About Us

Home of the Nickel Bag – Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags

Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags. The Leatherworks is your source for custom made leather motorcycle saddlebags, solo bags and motorcycle accessories. Our American made leather saddlebags are made to your specifications to work on your Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Indian, and Excelsior Henderson.

Home of the Nickel Bag. Philip Thacher opened The Leatherworks in September 1976 in Stockton, CA. He initially manufactured custom handmade sandals, belts, wallets, purses, and other small leather items. No job was too small; he was an artist seeking perfection. One day in the late 1970’s a customer asked Philip to make a set of leather saddlebags for their motorcycle. There is great local controversy as to who has the original set.

As time moved forward, word of mouth spread and interest blossomed from single customer orders to opening numerous dealers. It didn’t take long for Philip to realize he needed to expand the line and build his brand. He decided to add Indian Head Nickels as his identifying symbol; besides, he enjoyed the double entendre of the “nickel bag.”

Quality Custom & American Made. Today, Aimee Thacher continues the legacy of maintaining a top quality product custom designed to meet your specifications. The Leatherworks starts with top quality materials and we quality control the product from beginning to end. We offer more custom options than anyone in the industry. In that sense, nothing has changed.