MotoYard.com Blog

Spring is in the air, and it will soon be time to take those summer road trips! If you enjoy motorcycle travel as much as I do, then you probably already know how much easier a long trip can be when you have the right kind of motorcycle luggage. Storage space is at a premium on most, if not all bikes, and finding a bag that will hold enough of your personal belongings to make it worth your while to take it along and that also will ride neatly and safely can be a challenge.

It doesn’t help the situation when you realize that there are so many different designs of motorcycle luggage. Crusier cases, roll tool bags, side or saddle bags, tail, tank, and sissy bar bags are some of the most popular. Narrowing your choice down by deciding between a hard case and a soft case model can make things a little easier. Soft case luggage can be a little cheaper to buy, but the hard case luggage usually lasts longer. Once you’ve decided on a design and type, it’s time to consider your size needs. How long you will be gone can determine how large a bag you need. If you pack carefully, often you’ll find you can get by with a smaller bag than you thought. Check to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and pack only the things you will need.

The size of your motorcycle luggage depends on two things - how much gear you plan to carry, and whether or not the fully packed bag would fit easily and well on your bike. It should also be easy to install on your bike. Too many straps and buckles can just seem to get in the way instead of being a usable safety feature.

Don’t let your choice of luggage overload your bike. A bag that is too heavy can make your bike easier to accidently turn over. And whatever type of bag you end up with, make sure it stays far away from the heat of the exhaust pipe! Many a biker, whether a seasoned or newbie rider has had the misfortune of his luggage burning. This could be a disaster when you are a few hundred miles away from home.

Make sure you choose motorcycle luggage that will allow you to pack the necessities you need without the danger of over overloading or overbalancing your bike.

Popularity: 27% [?]