Best Motorcycle Saddlebags: Pack Your Gear Effectively

These top motorcycle saddlebags make bike trips more practical

byNoelle Talmon|
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BYNoelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON June 1, 2021

Riding a motorcycle gives people a great sense of freedom, and that's why so many riders choose to take a lot of trips on their bikes. Traveling long distances (or even just a few hours) is much easier if you have the right storage space on your Honda, Harley, or other model of bike. 


With the right luggage, you will have no problem packing gear for a weekend away or for a much longer adventure. Check out the best motorcycle saddlebags available in the buying guide below.

Best Overall
Tourmaster Black Elite Saddlebag

Tourmaster Black Elite Saddlebag

Summary

The bags are polyester and come with rain covers. They have a protective heat shield and feature a reflective triangle for nighttime riding.

Pros
  • It's easy to install and remove the bags
  • They have a lot of storage and they're very high-quality
  • They're a great deal for the price.
Cons
  • There is no way to lock these bags using the included zippers
  • You may need to add a bracket to keep them away from the hot exhaust
Best Value

Stansport Saddle Bag

Summary

These bags are made of canvas and vinyl and have two large pockets that are reinforced for durability. They're versatile and can be used on motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles.

Pros
  • They're very inexpensive yet rugged and sturdy 
  • They drape nicely over the saddle and are large enough to hold groceries or a spare jacket
Cons
  • They will burn if they're not secured away from the pipes
  • They may need to be modified to sit correctly on the bike, and they're not designed to carry heavy objects
Honorable Mention

Nelson-Rigg Yellow/Black Sierra Dry Saddlebags

Summary

These saddlebags are 100 percent waterproof with a UV coating. They come in two colors and are a universal fit. The mounting hardware is made of aircraft-grade aluminum.

Pros
  • They are heavy-duty and high-quality
  • They hold seven gallons on each side and feature lightweight liners that help you remove and pack items in each bag
Cons
  • They're pricey
  • The straps may fail and are difficult to quickly fasten or unfasten
  • The straps are also difficult to maneuver in the dark

Benefits of Motorcycle Saddlebags

  • Convenience. It's much easier to carry items in a saddlebag than in a backpack, which can weigh your body down when you're riding. When you get off your bike, you can leave items in your saddlebags and not have to carry them around.
  • Security. The best quality motorcycle saddlebags are designed with security in mind. They feature a locking mechanism, so when you're away from your bike, you know your gear is protected from thieves.
  • Necessity. If you're taking a long-distance road trip, you need bags to hold all your gear. The best motorcycle adventure saddlebags are large enough to accommodate a variety of items, from tents and extra jackets to several changes of clothing.

Types of Motorcycle Saddlebags

Soft

People who ride cruisers often lean towards soft bags, which are made of leather or synthetic materials. Even the best soft motorcycle saddlebags are not typically waterproof and require waterproof liners or storm/rain covers in order to keep your belongings dry in inclement weather. 

These bags are typically less secure than hard bags because they don't feature a locking mechanism. Plus, it's not hard to cut into them with a knife. Ideally, these bags should detach easily, so you can remove them if you're staying somewhere overnight.

Hard

Many dual-sport or adventure bike riders and some cruiser riders use hard bags, which tend to be more expensive. The best motorcycle hard saddlebags are much more secure and weather-resistant than soft bags. They typically need mounting brackets for installation, and sometimes a modification is required, depending on the bike's model. They are rigidly constructed, so there's only so much gear you can stuff into them compared to soft bags, which are more flexible and easier to cram full of stuff.

Other

In addition to traditional saddlebags, you can purchase a sissy bar, tail, or tank bag for your bike. Sissy bar or stackable bags are designed for touring and often feature two bags strapped together that are attached to a sissy bar. 

Tail bags complement saddlebags and can be either hard or soft and are designed to stow smaller, more accessible items. Tank bags are great for short trips and for carrying smaller items, such as a wallet or cell phone. Many have clear map pouches, and they're easy to install and remove since many are affixed with strong magnets.

Top Brands

Tourmaster

Tourmaster has been around since 1979 and has distributors all over the world, including places such as Canada, Japan, and Venezuela. The company designs products for serious riders, such as heated gear and accessories, jackets, pants, boots, and a wide range of luggage options. One example is the Tourmaster Black Elite Saddlebag.

