Tag: Motorcycle Luggage

The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Luggage: Backpacks, Saddlebags, Tail Bags, and Tank Bags

Motorcycle luggage is an essential piece of motorcycle gear for riders who need to carry a lot while enjoying the freedom of two wheels. Whether you’re going on a long-distance tour, commuting to work, or just running errands around town, having the right luggage can make your ride more convenient and comfortable.

With so many options available, choosing the best motorcycle luggage can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the key types of motorcycle luggage—backpacks, saddlebags, tail bags, and tank bags—to help you make the best decision for your riding style and needs.

Backpacks for Motorcyclists: Portable and Versatile

Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack Hybrid

Backpacks are the most portable and versatile type of motorcycle luggage. They’re easy to wear, can carry a variety of items, and don’t require any mounting hardware. However, not all backpacks are created equal, especially when it comes to motorcycling. If you’re considering a backpack for your motorcycle travels, here’s what to keep in mind.

Key Features of Motorcycle Backpacks

Motorcycle-specific backpacks are designed with the rider in mind. These are the features you should look for:

Aerodynamic Design: A streamlined design reduces wind resistance and drag at higher speeds, making your ride smoother and more comfortable.
Waterproof Materials: Since motorcyclists are exposed to the elements, it’s crucial to have a waterproof or water-resistant backpack that keeps your belongings dry.
Ergonomic Straps: Look for adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a chest or waist strap to evenly distribute the weight across your body, reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
Capacity: Motorcycle backpacks typically range from 15 to 30 liters in capacity, which is enough for day trips or short commutes.

Advantages of Motorcycle Backpacks

Mobility: One of the main advantages of a backpack is that you can easily carry it off the bike. Whether you’re walking through the city or hiking, your backpack goes with you.
Quick Access: Some motorcycle backpacks come with external pockets for quick access to items like your wallet, keys, or phone.
Cost-Effective: Backpacks are generally more affordable than other types of motorcycle luggage, making them a great entry-level option.

Top Motorcycle Backpacks

Popular models include the Kriega R20 Backpack, known for its durable materials and ergonomic design, and the OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack, which features an aerodynamic shape and plenty of storage.

Read about the best motorcycle backpacks.

Saddlebags: Classic and Spacious Motorcycle Luggage

Tour Master Elite Saddlebags

Saddlebags are a classic choice for motorcycle luggage. They offer substantial storage space and are perfect for longer trips or tours. Mounted on either side of the rear seat, saddlebags provide a balanced load and easy access to your gear without affecting the bike’s handling.

Types of Saddlebags

Hard Saddlebags: These are made of durable materials like plastic or metal and offer the best protection for your belongings. They’re lockable, weatherproof, and often have a more professional look.
Soft Saddlebags: Made of textiles like nylon or leather, soft saddlebags are lighter and easier to mount. They’re often expandable, making them a versatile choice for riders who need flexible storage options.

Key Features of Motorcycle Saddlebags

Capacity: Saddlebags come in various sizes, ranging from 20 liters to 50 liters per side. This gives you ample space for longer trips, allowing you to carry clothes, tools, and even camping gear.
Mounting Systems: Saddlebags can either be mounted using straps or rigid mounting brackets. While strap-on saddlebags are easier to install and remove, hard-mounted saddlebags offer more stability and security.
Weather Protection: Look for saddlebags with water-resistant zippers, rain covers, or waterproof materials to protect your gear from the elements.

Advantages of Saddlebags

Large Storage Capacity: Saddlebags offer more storage space than other types of motorcycle luggage, making them ideal for multi-day trips.
Weight Distribution: Since saddlebags are mounted low on the bike, they provide excellent weight distribution, improving the bike’s handling and stability.
Customization: Many motorcycles are designed with specific saddlebags in mind, giving you a wide variety of options tailored to your bike model.

Top Motorcycle Saddlebags

Popular choices include the Milwaukiee Leather Throw-Over Saddlebags for a traditional look, and the Givi Trekker Outback Hard Saddlebags, known for their rugged durability and secure mounting system.

Read about the best motorcycle saddlebags.

