A simple yet efficient motorcycle luggage system not only makes the riding experience easy but also keeps the motorcycle in good balance.
I have upgraded the luggage system many times through a span of 6 years before settling down for a minimalistic yet efficient way of saddling up for the long haul. Here’s my motorcycle luggage system.
- Viaterra Leh 100% Waterproof Saddle Bag
- Cramster Turtle Magnetic Tank Bag
- Trek ‘N’ Ride Himalayan Bottle Empocher
- Bungee Cords
- Long Haul Jerry Can 5L
- Decathlon Hiking Backpack Rain Cover
Viaterra Leh 100% Waterproof Saddle Bag
Viaterra offers the largest capacity saddle bags in its class with 60L of storage and with a lot of quick access pockets. It is 100% waterproof and has a rain cover for added protection. The 3 harness system is sufficient for effective mounting.
It’s very durable and has gone through very tough off road conditions with no signs of wear and tear after almost a year of usage. Even though it’s designed for a straight exhaust motorcycles, the under protector of my saddle stay perfectly sits the bag and prevents it from touching the exhaust.
Cramster Turtle Magnetic Tank Bag
I’ve never come across a tank bag with such large capacity as the Cramster’s. It’s expandable, has a rain cover and a transparent cover for storing documents or maps. The magnets are so strong that they attach on top of the rubber grip on the fuel tank and has not detached even once in off-roading sessions.
I store a jar of peanut butter, my DSLR camera, few eatables, rain gear, power banks, phone, cables and wallet and it still holds strong.
Trek ‘N’ Ride Himalayan Bottle Empocher
I found this bottle empocher on Amazon and I take it on every ride big and small. It holds 2 one litre bottles and it’s very useful to folks who don’t prefer carrying a hydration pack on the back.
Bungee Cords
A couple of bungee cords are more than enough to hold any extra luggage like tents and sleeping bags. They hold strong even in the toughest of terrain and I’ve been using the same pair for more than 5 years now.
Long Haul Jerry Can 5L
I used a 5L jerry can from Long Haul for extra petrol on my Ladakh trip and mounted it on the left front frame. It’s sturdy and safer than carrying petrol in a local can.
Decathlon Hiking Backpack Rain Cover
I don’t use my saddle bag for short one or two day trips. I’ll use a shoulder bag or duffle bag and mount it on the top rack with bungee cords. For rain cover I use Decathlon’s Hiking Backpack rain cover.
As are most of Decathlon’s products, it’s very durable. It comes in various sizes which will suit your needs.
Read about the must have accessories on the RE Himalayan here – https://bulletstrings.com/must-have-accessories-on-the-royal-enfield-himalayan/
Should you buy the RE Himalayan? Read my review here – https://bulletstrings.com/himalayan-ownership-review/
I hope now you get an idea of a good motorcycle luggage system. Find one that suits your needs and get going! In case you’d like to check out the review video, head to the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best motorcycle luggage?
The best motorcycle luggage would be a pair of saddle bags / panniers, a tank bag and an optional tail bag / box.
Is hard luggage system better than the soft luggage system?
If you want good protection for your luggage, then a hard luggage system is the way to go. This will include panniers and tail boxes. If you prefer more storage capacity and flexibility, soft luggage system such as saddlebags and tank bags are the way to go.
How to carry a duffle bag on a motorcycle?
Although duffle bags are not the ideal way to carry luggage on a motorcycle, you can easily tie a duffle bag to a motorcycle with the help of a pair of bungee cords.
Do I need to carry Jerry can for Ladakh trip?
For motorcycles with an average mileage less than 30 kmpl, it’s ideal to carry a 5L jerry can for carrying extra fuel. For more things to carry for a Ladakh bike trip, read here – https://bulletstrings.com/what-to-carry-for-a-ladakh-trip-on-a-motorcycle/
Are motorcycle backpacks worth it?
Although motorcycle backpacks offer many features like hydration chambers and emergency tool kit pockets, they often cause strain on the back when riding long hours. I would recommend investing in a tank bag / tail bag rather than a backpack.
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