Once upon a time

It’s the story legends are made of. The year: 1972. Two friends, nicknamed ‘Willie’ and ‘Max’, were planning a three-day ride from suburban Chicago around Lake Michigan. They searched in vain for luggage to fit their Triumph Bonnevilles. Harley Davidson had heavy leather bags for its motorcycles, but they were expensive and not suited for other brands. The friends resigned themselves to roping clumsy duffel bags onto their seats (those were the days before bungee cords) and hoped they wouldn't lose or drench their gear.’

Legacy

At the first stop of their inaugural ride, they pulled into a diner as other riders were leaving. The bikers asked Willie and Max where they had gotten their leather saddlebags. Max replied that he'd made them. One rider after another offered to buy the custom bags. When declined, Max was often asked if he would make a set for them, and was handed names and numbers. That same scene played out at stops all along their route. By the time the friends reached home, they had collected 10 orders. The seeds of a business were sown.

Willie and Max sought the best vinyls — with the best quality roller pin buckles, and chrome studs and conchos for decoration. Later, they released more styles and sizes and developed adjustable yokes, which go over or under the seat allowing the bags to fit nearly any motorcycle.

Today, all Willie & Max bags, including touring trunks, tool pouches, and swingarm bags are quality-made from premium leather and vinyl. ‘It isn't really necessary’, stated Max, ‘but we know how much our customers obsess about their rides.’