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Do you struggle with storage space on your motorcycle? These vehicles are known for their limited storage, so you’re not the only one who has a problem with this.
This might not be a significant issue when commuting around town, but it can be quite a nuisance when riding across long distances. Going on a road trip requires more storage, and the best way to achieve this is by purchasing motorcycle luggage.
Top motorcycle luggage offers enough space for all your stuff and is easy to carry. Read below to discover the best bags and how to pick one.
6 Highest Rated Motorcycle Luggage Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Kuryakyn  | Kuryakyn Features: Rain cover included, weather-resistant materials Size: 19x12x16 inches | Check Price |
Nomad  | Nomad Features: Weather protection, D buckles and mounting straps Size: 16.5x13.5x9.25 inches | Check Price |
Kemimoto  | Kemimoto Features: Reflective area, comfortable carrying handles Size: 22x12x10 inches | Check Price |
EXCELSIOR INT  | EXCELSIOR INT Features: Chrome finish studs, durable PVC leather Size: 17.5x8x25 inches | Check Price |
MILWAUKEE IRON  | MILWAUKEE IRON Features: Strong buckles and straps, weatherproof material Size: 15.5x13x10 inches | Check Price |
Jackets 4 Bikes Store  | Jackets 4 Bikes Store Features: For all motorcycles, easy to maintain Size: Big bag 14x16 inches, small bag 13x5 inches | Check Price |
Kuryakyn – Weather Resistant
Kuryakyn might be your best choice if you’ll ride in variable weather. It’s made to resist different weather conditions, which makes it ideal for road trips.
It offers several mounting options, allowing you to attach it to the sissy bars, luggage racks, the passenger seat, and more.
This one has a rigid structure that never changes regardless of whether it’s full or empty. Plus, the UV-rated 1200 denier textile keeps all weather elements away from your stuff.
The Molle attachment points and D-rings allow you to secure it in place using straps. It also has an external adjustable bungee storage system to secure your bedroll, coat, and more.
It has a media pocket, eight external stash pockets, three zippered openings, two bottle pockets, and a large main compartment. See more great rain gear in our article.
PROS
- Rain cover included
- Removable shoulder strap
- Weather-resistant materials
CONS
- It might be tricky to mount
Nomad – Universal
Nomad is a universal sissy bar bag made from rigid Cordura material. It’s weatherproof and has high-quality zippers to keep all your belongings safe.
It’s both waterproof and heatproof, which means you can use it in all weather conditions. It keeps your things dry and protected during rain and high temperatures.
One of the best things is its versatility and efficiency. It has two large pockets and an internal storage organizer, offering plenty of room for jackets, canteens, boots, and other similar stuff.
The bag measures 16.5×13.5×9.25 inches and has sturdy mounting straps. Although it’s made specifically for your sissy bar, you can mount it anywhere on your bike using its adjustable mounting straps, rods, and buckles.
It has carrying handles and a removable shoulder strap.
PROS
- Internal organizer
- Weather protection
- D buckles and mounting straps
CONS
- It loses its shape when empty
Kemimoto – Ideal for Traveling
This Kemimoto bag is among the best traveling options as it doesn’t look like your typical motorcycle luggage. Still, it’s waterproof, resistant to cold and heat, and easy to use for carrying different things.
Its inner lining is waterproof and has fully welded seams. This makes it suitable for variable weather, rain, snow, and pretty much any conditions.
It features separate storage for your shoes so that you don’t get your clothes dirty. On top of that, it has a few other pockets, water-repellent zippers, and a front drawstring that can hold a 64oz water bottle.
The entire bag has a capacity of 50l and is big enough to hold your helmet, gloves, hats, jackets, and shoes. It comes with two tightening straps and elastic hook straps for some added security.
PROS
- Reflective area
- Double-layer air valve
- Comfortable carrying handles
CONS
- No shoulder strap
EXCELSIOR INT – Ideal for Touring
You might want to consider this luggage if you’re looking for one to use when touring. It’s a sissy bar bag featuring two pieces you can organize according to your needs.