Nelson-Rigg

Nelson-Rigg USA, Inc. is based in Santa Ana, California, and was founded in 1972. The company is widely known for producing some of the best accessories, apparel, covers, and luggage, such as the Nelson-Rigg Yellow/Black Sierra Dry Saddlebags.

SW Motech

SW-MOTECH is based in Rauschenberg, Germany, and the company produces a wide range of luggage options for riders, including tank bags, saddlebags, tail bags, side cases, and carriers, and luggage racks. One of its top products is the SW-Motech Blaze H Sport Saddlebag Kit for 14-17 Yamaha FZ-09.

Kuryakyn

Kuryakyn is based in Somerset, Wisconsin, and has been in business since 1989. The company produces a wide variety of power sports accessories, from handlebar controls and mirrors to storage covers and air cleaners. One of its top storage solutions is the Kuryakyn GranThrow-Over Saddlebag

Motorcycle Saddlebags Pricing

  • Under $50: You don't have to spend a lot of money to find the best cheap motorcycle saddlebags. Items in this price range are generally soft bags made of PU leather or heavy-duty canvas. However, they don't typically have locking mechanisms, so they don’t provide much security.
  • $50-$100: If you spend a little more money, you will find bags that are a bit more heavy-duty with added features. For example, they may include heat shields to protect the bags from hot exhaust pipes. 
  • Over $150: The best motorcycle saddlebags for the money aren't necessarily the least expensive. If you want durable, high-quality luggage, you're going to have to make a sizable investment. Some bags in this category cost several hundred dollars, but they're often waterproof and highly secure.

Key Features

Materials and Durability

Motorcycle luggage comes in a variety of different materials, and some are more durable than others. Common materials include leather, synthetic leather, nylon, and plastic. The best leather motorcycle saddlebags are designed with style in mind, but they may not last as long as their synthetic counterparts. Plastic saddlebags, on the other hand, are more likely to crack over time, which isn’t very attractive. 

Size and Fit

The main purpose of a motorcycle saddlebag is for it to hold all your stuff, such as riding gear, tools, and other equipment. The size of the saddlebag is usually limited by the size of your bike. Obviously, larger bikes can accommodate bigger bags, while sportbikes with oversized exhausts must be equipped with smaller bags. If you can’t buy custom-built bags, choose a product that isn't oversized because it will neither fit well nor look very good.

Lockable

We've already touched on this, but it's worth repeating. Lockable saddlebags are desirable because they keep your gear from being stolen. While many thieves avoid targeting bikers because the consequences can be swift and powerful, it still happens from time to time. Lockable bags are particularly important if you're traveling away from home and leave your bike outside unprotected overnight.

Other Considerations

  • Waterproof: Every bike has been caught in the rain at one time or another, and many carry rain gear for that very reason. Well, it's also important to protect the equipment in your saddlebags. There's nothing worse than having to deal with sopping wet clothing, tools, and other gear after a downpour. Some bags aren’t waterproof, but they come with rain covers, which are nearly as effective.
  • Quick-Release: If you happen to purchase a set of saddlebags that aren't lockable, look for products that have or are compatible with a quick-release bracket system. This will enable you to remove the bags quickly and easily from the bike. This is a practical solution when you're traveling and want to keep your possessions secure by removing them when they’re not unsupervised.

Best Motorcycle Saddlebags Reviews & Recommendations 2021

These heavy-duty polyester saddlebags come with rain covers and integrate with the TourMaster elite tail bag. They're fitted with a heat shield so they don't get burned by the bike's pipes and feature adjustable Velcro for mounting under the seat. Each bag has a reflective triangle for better visibility at night.


They’re easy to use and take just seconds to put the bags on or pop them off without needing to adjust any of the straps. They provide a lot of storage and are of excellent quality. Overall, they're a great set of soft bags for the price.


One downside to these bags is they have only one back-to-front zipper for each bag, which makes it hard to lock them and deter thieves. Also, you may have to make a bracket to keep them away from your exhaust, and the rain cover may not be included in the package.

