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My Motorcycle Luggage System

LUGGAGE SYSTEM REVIEW

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 Leh Saddle Bag - motorcycle luggage system

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

Cramster Turtle Magnetic Tank Bag - motorcycle luggage system

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

Trek N Ride 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

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

 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.

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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.

Motorcycle Riding Gear I Use – A Review

REVIEW of all my RIDING GEAR | Jackets, Helmets, Boots, Gloves and more!

Proper riding gear is a necessity rather than a luxury. As the saying goes, one should spent at least 10% of the cost of motorcycle in good quality riding gear.

Although riding in full riding gear might not be the most comfortable but it’s the best bet when it comes to safety. I’ll share the riding gear I use and my honest motorcycle riding gear review.

  • Axor Apex Helmet
  • Cramster Breezer 4s Mesh Jacket
  • Cramster Flux Short Summer Gloves
  • Rynox Storm Riding Pants
  • Royal Enfield Huntsman Riding Boots
  • Decathlon Rain Gear
  • Generic Waterproof Shoe Cover
  • Decathlon Balaclava

Axor Apex Solid Black Helmet

Axor Apex Helmet Solid Black - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

Axor makes the cheapest yet very reliable helmets with double D ring locks. It’s the heaviest in the segment but offers very good features like pin lock, detachable paddings, double visor, bluetooth intercom mount and so on.

They are ECE, DOTT and ISI certified. They are very durable, sturdy and fits perfectly. Make sure you try it on before you buy and get a size that’s a little tight for you as these helmets tends to expand with use.

Cramster Breezer 4s Stop Red Mesh Jacket

Cramster Breezer 4s Riding Jacket - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

Jacket was the first piece of gear I bought and I couldn’t be happier about the purchase. I bought it in 2017 and it bears very minimal signs of wear and tear after 60000+ kms of usage.

It’s a mesh jacket with detachable thermal and rain lining, protective padding and lots of other customisable options. Unfortunately Cramster has shut down all its physical stores but you still get their products online.

Cramster Flux Short Summer Gloves

Cramster Flux Short Summer Gloves

Although not the most comfortable one, the cramster flux leather gloves served the purpose for almost 4 years before it became difficult to use.

I’m looking for options to upgrade to a full gauntlet gloves. Until then cramster stays.

Rynox Storm Riding Pants Off White

Rynox Storm Riding Pants

Rynox builds some of the toughest yet budget friendly riding gears in the Indian market. The riding pants I use have taken some heavy beating over the past 1 year and it still stays strong.

The only thing I’d whine about is that I had to buy the off white edition as their black edition was out of stock. My obsession with clean gears always makes me give it to a laundry after every off-road session.

It’s a mesh pant with detachable rain lining, thermal lining, protective padding and plenty of pocket options.

Royal Enfield Huntsman Riding Boots Green Brown

Royal Enfield Huntsman Boots - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

The most expensive class of riding gear is the boots. Cheap ones often aren’t comfortable and if your feet isn’t happy during a ride, body as a whole will give up sooner than you think.

I found RE boots strong, sturdy, comfortable and economical. It has served the purpose well especially in off-road terrain. The only downside is that they aren’t waterproof.

Decathlon Rain Gear

Decathlon Rain Jacket

Rain gear from decathlon is the best! Durable, cheap and does the job better than any other aftermarket rain gear.

I use rain jacket and pant a size higher than mine so that I can comfortably wear it over my riding jacket and pants.

Waterproof Shoe Cover

I use a generic waterproof shoe cover from Amazon to wear over my boots in case of rain or small river crossings. Over the past 5 years of usage, I just had to change 2 pairs. They do the job well.

It’s better to buy a non waterproof boots for your feet to breathe in hot weather and a shoe cover for wet conditions.

Balaclava

Decathlon Neck Warmer

Decathlon’s neck warmer can be used in more ways than one. I use it mostly as a head cover, face-mask or as a neck protector from cold winds.


That’s all the gear I use and my honest motorcycle riding gear review. I hope you found it helpful in choosing your riding gear. If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out.

In case you’d like to watch the video of motorcycle riding gear review, follow the link below.

YouTube player

Check out my list of must have motorcycle accessories here – https://bulletstrings.com/must-have-accessories-on-the-royal-enfield-himalayan/

Check out my vlogging gear review here – https://bulletstrings.com/vlogging-gear-review/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is riding gear?

Riding gears are protective apparel that’s specially designed for motorcycle riders. They offer protection as well as features specifically suiting motorcycle riders.

What is the best gear to ride a motorbike?

The best set of gears to ride a motorbike include helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots and rain covers.

How important is riding gear on a bike?

Riding gear is a necessity. Not only it protects you from crashes but also from environmental elements like wind, heat and rain.

Do riding boots make a difference?

Yes they do! Riding boots offer thick sole, metal protection in areas around the toes, heels and ankles. They prevent your feet from crushing on an impact.

Which certification is best for helmet?

In my opinion, the best ones to go for will be SNELL certified helmets. However they are quite expensive. ECE and DOT certified helmets are safe and are quite easy on the pocket. ISI certified helmets are the least safe and expensive but they are the only ones that are legal in India.

Should you wear riding gloves?

Riding gloves often comes with a lot of protective layers around the joints like knuckles and anti abrasive material on the palms. It offers great protection to your hands in the event of a crash. Riding gloves are an absolute must for every ride, long or short.