How to Carry Luggage on Your Motorcycle
Comments CommentIt’s the dream for many riders: a multi-day trip on your motorcycle. Whether that means a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, planning this kind of trip is a big milestone. But there’s a big difference between an afternoon ride and one that requires a change of clothes.
The right motorcycle luggage setup keeps your gear secure and your ride balanced. If a multi-day trip is in your future (or dreams), planning ahead is one of the best choices you can make.
Read on for tips on how to carry a lot of luggage on your motorcycle.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing how to carry a lot of luggage on a motorcycle starts with proper weight distribution.
- How to carry luggage on a motorcycle with minimized risks means securing bags with quality straps and locks to prevent shifting while on the road and parked.
- Weather-resistant bags and motorcycle luggage are essential during multi-day trips.
- The best approach to carrying luggage on a motorcycle is choosing the right storage options for your bike and riding style.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Luggage for Your Ride
Before you hit the road, you need to decide how you’ll carry your gear. If your bike doesn’t have built-in luggage storage, or you need to add more space for a longer journey, you have options.
Prioritize the following when looking at how to carry a lot of luggage on a motorcycle:
- Capacity and weight distribution: Ensure your luggage won’t throw off the bike’s balance.
- Mounting options: Different luggage racks and options have different installation methods.
- Weather protection: Waterproof or weather-resistant materials protect your gear from the elements.
- Security: Lockable options deter theft, especially for long-haul touring.
- Accessibility: Quick access to essentials like tools, rain gear, or snacks makes the ride smoother.
- Durability: Rugged materials can withstand road vibrations, weather, and heavy use.
Different luggage styles offer unique benefits, and knowing what works best for your riding style goes a long way toward ensuring comfort and easy access while on the road.
Exploring Different Motorcycle Luggage Styles
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for motorcycle storage. The best storage for you depends on your bike, riding habits, and the type of trips you take.
The most popular luggage styles for Harley-Davidson riders include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Saddlebags
Saddlebags for motorcycles are a classic choice. They attach to either side of the bike’s rear fender and offer a balanced load. Motorcycle saddlebags come in soft (flexible, lightweight) and hard (rigid and lockable) styles. They’re a great fit for daily commuting or touring. Detachable Saddlebags allow you to quickly remove the bags when your travel is over if you prefer a more stripped-down look.
Tank and tail bags
When you need to carry small essentials and keep them within easy reach, motorcycle tank bags or tail bags are a great option. Tank bags attach to the top of your bike’s fuel tank with straps or magnets, while tail bags attach to the passenger seat on many models. Some even include clear pockets for maps or phone navigation.
Top cases
Tour-Paks and top cases offer great storage space for riders and are a great weather-resistant option. Hard top cases offer great storage space, passenger backrest pads, detachability, and locks — perfect for touring or long-distance rides.
Soft luggage and touring bags
Soft touring bags and other similar bags can accommodate gear and easily strap to racks, passenger seats, sissy bars, or luggage racks. They make for great camping storage. For those who want "grab and go" convenience when parked or at their destination, premium options like the Onyx Premium Luggage Collection and Overwatch Collection offer excellent versatility. The luggage in these collections attach to motorcycles and can be removed quickly for carrying.
Small storage
The perfect option for small items like wallets, sunglasses, and cell phones, available options for these bags can vary by bike model. Small storage solutions include handlebar bags, accessory bags, windshield bags, and swingarm bags.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Luggage Types
Picking the best motorcycle saddlebags or other luggage means weighing security, weather protection, and convenience against flexibility. Let’s break down the pros and cons of popular motorcycle luggage types:
Hard Cases, Top Cases & Tour-Paks
· Lockable for added security · Excellent weather resistance · Durable and long-lasting · Offered in original paint colors to match your bike · Versatility with a detachable mounting rack · Quickly add/remove Tour-Pak® based on needs · Backrest pads available for passengers |
· Adds additional weight · More expensive · Mounting hardware required · Not offered for all models |
Saddlebags
Cons |
|
· Throwover bags are lightweight and easy to install · Lockable options |
· Not fully water resistant on their own · Additional hardware may be required |
Tank Bags
Pros |
Cons |
· Quick access to essentials · Easy to attach and remove |
· Smaller storage capacity · Can obstruct fuel access or handlebars |
Soft Luggage
Pros |
Cons |
· Maximum versatility and flexibility · Easy “on/off” installation · Water resistance · Affordability |
· Lacks locks |
Small Storage
Pros |
Cons |
· Quick access to essentials · Easy to install |
· Smaller storage capacity |
Matching Luggage to Your Riding Needs
Choosing the right motorcycle luggage involves more than storage space. You want a hassle-free ride no matter how or where you travel.
Daily commuters can reach for saddlebags, backpacks, messenger bags, and tank bags for all their work-and-fun storage needs.
Long-distance touring, meanwhile, might necessitate hard saddlebags, top cases, Tour-Paks, and luggage racks. Waterproofing and lockability are critical for these extended trips. Harley Davidson offers excellent luggage for these trips such as the Touring Bag, rolling bags, Tour-Pak® rack bags, and more.
Weekend getaways, meanwhile, necessitate tail bags, roll bags, and expandable saddlebags that give you enough space for clothes and personal items without overloading your bike. Harley Davidson’s soft luggage collection offers weekender bags, day bags, and Tour-Pak rack bags perfect for these adventures.