Tail Bags: Compact and Convenient

tail bag

Tail bags are a compact and convenient motorcycle luggage option. Designed to sit on the tail of the bike (either on the rear seat or a luggage rack), tail bags are perfect for those who need storage space without the bulk of saddlebags. Tail bags are ideal for daily commuting, short weekend trips, or storing small essential items.

Types of Tail Bags

Rigid Tail Bags: Made from hard plastic or other durable materials, rigid tail bags offer better protection for your belongings and are often lockable.
Soft Tail Bags: These are typically made of textile materials and are lighter and more flexible. Some soft tail bags are expandable, providing additional space when needed.

Key Features of Motorcycle Tail Bags

Size: Tail bags typically range from 5 to 25 liters in capacity, making them ideal for carrying items like gloves, tools, rain gear, or a day’s worth of clothes.
Mounting System: Tail bags can be secured using bungee cords, straps, or quick-release systems. Some are designed to integrate with specific luggage racks for a more secure fit.
Water Resistance: Like other types of motorcycle luggage, it’s essential to choose a tail bag that offers some level of water resistance or comes with a rain cover.

Advantages of Tail Bags

Compact Size: Tail bags are smaller and lighter than saddlebags, making them perfect for day trips or when you don’t need a lot of storage space.
Easy Installation: Tail bags are typically easier to install than saddlebags or hard-mounted luggage systems. Most tail bags can be secured with a few straps and removed just as easily.
Versatility: Many tail bags come with a carrying handle or shoulder strap, allowing you to easily take the bag with you once you’ve parked your bike.

Top Motorcycle Tail Bags

Popular models include the Cortech Super 2.0 Tail Bag, known for its expandable capacity, and the SW-Motech PRO Roadpack Tail Bag, which offers excellent waterproofing for all-weather riding.

Read about the best tail bags.

Tank Bags: Convenient and Accessible Storage

This cortech tank bag is one of the best tank bags on sale today.

Tank bags are mounted on the fuel tank and are among the most accessible types of motorcycle luggage. They’re perfect for carrying small, essential items like your phone, wallet, or maps. Many tank bags are equipped with clear, touchscreen-compatible panels, making it easy to use your smartphone or GPS without removing it from the bag.

Types of Tank Bags

Magnetic Tank Bags: These bags use strong magnets to attach to your metal fuel tank, making them easy to install and remove.
Strap-On Tank Bags: For bikes with non-metallic tanks (like those made from plastic), strap-on tank bags are a secure option.
Quick-Lock Tank Bags: These bags feature a locking mechanism that attaches to a special tank ring. Quick-lock bags are more secure than magnetic or strap-on bags and are easy to remove when refueling.

Key Features of Motorcycle Tank Bags

Size: Tank bags range from 3 to 20 liters in capacity, offering enough space for small personal items or a day’s worth of essentials.
Map Pockets: Many tank bags include a clear top pocket designed to hold maps, phones, or GPS devices. Some of these pockets are touchscreen-compatible, allowing for on-the-go navigation.
Waterproofing: Like other types of luggage, look for tank bags made from water-resistant materials or those that include a rain cover.

Advantages of Tank Bags

Easy Access: Tank bags offer the easiest access to your belongings while on the road. You can quickly grab a map, phone, or snack without having to dismount.
Space Efficiency: Since tank bags sit on the tank, they don’t take up any extra room on your bike, making them ideal for riders who want to keep their load light and compact.
Safety: By keeping essential items within arm’s reach, tank bags help you stay focused on the road, reducing distractions.

Top Motorcycle Tank Bags

Some top tank bag options include the Givi XS307 Tanklock Tank Bag, which offers a secure quick-lock mounting system, and the Oxford F1 Mini Tank Bag, known for its compact size and magnetic attachment.

Read about the best tank bags.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Luggage for Your Ride

When selecting motorcycle luggage, consider the type of riding you do and the amount of gear you need to carry. For short trips and commuting, backpacks and tail bags may be sufficient. If you’re going on a multi-day tour or need more storage, saddlebags are a great option. Tank bags are ideal for keeping essential items within easy reach, making them perfect for both short and long trips.

Each type of luggage has its own advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. By investing in high-quality motorcycle luggage, you’ll enhance your riding experience, making it more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Read all of my motorcycle luggage articles below.