These saddlebags are made of heavy-duty cotton duck canvas and vinyl. They feature two large pockets with double strapped flap covers, and stress points are reinforced to increase durability. They're designed for motorcycles as well as scooters and bicycles.


The canvas feels very rugged, and they are sturdily constructed. The bags are great for the price, and they drape very nicely over a pillion saddle. They're just large enough to hold a small amount of groceries and even a spare motorcycle jacket.


One problem with these bags is they need to be secured away from hot pipes so they don't get burned. Also, you may need to modify them a little so they sit correctly on your bike, particularly at highway speeds. In addition, they aren't made to carry heavy objects without underlying support.

These 100-percent waterproof saddlebags are available in black or black/yellow and are designed for motorcycles, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. They have a universal fit, with heat-welded seams and a UV coating that makes them easy to clean. The mounting hardware is made of aircraft-grade aluminum.


If you're looking for high-quality, heavy-duty bags, then these are the ones to get. They hold seven gallons per side and securely mount to your bike with four quick-release buckles and double pull straps. They include lightweight liners, which makes it easy to remove and pack items in the bag.


However, the straps may break over a short period of use, and it's not easy to fasten and unfasten them quickly. The four straps have to be repositioned every time you put something in the bags and then retightened, which is hard to do in the dark. The bags are also very expensive.

If you ride a Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki or other cruiser motorcycle, you may like the Kemimoto Motorcycle Saddlebags. They fit a wide range of models, including Sporters, Softails, Dynas, V-stars, Shadow, and Vulcans. The bags are black with white stitching and are made of durable synthetic leather that is water-resistant.


These bags feature a pin buckle and quick-release buckle and are large enough to accommodate a variety of items, such as a jacket, gloves, wallet, and earphones. One of the best features of the bags is that they are designed to keep their shape and won't sag when they're empty. Users report that they're easy to install, easy to open, and a good size overall.


However, these bags aren't real leather, and you can't lock them, so your belongings may be at risk of being stolen. Also, they're not a universal fit, so they don't fit all types of bikes.

The WILD HEART Waterproof Bag Motorcycle Saddlebags are a great option if you're looking for a waterproof storage option. They have a rolling closure (just roll the top and no water can get in) and are designed to keep your belongings dry in heavy rain. They have a 50-liter capacity (25 liters each). We like the multi-adjustment design that allows you to adapt the length and distance between the bags. You can also use them separately.


You can make these bags more compact by using the included belt. They have a non-slip foam piece that prevents friction between the bag and your bike. Available in black or yellow, these bags are reflective, so you can see them at night. Users report that the straps are very secure and don't loosen up. They hold a lot of gear, and they're easy to put on and take off your bike.


Unfortunately, you can't lock these bags, so your belongings are not completely secure from thieves. Also, on some bikes, you need to make sure the bags are full so they don't bounce and rub against the rear tire.

Tips

  • Make sure the straps, belts, and buckles on the saddlebags work efficiently and properly. Some are more user-friendly than others and are easier to open and close.
  • Make sure to balance the loads in your saddlebags. Do not put several heavy items on one side when you can even place them between the two sides.
  • For extra support, affix a metal bracket to your motorcycle to support the bags and prevent them from hitting either the exhaust or the rear wheel. Either of these scenarios can be very hazardous.

FAQs

Q: Are hard or soft saddlebags more secure?

A: Hard cases are made of metal, plastic, or both and are more secure than soft bags, which you can cut with a knife. Hard bags also often feature locking systems.

Q: Do soft saddlebags have any advantages?

A: Yes. They are usually less expensive than hard bags and weigh less. You can use them with many types of motorcycles, and they are less likely to get damaged if your bike falls over.

Q: Are motorcycle saddlebags a universal fit? 

A: No. Some saddlebags are specifically designed for certain makes and models. There are brands, however, that are made to fit a variety of different bikes.

Q: What is a throw-over style saddlebag?

A: Throw-over saddlebags fit most metric cruisers and Harley-Davidson bikes. They usually have an adjustable yoke in the center that you expand or contract when you fit it over the rear fender. They are adjustable and are affixed by a few attachment points.

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best motorcycle saddlebag is the Tourmaster Black Elite Saddlebag. It's easy to use, high quality, and provides a lot of storage.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Stansport Saddle Bag.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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