Finally, off-road and adventure riding might require soft luggage like dry bags or waterproof saddlebags for rough terrain. These are lightweight, impact-resistant, and adaptable to different loads.
How to Secure Your Luggage for Peak-Performance Riding
It’s one thing to pick the right luggage, but keeping it tightly secured is equally important. Installing it on your bike properly reduces the risk of lost or damaged gear and prevents problems from shifting weight.
Essential Security Measures for Loaded Motorcycles
Keeping your luggage secure should be your priority. All Harley-Davidson® bags and luggage come with mounting hardware and straps. Reference the instructions with your luggage to properly attach it to your bike. If locking mechanisms are available, use them. Double-check all mounting points before your ride and any time you stop for a rest. Finally, avoid excess overhang. This can impact balance and aerodynamics.
Ultimately, proper security measures let you focus on the ride — not your gear.
How to Prevent Luggage from Coming Loose on the Road
Mid-ride luggage shifts are dangerous. Routine checks and smart packing are critical. Always do the following:
Tighten all straps before departure.
Use compression straps to minimize movement inside soft bags.
Secure zippers and closures with quick-access fasteners to prevent flapping.
Distribute weight evenly.
Remember: A few extra seconds of securing your gear can help prevent major road hazards.
Balancing When Carrying Heavy Loads
Proper weight distribution keeps the ride smooth and controlled, even with extra luggage. Keep the heaviest items low and close to the bike’s center of gravity. Evenly distribute weight between both sides to prevent any pull or drift. You may even need to adjust suspension settings to compensate for the added weight if possible. Finally, take a test ride before a long trip to get used to the extra load.
Maximizing Storage Space with Smart Solutions
Because motorcycles have limited storage, getting creative with space-saving solutions is critical for comfortable rides. Options like the collapsible Tour-Pak rack bag can increase your hauling capacity.
Stack items efficiently: Using soft items around rigid objects gives you better packing density. Don’t neglect the utility of roll-top dry bags to maximize space while keeping things weatherproofed.
Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles Built for the Journey
Touring Models – The Gold Standard for Storage
Touring motorcycles are some of the premier models for cross-country trips, such as the Street Glide ® Ultra. Harley-Davidson® touring models emphasize this with hard saddlebags and tour pack storage designed for serious travels.
One important note is that some model years may not have the same storage capacity, so visit your local retailer to get a closer look at these motorcycles' storage potential.
Why are motorcycle boots so stiff?
Cruiser models might offer a lower seat height and relaxed riding position that’s good for shorter rides, but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on storage capacity. Some Harley-Davidson® models like the 2025 Low Rider® ST and 2025 Heritage Classic cruiser offer luggage capacity with hard-framed saddlebags. These features provide storage and gear protection no matter how long you’re on the road
Trikes – Ultimate Storage and Stability
When riders want to maximize their storage options, they often seek trike motorcycles. Motorcycles like the 2025 Road Glide® 3 and Tri Glide® Ultra feature locking trunks that offer weatherproof storage with up to two cubic feet (Road Glide 3) or 6.8 cubic feet of combined storage for maximum space (Tri Glide Ultra).
Storage space may vary by motorcycle. A hands-on approach is the best way to ensure these models offer the room you need for everything you want to take on your multi-day adventure.
Adventure-Ready Storage on the Pan America® Special
Taking your adventure off the highways and onto the trails doesn’t mean sacrificing storage. Motorcycles like the 2025 CVO™ Pan America® are built with exploration in mind. This bike features rugged aluminum luggage options that are purpose-built for on- and off-road adventures.
Common Rider Questions About Motorcycle Luggage
Motorcycle luggage options include saddlebags, tank bags, tail bags, top cases, Tour-Paks®, and roll bags. Each has different storage capacities and mounting styles for various riding needs.
Bungee cords, tie-down straps, cargo nets, or luggage racks are excellent accessories that prevent shifting. Hard cases with locks can add extra security, while waterproof covers protect against the elements.
Yes. Motorcycle-specific bags feature secure mounting systems, weatherproofing, and reinforced structures built for vibrations and wind resistance, especially compared to other bags.
Look at storage capacity, mounting compatibility, weather resistance, and weight distribution. Pay close attention to styles that work with your bike.
While possible, regular bags lack secure mounts, weather resistance, and durability for travel on a motorcycle. The soft luggage collection offers many options that work well for almost all H-D bikes, including bags and backpacks for riding.
Use lockable saddlebags, top cases or Tour-Paks® luggage. Park in visible areas, and secure loose items with cable locks or quick-release straps to deter theft.
Each bike has a maximum payload capacity listed in the owner’s manual. Overloading impacts handling, braking, and suspension performance. Always evenly distribute weight on the bike and stay below manual-recommended limits. In addition, motorcycle luggage and many luggage racks have clearly stated capacity limits. Always read your owner’s manual before loading your bike for a trip.
Final Thoughts – Ride Light, Ride Smart
No matter what kind of storage options you choose for your Harley-Davidson® bike, paying close attention to your owner’s manual, proper packing techniques, and the right sorts of saddlebags and luggage racks for your motorcycle can help make your next cross-country or multi-day ride smooth.
With these tips, we hope you can find the right solution for your riding needs. However, if you’re searching for even more insights or hands-on, look no further than your local Harley-Davidson® dealer, where our experts are standing by to help you.