It’s made from high-quality PVC leather and has flexible straps that go over the roll bag. This makes it easy to attach and secure everything in place.
One of the best things is that you can attach the pieces or use only one if you don’t need as much space. Its universal straps are adjustable and work with both parts.
Another thing worth noting is that the material is resistant to weather and oil. The bag measures 17.5x8x25 inches and has several pockets for smaller items. It also includes a rain cover for some added weather protection.
PROS
- Chrome finish studs
- Durable PVC leather
- It can be used in several ways
CONS
- It’s quite heavy
MILWAUKEE IRON – PVC Surface
Milwaukee Iron is great motorcycle luggage if you want one made from PVC leather. It’s strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which is excellent if you’ll use it frequently.
It’s a four-piece bag that you can use in several different ways depending on your needs and preferences. It features a durable mounting system with an adjustable sissy bar strap rig that’s easy to use.
One of the best things about it is the blend of strong, heavy-duty fabrics. It’s what keeps the luggage’s rigid structure and shape regardless of how much stuff you’re carrying.
It has a detachable backpack strap, universal mounting straps, buckles, chrome-plated studs, and a rain cover. This one measures 15.5x13x10 inches, while its barrel bag measures 14×9 inches, allowing you to carry everything from a helmet to keys.
PROS
- Two large side pockets
- Strong buckles and straps
- Weatherproof material
CONS
- Quite bulky
Jackets 4 Bikes Store – Leather
This is a leather motorcycle luggage meant for frequent use. It features two high-quality bags with reinforced stitching, nylon straps, and strong zippers.
These fit all motorcycles since they have several mounting buckles, straps, and points. Both bags are made from PU leather that’s strong, durable, and resistant to all weather conditions.
One of the best things about this leather is the low maintenance it requires. It doesn’t need any polishing products or special cleaners since you can wipe it clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
It’s waterproof and won’t blister in the rain, which is also important when shopping for leather luggage. The big bag measures 14 inches in width with two pockets on each side. It’s 16 inches tall.
The small one is 13 inches wide and 5 inches tall.
PROS
- For all motorcycles
- Easy to maintain
- Quick-release buckles
CONS
- It might not be rigid enough for some
Motorcycle Cargo Bag Buying Guide
Material
As you probably noticed, motorcycle luggage is made from all kinds of materials. In most cases, these are made from leather as it’s the most durable material.
Now, although natural leather is the most stylish, it’s often not the easiest to maintain. PU leather and other synthetic types are easier to maintain and can last just as long.
Make sure to check other materials as well since many bags include nylon straps and plastic buckles. Ensure that all materials used can endure the riding you’re into. You might also want to go for waterproof materials, especially if you plan on using the luggage frequently.
Waterproofability
How many times you’ve been surprised by rain when riding a motorcycle? You should consider waterproof luggage if this tends to happen more often than not.
Most models are made from waterproof materials. If not, they’re at least weatherproof and can handle an occasional splashing.
Another thing worth noting is that many models come with a rain cover. These bags are either not waterproof or are only weather-resistant. Adding a rain cover enhances their waterproofability enough to keep your stuff dry.
Ensure that the zippers are waterproof as well so that no water can get through there.
Size and Weight
You may think you want the biggest bag there is, but keep in mind that some of these models are quite bulky. For this reason, think about the size that would work the best so that you’re not carrying one that’s too big for your needs.
It might be best to go for one that has two to four different pieces. These often work together but can also be used separately when you don’t need as much storage.
Another thing to pay attention to is the weight since some travel bags can be quite heavy.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is closely related to the size of your travel bag. Think about what you’d like to carry and how much space you’d need for that.
Look for a bag with a large main compartment if you want to carry your helmet, jacket, boots, and other similarly large items. Having a few smaller compartments and pockets helps to organize small items like your maps, keys, phone, and more.
Again, having luggage with a few separated pieces makes it easy to organize its capacity based on what you’re carrying.
