one, except for some of the strange and incredibly dangerous custom set-ups that I’d observed at Sturgis. One was a wooden board loosely attached to the tank of a bike, and a dog perched precariously atop that. I knew that a sudden stop or swerve would send that pooch flying, and were it not for the burly, bald, tattooed biker in the saddle, I’d have given him a piece of my mind!.

Other times, I’ve seen larger dogs sitting on the pillion pad, with its legs resting on the shoulders of the rider, wearing goggles. Obviously, attracting attention was more on the owners mind, than the safety of the dog. In one case the dog was even attached to the bike by his collar, which sent shivers up my spine thinking about a mishap where the dog falls off, and is dragged by the neck behind the bike. Ugh.

But now I have a great answer to all those questions, and it comes from famous luggage and seat maker, Saddlemen. It is called the Pet Voyager, and it is a terrific way to transport a small dog (or cat) on a motorcycle - safely, securely, and comfortably – both for the dog and owner alike.

I do not own a dog, but Daughter and Son-in-law #1 have a 15-pound Dachshund, named Olivia, whom they and I have come to refer to as my “Grand Dog”. Since they have busy work and social schedules, and I work from my house, I am asked to care for the dog a few days a week for a few hours at a time. And now that I have the Pet Voyager, transporting the dog to and from their house has just become another great excuse to get out and ride. And while I and Olivia were apprehensive before the first ride, after only a few minutes, I was fine with it, and apparently Olivia really digs it. I know because she shows no signs of protest when we approach the carrier, and seems anxious to get into it.

You’ve heard the old biker saying, “Anyone who would question why a dog would stick its head out of a car window at 60 miles an hour, has never ridden a motorcycle. Well now I can say that Olivia has had the chance to sample being “in the wind” and seems to just love the wind in her face, as she sticks her head out of the top of the carrier, and watches the scenery go by. And you get nothing but smiles and waves from drivers when they see you and your pet riding by them.

The Pet Voyager itself is a high quality piece of luggage, just like all Saddlemen luggage. In fact, it can double as a large trunk to carry your gear for a trip, if you aren’t bringing your dog along. But it is the amenities that are specifically tailored to the needs of a pet that make it outstanding.

The bag is made out of heavy duty ballistic nylon. It can attach to the luggage rack or pillion pad of any cruiser with ease, especially if the bike has a sissy bar, which mine does. If not, there are multiple attachment rings around the perimeter of the bag, and an assortment of quick release buckles and straps to make it work on any type of bike from cruiser to sportbike, and sport tourer.

The interior dimensions measure 16” wide x 14” long x 14” tall. Olivia weighs 15 lbs, and she has room to turn around in there. There is a hard plastic removable and washable bottom tray, and a soft washable fabric liner for the pet to lie on. Large mesh vents on the sides, front, and top allow for plenty of ventilation, and those panels can be zipped closed and covered to keep out the cold, or rain when appropriate. A food and water tray come with the bag, and store in one of the compartments. For safety, there is a short sliding leash to secure the pet from the inside of the bag to a collar, so the pet can’t jump out, but can move around in the bag easily. Another longer leash is included in case you wish to walk the dog at rest stops. Also included is a nylon liner bag with carry handles, to store clothing or other cargo away from your pet and other bag contents. There is even a plush back rest pad that attaches to the bag with Velcro, for a comfortable back rest for you or your passenger. The bag has a sturdy grip carry handle, or attachable back pack straps to carry your pet with you on your back for longer distances.

The Saddlemen Pet Voyager bag sells for $174.95, and is the perfect way to take your small dog or cat with you on virtually any motorcycle. You can get more information by visiting the web site, at www.saddlemen.com .Saddlemen products are distributed by Parts Unlimited or Drag Specialties, so they can be ordered through virtually any motorcycle dealer.
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Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman

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