Bikes
The best luggage options for motorbikes
A motorcycle may not be the best vehicle for an impromptu stop at the supermarket to do grocery shopping, but there are various storage/luggage options
One afternoon, not too long ago, I decided, on the way home from a meeting, to stop for a quick bite to eat. Well, a bite and a cigar. The helping was generous; I wasn’t able to finish the meal so asked that what was left be packed in a “doggie bag”; then remembered that I was on my motorcycle. And, for some reason, I did not have my usual backpack with me.
There are multiple advantages to owning and riding a motorcycle including a motorcycle being more affordable to maintain and service; easier to manoeuvre through traffic resulting in quicker commutes, which saves time; easier to park and store (takes up a small section of the garage); is much more fuel efficient and is generally more fun to commute on.
When it comes to carrying stuff, however, it can be a bit of a mission, especially when you haven’t planned for it. A motorcycle may not have a boot and may not be the best vehicle for an impromptu stop at the supermarket to do grocery shopping for the family, but there are various storage/luggage options.
On your person
For my day-today commuting I generally use a backpack for my Macbook, notebook, pens, etc. Mobile phone and wallet usually go in my jacket pockets for security’s sake. There are various backpacks available designed specifically for riding, with capacity for drinking systems for longer rides. It is also best to have a waterproof one if you use it for longer rides like Touratech’s Backpack COR13, made by Ortlieb, which is made from wear-resistant nylon fabric with a padded foam back, and a chest and hip belt to ensure it is fitted snugly.
For quicker runs where all I need to carry is my mobile, wallet and house keys, I often use a fanny pack or a leg bag, like Givi’s Thermoformed leg back, which comes with adjustable leg and waist straps or can be hooked directly onto a belt. It is made from high tenacity 1200D/PVC polyester, is EVA coated with anti-scratch PU, has three inner pockets and protects your stuff from rain.
On your motorcycle
While some motorcycles, particularly your modern cruisers, baggers, etc with fairings, come with small storage compartments for keys, wallet and mobile phone (including USB charging slots in some instances), if your motorcycle isn’t one of those, there are handlebar and tankbags that can be mounted on the tank.
For rough terrain riding, there is also the ATG Overlander Saddlebag, which straps over your pillion seat and onto just about any pannier frame. And if you ride a cruiser like an Indian or a Harley, there are dope leather saddlebags. A friend rides an Indian Scout and ordered a lovely set of brown leather saddlebags, in which he carries his work stuff when commuting.
And, if push comes to shove, you can also carry a duffle bag, like Touratech Waterproof’s Dry Bag Rack-Pack, and strap onto the back of your motorcycle with bungee cords.
So, yes, while a motorcycle may not have as much storage as a car, there are options. And, if you are wondering how I made it home with my takeaways … I tucked into the front of my jacket for the short ride home.