Which Motorcycle Bag Is Right For Your Ride Quiz
Table of Contents
- What type of motorcycle do you ride?
- What kind of riding do you do?
- How much gear do you typically carry?
- How important is waterproofing?
- What's your budget?
- 🗺️ Your Pick: Tank Bag — Quick Access, Navigation-Ready, Any Bike
- 🎒 Your Pick: Tail Bag or Dry Bag — Touring Volume Without a Rack
- 👜 Your Pick: Saddlebags — Maximum Volume, Balanced Weight, Long-Distance Touring
- Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle luggage is not one-size-fits-all — the right bag depends on your bike style, your riding type, and how much gear you actually carry. A sport bike rider can't mount hard saddlebags without hitting the exhaust. An adventure rider needs waterproof panniers with rack mounting. A daily commuter needs a tank bag with a map window and quick-detach magnets. A weekend tourer needs tail bag volume. Get the wrong type and it either won't fit or won't work for how you ride. Answer 5 questions and get a specific recommendation.
What type of motorcycle do you ride?
What kind of riding do you do?
How much gear do you typically carry?
How important is waterproofing?
What's your budget?
🗺️ Your Pick: Tank Bag — Quick Access, Navigation-Ready, Any Bike
A tank bag is the most versatile motorcycle luggage option — it works on almost any bike (magnetic mount for steel tanks, strap mount for aluminum/plastic tanks), keeps frequently accessed items front and center, and typically includes a clear map/phone window on top that's readable while riding. For commuters and day riders who don't need saddlebag volume but want their phone, wallet, and snacks within reach, a tank bag is the right answer. The key specs: magnetic vs strap attachment (match to your tank material), volume (10–20L for most uses), and whether the top window fits your phone size.
Best Tank Bag: SW-Motech Legend Gear Tank Bag ($129) — 13.5L, Strap Mount, Waterproof
The SW-Motech Legend Gear Tank Bag is the most recommended all-around tank bag — 13.5L main compartment, a waterproof outer shell with seam-sealed zippers (rides in rain without a cover), a lockable main zipper, a quick-detach carrying handle and shoulder strap for off-bike use, a large phone/map window (fits phones up to 6.7"), strap mounting that works on any tank material, and SW-Motech's German-engineered fit system. At $129, the Legend Gear is the best blend of weather protection, capacity, and build quality at its price point. Compatible with aftermarket quick-lock bases if you add multiple bikes later.
Shop SW-Motech Legend Gear Tank Bag →Budget Pick: Chase Harper 450 Tank Bag ($65) — 10L, Magnetic + Strap, Expandable
The Chase Harper 450 is the recommended budget tank bag — 10L base capacity expandable to 14L with a built-in expansion zipper, both magnetic and strap attachment included in the box (works on steel and non-steel tanks), a top map window, water-resistant construction (not fully waterproof — use provided rain cover in heavy rain), and a detachable shoulder strap. At $65, the Chase Harper 450 is the best-reviewed budget tank bag on the market — decades of use in the US touring community, widely available, and compatible with nearly any bike.
Shop Chase Harper 450 Tank Bag →🎒 Your Pick: Tail Bag or Dry Bag — Touring Volume Without a Rack
A tail bag sits on the passenger seat and/or rear fender, strapping down with integrated loops or compression straps. It's the highest-volume soft luggage option for bikes without a fixed rack — sport bikes, naked bikes, and standard motorcycles that can't mount hard panniers. Tail bags range from 20L (day-ride essentials) to 60L+ (multi-day touring). For adventure riders in wet environments, a dry bag design (roll-top closure, fully waterproof) is preferable to a conventional tail bag with a rain cover. The trade-off vs saddlebags: all weight is center-rear instead of distributed, which affects handling on longer rides.
Best Tail Bag: Kriega OS-32 Tail Pack ($179) — 32L, MOLLE Compatible, Waterproof
The Kriega OS-32 is the most recommended tail bag for sport, naked, and adventure bikes — 32L capacity (enough for 2–3 days of riding gear), a waterproof outer shell with seam-sealed zippers, MOLLE attachment compatibility (add pouches or attach to Kriega rack systems), four compression straps that loop under the seat (works without a rack), a rigid base panel that prevents the bag from shifting on the seat, and Kriega's industry-leading build quality. At $179, the OS-32 is an investment but it's the last tail bag you'll buy — Kriega's construction outlasts budget alternatives by 5–10 years of hard touring use.
