Some days, you want to just jump on your bike and hit the road. It’s an instant, carefree decision and you don’t need to bring much other than your helmet and license for a beautiful, sunny motorcycle ride. But on other rides or longer trips, you’ll need to pack some necessities with you on the bike.

Depending on the length of your ride, you might want different options for luggage and storage on your motorcycle. If you are used to bringing a trusty backpack on your rides, you might find it harder to access items during your ride or at an unknown stop site. If you are doubling someone or you need to access something quickly, a backpack isn’t the best option. There are many options for any type of motorcycle or trip requirements. They can attach to handlebars, tanks, wheels, seats, and even your leg. There are always options for styles and customization that allow the luggage to match your motorcycle and personal style. Let’s break it down.

Source: https://begin-motorcycling.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/motorcycle-luggage-min.jpg

There are several areas on a motorcycle that can hold motorcycle luggage. Depending on what type of motorcycle you have and whether you double someone on it, there are up to 9 different types of luggage that you could choose from. They will vary in size and mount style regardless of being either hard or soft luggage.

Hard vs soft luggage

Yes, there is hard case luggage that looks like travel luggage. It is often waterproof and lockable. It also gives a good level of protection if you have a crash, as it will hit pavement before your leg will. Hard motorcycle luggage can be large and bulky which can affect the handling of the bike. It also requires a more complex installation for permanent mounting.

Soft luggage is, obviously, made of softer materials such as leather or pleather. It is more streamlined and can be removed quickly. There are lots of styles, colors, and customization options. But it is less protective of weather conditions and wear-and-tear. Soft motorcycle luggage is less expensive, so you can change it up whenever you need!

Types of soft luggage

There are several types of soft motorcycle luggage or tank bags that are most commonly used and easiest to mount for optimal accessibility and versatility.

UNIVERSAL MOTORCYCLE LEG BAG FOR BIKERS ITALIAN LEATHER ENDSCUOIO

Arm and Leg Bags

If you still need to wear something on yourself but can’t use a backpack, there are arm or leg bags that strap to yourself, and can even loop into your belt for a bit of security.

• Easy to mount and very accessible
• Less weatherproof

UNIVERSAL MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR CYLINDRICAL TOOL BAG EUROPEAN LEATHER

UNIVERSAL FRONT FORKS TOOL BAG BLACK LEATHER WITH RED STITCH LA ROSA

Handlebar bags

They are small, tubular pieces mounted at the center of the handlebars. Handlebar bags have the easiest accessibility, right at your hands.

• Easy to take on and off, inexpensive, accessible, and versatile
• But they are easy to steal and not very waterproof

Hi Quality Top Sellerie DUCATI JEREZ Tank Bag Luggage Motorcycle French Made

Tank bags

They are attached to your motorcycle’s gas tank. Tank bags are mounted by magnetic flaps or straps.

• Easy to take on and off, very accessible
• Inexpensive
• But they cover the gas cap and can get in the way. They pose a risk of scratching

HARLEY HD SOFTAIL LEFT SIDE SOLO SADDLE BAG BLACK LEATHER WITH BOTTLE LAROSA

Saddle Bags

They hang over the rear seat, rear fender, or luggage rack. Saddle bags often come in pairs and sit on either side of the rear wheel.

• Easy to mount
• Easy to fill
• You can remove between rides, take inside your lodging
• Less protective, less weatherproof and easier to steal

Depending on whether you need to pack large amounts of items or very specific items, these soft motorcycle luggage options have got you covered. While there are countless options for motorcycle luggage, hopefully these options help you in your search and makes your next motorcycle trip easier.