Portability
Portability usually depends on a few things like the shape and size of the luggage and the type of motorcycle you ride.
The largest and heaviest bags are typically the most challenging to carry, especially if you ever have to detach them from the bike. Although these hold the most stuff, they can be tricky to work with daily.
Smaller bags or those that have several pieces are easier to work with because they’re lighter. Either way, make sure that your luggage has durable carrying handles and possibly a shoulder strap as well.
Durability
Durability is another factor that depends on several different factors. In most cases, the type of materials used is what determines the overall durability.
For this reason, make sure that your luggage is made from strong fabrics like nylon and leather. Plastic and metal used for the buckles and zippers should also be strong enough to handle frequent use.
Think about how frequently you’ll use the bag and in what weather conditions. This helps determine the minimal level of durability you need so that you don’t end up with a ripped bag after only a few uses.
Pricing
Motorcycle luggage is available at various prices, making it easy to find at least one that fits your budget.
However, it would always help to think about your budget to not waste time on what doesn’t fit within your preferred price range.
The price often depends on a few things like the size, versatility, waterproofness, overall quality, and ease of use. This means that the smallest bags that don’t have as many pockets and aren’t waterproof are the most affordable.
Think about the price, but make sure to focus on more important buying factors first.
Motorcycle Luggage Basics
A typical motorcycle travel bag includes a set of panniers, a tank bag, and a top bag. Its panniers are located around the passenger seat or toward the tail of your motorcycle.
Soft panniers might not require racks, although racks are useful to have for added support. On the other hand, hard panniers need racks.
Top-loading hard panniers are ideal for accessing your stuff quickly and easily. Side-loading models might not be as easy to work with but are still quite useful.
Motorcycle luggage is available in all shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of mounting options.
Different Types of Motorcycle Travel Bags
Hard
Hard bags are usually made from plastic, polycarbonate, and aluminum. Aluminum is usually the easiest to work with because you can hammer it back into shape if you bend it.
Polycarbonate cases are strong but still slightly flexible so that they don’t break under a bit of pressure.
Plastic ones are the lightest but might not survive a hard fall, which is something to consider if you’re into off-road riding.
Keep in mind that hard cases require sturdy racks and are generally more expensive.
Soft
Soft travel bags are usually quite affordable and made from vinyl, canvas, or PVC. These come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it easy to carry pretty much anything.
High-end models are lockable and have some reinforcement to prevent cutting for some added security. Also, many of these have welded stitching and are water-resistant.
These materials’ softness allows you to roll the bag down to decrease its capacity when carrying smaller items.
Luggage Rack Packing Tips
The first thing to remember is to keep the weight low. Adding too much weight onto your bike messes up with your center of gravity. This can make it more challenging to ride regardless of the road and weather conditions.
If you have to carry heavier items, make sure to place them in the side panniers. All your light items like clothes and rain gear are safe to go in the top bag.
Pack so that all the most important items are easily accessible. This means that low-priority things can go first, while high-priority items should be at the top or in separate pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lockable motorcycle luggage?
The best lockable motorcycle luggage is one you can access easily. Although a lockable model is meant to prevent potential thieves from getting to your stuff, some can make it equally as tricky for you.
Hard cases are almost always lockable, but make sure that it’s a quality lock.
What is the best luggage for Harley Davidson?
Harley Davidson is one of the easiest to use with nearly every motorcycle luggage. Still, think about how much space you’re working with and what travel bag would be best for your needs and preferences.
Most people like rack bags since these are the easiest to use on Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Conclusion
Motorcycle luggage is the best and easiest way of adding a bit of storage space to your bike. It’s an ideal option if you’re into touring, traveling, and riding across long distances.
These bags allow you to carry anything from a spare helmet and raincoats to smaller items like maps, earphones, water bottles, and more.
Still, it’s up to you to figure out what type and model would work the best for your needs. This is often relatively simple to do once you consider buying factors we mentioned in the guide.
