I totally understand and agree. I looked at these for a couple of years but couldn't pull the trigger. After a few long road trips a caved. Now I don't know how I got by without them. When my big bag is tied to the top of the tour pack it is a lot more convenient at stops to get stuff I need out of those little saddlebags then lifting the heavy tour pack lid. Another advantage my wife has found is she can get stuff while we are in motion, like sunglasses, sunblock, cell, etc.