Hello Everyone!  I'm a new owner and now realize I need space to store things on the bike while riding.  I know that there are saddlebags available but also wanted to know if there are any alternatives to the saddlebags, for ex: top boxes or sissy bar bags?  Any suggestions of what you may be using?  Are there any hard saddlebags available?  Any specific sites I can visit that are reputable?  Thanks in advance!  

Here are a few threads I found by doing a search on "hard saddlebags."

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1213920402/5#5
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1211430340/0#0
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1212899726/19#19

Oh heck, just do a search and you can pick through countless threads on the subject.  

I took a 5 gallon Igloo water cooler, laid it on its side, painted the top black, put it in a black stuff bag and strapped it across the back seat.  Water tight, shock proof, and $30 including mounting stuff.  Others have purchased hard bags from Leatherlyke that run closer to $400-$500.  One fella uses a five gallon bucket.  My saddlebags are from an equestrian saddle.  The most recent pics of my "Grapes of Wrath" cycle are in the Cafe in my FSSNOC ride report thread.  Paladin has some nice bags.  And I think it was Al from NH who just mounted some different hard bags on his.  Another mounted ammo cans on each side of his bike and painted them up nice.

There are lots of options out there.

EDIT:  Oops.  While I was rambling on, Al was speaking for himself.  At least I got it right.  Would have been embarrassing to name him and be wrong.

Here's what I use -- all of it is easily removable except for the fork bag, which stays on all the time.  I "mix and match" depending on what my plans are for the day and my guess on the weather.

(Apologies to those who've seen these photos before!  )

Dowco "Overnighter" tail bag:



Fork Bag:



Dowco from the front, with fork bag:



Small magnetic tank bag (Marsee Mini Bullet Bag):



Medium magnetic tank bag -- this one has an expansion gusset:



I'm not sure when I'll get around to converting some old leather briefcases into saddlebags, but that's on the "to do" list somewhere.

I bought this 7 piece set for my old Honda Rebel.  Carried over to the Savage and now use the saddlebags on the Shadow.  Very good quality of the price and you get 7 pieces ($25+ at walmart for just a forkbag).  I've had good comments on the looks as well.  Even though it's "buffalo" leather, the pieces really do look good.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Motorcycle-Parts-Accessories...

They are sold by several ebay sellers, so if you're interested look for the best price with shipping.  I think I paid $60 for mine shipped.  But that was 3-4 years ago.