The 5 Best Motorcycle Backpacks With Hydration Systems

Riding down the open road with a clear mind and a filled-up hydration pack: there’s nothing quite like it. Long rides demand good gear, especially when it comes to staying hydrated. A solid motorcycle backpack with a built-in hydration pack keeps water right where you need it, letting you sip on the go without fumbling for a bottle at every stop.

Here’s a look at some of the best motorcycle backpacks with hydration systems that not only hold your water but carry your gear, sit comfortably on your back, and look the part. Whether you’re carving through city streets or winding down a dirt road, these packs are ready to ride.

5 Best Tool Rolls for Motorcyclists

Take the tools you need with you on your next ride.

I’ve written about bags of all sorts before, but today, I want to focus on tool rolls. These versatile options help riders take the most important tools on the road. Let’s look at some of the best options out there. Some come with tools while others will need to be filled with the tools you already own.

Get the Print You Want on Wolfman Luggage with Wolfman Threadworks

Get the luggage you really want with Wolfman Threadworks.

Wolfman Luggage has a new made-to-order service called Wolfman Threadworks. The made-in-the-USA motorcycle luggage product line is for adventure riders. The company also has a new PACK bicycle line. All good things from Wolfman Luggage.

Nomad USA Universal Waxed-Canvas Motorcycle Saddlebags

Great, simple saddlebags for your bike.

Having the right luggage can make all the difference, and the Nomad USA Universal Waxed-Canvas Motorcycle Saddlebags are a great option for short trips and a simple solution to more luggage space on your bike.

Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack Hybrid

Wear it as a backpack or as a duffle.

Motorcyclists need durable luggage that can withstand the weather and wind while traveling, and this versatile Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffle Backpack Hybrid is exactly that.

5 Best Tank Bags for Your Motorcycle

If you’re looking for some piece of motorcycle luggage that will keep your things close at hand while riding, you need to check out tank bags.

These types of bags put your things right on the tank of your motorcycle, and they can be super handy while on any ride, whether it be around town or across the country.

Here are my top picks for the best tank bags for your motorcycle. These bags come highly recommended not just from me but from customers who bought them. Let’s take a closer look.

Biltwell EXFIL 80 Sissy Bar Bag

I’ve discussed Biltwell’s motorcycle luggage before, but this time I want to talk about a truly impressive motorcycle bag, the Biltwell EXFIL 80 Sissy Bar Bag.

This is the big Biltwell bag and it’s a heck of a nice one. The bag is designed to hang off of the sissy bar, and it has a lot of really nice features and killer construction.

The Biltwell EXFIL 80 Sissy Bar Bag is totally something you should add to your cruiser motorcycle. It can carry all of your gear and tools.

5 Best Backpacks for Motorcycle Riders

Backpacks for motorcycle riders are an absolute must. The one thing that a lot of motorcycles lack is storage.

Sure you can add saddlebags and luggage to your ride, but sometimes you simply can’t pass up the convenience of a simple bag you carry with you

with that said, you don’t want to just go out and grab any backpack off the shelf, you want to have a backpack that was designed for motorcycle riders.

You also don’t want to buy just any ole pack from a motorcycle shop. You should look for the best backpacks for motorcycle riders and then select your choice from there.

Luckily, you don’t have to waste time tracking the best options down. I have put together a list of motorcycle backpacks that I think are the best. Here are my top five picks.

5 Best Motorcycle Saddlebags For Any Motorcycle

Saddlebags are often bike-specific, but there are plenty of motorcycle saddlebags out there that can be used on pretty much any bike. With that in mind, I wanted to find the best motorcycle saddlebags for any motorcycle.

There are a lot of options out there, so I narrowed it down to only five of the very best so that you can cut through the crappy products out there and go straight for the good stuff.

Here are the motorcycle saddlebags for any motorcycle that that I chose as the five best.

5 Best Motorcycle Tail Bags

When you need some extra storage for your bike, simply turn to motorcycle tail bags. This diverse grouping of motorcycle luggage makes taking the things you need with you on your ride easy.

Because of their position and uses, there are motorcycle tail bags for pretty much every bike out there.

Let’s take a closer look at this motorcycle luggage type and some of the best options out there.