Shop Kriega OS-32 Tail Pack →Budget Dry Bag: Nelson-Rigg SE-1050 Dry Bag ($59) — 38L, Roll-Top, Fully Waterproof
The Nelson-Rigg SE-1050 is the recommended budget waterproof tail option — a 38L roll-top dry bag (fully waterproof construction, not just water-resistant), compression straps with seat loops for strap-only mounting, a bright orange interior lining for visibility when locating gear, a backpack carry mode with removable straps, and Nelson-Rigg's 1-year warranty. At $59, the SE-1050 is the correct choice for riders who need guaranteed waterproof performance on a budget. Roll-top dry bags sacrifice zip-access convenience for true waterproofing — ideal for touring in unpredictable weather.
Shop Nelson-Rigg SE-1050 Dry Bag →👜 Your Pick: Saddlebags — Maximum Volume, Balanced Weight, Long-Distance Touring
Saddlebags are the correct choice for multi-day touring on cruisers, touring bikes, and adventure bikes with rack systems — they distribute weight symmetrically across the rear axle (better handling than a tail bag), provide the most total storage volume, and allow organized packing with left-right separation. Hard saddlebags (injection-molded ABS or aluminum) lock and mount rigidly on a rack; soft saddlebags (throw-over style) fit almost any bike with a strap system. For cruisers, Harley-style throw-over soft bags are the traditional fit. For adventure bikes, aluminum panniers on a manufacturer or aftermarket rack are the benchmark.
Best Soft Saddlebags: Viking Bags Motorcycle Saddlebags ($189) — Throw-Over, 30L Each, Waterproof
The Viking Bags Throw-Over Saddlebags are the most recommended soft saddlebags for cruisers and standard bikes — 30L per side (60L total), a waterproof PVC-coated canvas outer shell, a quick-release strap-and-buckle mounting system (throw-over style, no rack required), lockable main zippers, stiffening inserts to maintain shape when loaded, and universal fitment for most cruiser and standard bikes. At $189 per pair, Viking Bags delivers hard-bag-level volume and weather protection at soft-bag prices. Verify clearance from your exhaust before ordering — most cruiser exhausts require 2–4" minimum clearance from the bag.
Shop Viking Bags Throw-Over Saddlebags →Adventure Panniers: Touratech ZEGA Pro Aluminum Panniers ($899/pair) — Rack-Mount, Lockable, Milspec
The Touratech ZEGA Pro panniers are the benchmark for adventure bike touring — anodized aluminum construction (lighter and stronger than ABS plastic panniers), a central locking system (one key for both panniers and the top case if added), a 38L + 45L asymmetric volume option (right side smaller to clear exhaust), compatibility with Touratech's ZEGA rack system for most adventure bikes, and waterproof construction without needing rain covers. At $899/pair, ZEGA Pro panniers are the long-term investment for serious ADV riders — they outlast the motorcycles they're mounted on and maintain resale value. The rack system is sold separately.
Shop Touratech ZEGA Pro Aluminum Panniers →SaddlebagHQ.com participates in the Amazon Associates program and earns commissions on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Always verify luggage fitment with your specific motorcycle model, year, and exhaust configuration before purchasing. Improperly mounted luggage is a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best motorcycle bag for adventure touring?
The best motorcycle bag for adventure touring is a waterproof tail bag or a hard saddlebag with a secure closure. These bags are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and carry heavy gear, making them ideal for long-distance rides.
How do I choose the right motorcycle saddlebags for my sport bike?
When choosing saddlebags for a sport bike, look for lightweight, compact designs that won't interfere with your bike's exhaust or handlebars. Soft saddlebags or modular systems are often the best fit for sport bikes due to their flexibility and ease of installation.
Is it worth investing in waterproof motorcycle luggage?
Yes, it's worth investing in waterproof motorcycle luggage if you ride in unpredictable weather or plan to go on long tours. Waterproof bags protect your gear from rain, mud, and dust, ensuring your belongings stay dry and safe.
How can I securely attach a tank bag to my motorcycle?
To securely attach a tank bag, use a tank bag mount that clips onto your motorcycle's tank. Ensure the mount is compatible with your bike model and choose a tank bag with reinforced straps and a secure closure system for added safety.
What type of motorcycle bag is best for daily commuting?
For daily commuting, a lightweight tank bag or a small saddlebag is ideal. These bags offer enough storage for essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to your bike.
How do I determine how much gear I need to carry on my motorcycle?
To determine how much gear you need, list all the essentials you'll need for your ride, such as clothing, tools, and food. Then choose a bag with enough capacity to hold everything comfortably without overloading your bike or compromising balance.
What is the best way to protect my motorcycle gear from the elements?
The best way to protect your motorcycle gear is to use waterproof and weather-resistant bags. Look for bags with sealed zippers, water-resistant coatings, or reinforced materials that can handle rain, snow, and dust without compromising durability.
