The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Luggage Options

It’s surprising how much you can carry on a bike. And while some of us need every home and beauty comfort on the road, others can make do with as little as a stash of lippy and a pair of good-looking knickers.

So what’s the right equipment for your style of adventure? Whether you’re heading into town for a quick shop, or eating up the kilometres on a getaway, we’ve reviewed the wealth of options at your fingertips. And if you think you need a second opinion before purchasing, book a luggage shopping trip to avoid costly mistakes.

Tank Bag

Tail Packs

Side Panniers/Saddlebags

Top Box

Back Pack

Purse

Tank bag

When to use

Handy for a trip to the shops, or an uber-smart weekend packer.

Info

I love the tank bag for its extreme versatility. In fact, it’s the first bag I ever bought as it’s small and compact yet surprisingly roomy inside. As its name suggests, this bag attaches to your tank using ultra-strong magnetic strips. I love the bag’s top clear zippable sleeve for all the handy grabs. Plus it’s stylish, yet robust thanks to its tough fabric. Most tank bags need a clear waterproof cover for rainy days that look a little like a shower cap. Nice!!

My pick

https://www.mcas.com.au/shop/category/motorcycleluggage-tankbags

Tail pack

When to use

One-two night adventure travel weekenders.

Info

Tail packs or tail bags are exactly that. They fit neatly on the tail of the bike and are roughly the same size as your plane carry-on luggage bag. I’m a compact smart packer, so opted for the 20-litre size, which is perfect for my weekend getaways. But if you’re the home comforts type, or you’re packing for two, these tail packs come in larger sizes, up to 30 litres.

Tail packs fit all bikes, but they’re especially suited to sports bikes due to their slender tail. The good news is they’re simple, effective, easy to mount and fully waterproof – no shower caps needed!!

My pick

https://flyingsologear.com/collections/bags/products/tully-waterproof-tailbags

Side Panniers/Saddlebags

When to use

As a permanent style and storage accessory.

Info

The origins of these bags date back to the military when dispatch riders used them. They’ve come a long way since then with a range of sophisticated materials replacing the original canvas style. Small, large, soft, hard, short, tall, leather or cloth… with so many to choose from it can be a challenge to know where to start.

I always believe the combination of your style of bike and personal style dictates the ultimate choice. Remember, you’re accessorising your pride and joy, and these handy bags can seriously up the ante in the smart style stakes.

My pick

https://www.kriega.com.au/product-category/saddlebags/

Top Box

When to use

Cruising, commuting or adventuring when durability, secure storage, and weather protection are a must.

Info

Let’s face it; they’re not the prettiest of motorbike bags, but these top box mounts are damn handy. Made of tough plastic, they’re durable with snazzy reflector strips and thank goodness they sit behind you, so you don’t have to look at them! But they do have many silver linings as they’re secure, robust and capable of holding a great deal, including your helmet. In fact, my top box was the perfect carrier of all my precious things on a magnificent adventure-filled, and sometimes wildly wet 10-day trip around New Zealand.

My pick

https://www.bikebiz.com.au/givi-b27-nmal-27l-top-box-2

Backpack

When to use

Commuting, short trips and overnight stays.

Info

You can’t beat a motorbike backpack for its sheer portability. And, like everyday backpacks, there’s an unreal selection out there to complement your personal style. Shopping for them gives you hard shell, soft fabric and waterproof textile options with superb features such as expandability, reflective inserts, and chest and waist straps to boot. They’re supremely comfortable and great for the commute to work. I honestly forget I’m wearing it.

My pick

https://www.kriega.com.au/product-category/back-packs/

Purse

When to use

Short rides.

Info

It’s my ‘go-to’ for my three-hour weekend ride! I like the fact there’s nothing attached to me. I can be free to get into my riding, knowing that I’ll have all my essentials when I get home. It attaches to the bike with Velcro and has enough room for lip balm, sunglasses, money, credit cards, mobile and that handy strip of Panadol.

My pick

https://www.kriega.com.au/product-category/accessories/