Youtube Instagram

Luggage systems -Guide and Top picks

Different bikes and riding moods call for different storage tricks. For instance, long tours usually put panniers at the top of the list. They come in two flavors—robust hard cases that lock in securely, and lighter, softer ones that can be a bit more forgiving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Saddlebags, with their soft and flexible nature, are perfect for quick on/off mounting, making them great for cruisers or spontaneous weekend jaunts. Then there are tank bags, offering speedy access without upsetting your bike’s balance—ideal for maps, a few snacks, or other small essentials. Tail bags and duffels also have their niche, especially on naked bikes and sport-tourers, often working hand in hand with bungee systems or a rear rack. And don’t overlook top boxes; these water-resistant, lockable cases, perched behind your seat, have become the urban rider’s little secret for dealing with the daily grind. Whether you’re gearing up for a grand European tour or weaving through Brussels or Milan, there’s a luggage solution that fits your style.

Motorcycle Riding Accessories ashish
April 22, 2025 7 min read
Luggage systems -Guide and Top picks

In This Blog

  • Finer details - What to look for
  • Understand differernt luggage systems
  • Top 5 picks with buy links

Luggage Systems – Guide and Top picks

Why Luggage Matters More Than You Think

Before you read the blog we recommend all to visit the gearfinder tool (link here https://www.goodgearhub.com/gear-finder-tool ) to discover what you really need not what is being peddled to you in the name of influence and what not. At goodgearhub we don’t chase trends, brands or the herd. We are here to promote motorcycling and we were fed up of finding motivated content so we set goodgearhub so riders can review blog and videos, use the gear finder tool to assess their riding style and need then and only then shortlist what they need. To close the loop, soon we will be putting affiliate links so you don’t have to hunt where to buy from and can just visit the retailer section –

Whether you’re dodging London’s busy streets or breezing past mountain curves, the right luggage setup can completely change your ride. For many UK and EU bikers, it isn’t only about hauling stuff—it’s really about being ready for the unexpected. Think narrow, twisty cobblestone lanes or a sudden heavy drizzle; every choice you make with your gear matters. Really, sometimes the difference between a stellar ride and a messy one comes down to how—and what—you packed.

Types of Motorcycle Luggage: What’s Right for You?
Depending on your bike and riding vibe, your storage needs can vary a lot:

Panniers

For long tours, panniers are a real favourite. They are sturdy, lockable, and hold up well against the elements. You can pick between hard cases that offer maximum security or soft panniers that are lighter and a bit more forgiving in stop‐and‐go traffic.

Saddlebags

These have a softer, more flexible build. They let you easily mount and remove them — perfect for cruisers or those spontaneous weekend getaways.

Tank bags

Quickaccess storage that won’t upset your bike’s balance — ideal for stashing maps, a few snacks, and daily essentials right at hand.

Tail bags and duffels

Great for naked bikes and sporttourers, these often pair with bungee systems or rear racks, giving you a mixandmatch kind of solution.

Top boxes

The urban rider’s top pick: waterproof, lockable, and seated regally behind your seat, ready to handle the everyday grind.

Each option fits a particular need. Planning a European tour? A full pannier system might be your ticket. Zooming through city traffic in Brussels or Milan? A tank bag or tail bag could just be your best mate.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Luggage Systems

1. Durability:

Keep an eye out for tough stuff like ballistic nylon, semirigid EVA panels, or aluminium with a powder coat. UK riders, generally speaking, face grime all year, so your luggage must really be built to last.

2. Mounting Systems:

Some bags come designed for specific bikes with their own racks and brackets, while others rely on straps and velcro. Touring setups often need a robust rack system, whereas urban ones can usually get by with a quickrelease mechanism.

3. Security:

Locking zippers, solid metal latches, and tamperresistant brackets are a must—especially if you might leave your bike parked at a petrol station or a hostel in southern Spain.

4. Capacity vs Weight:

Sure, you want plenty of room, but not if it throws off your bike’s balance or creates extra wind resistance along the way.

5. Weatherproofing:

Waterproof liners, rolltop closures, and sealed zippers can make all the difference between gear that stays dry and essentials that end up drenched in a Welsh thunderstorm.

6. Style of Riding:

City commuters often need nimble, detachable options, while longdistance tourers benefit from rugged gear that can take a pounding day after day.

7. Aerodynamics & Stability:

Wobbly panniers can be downright risky. A wellmounted, balanced system really helps keep things stable at high speed.

8. Brand Support in the UK/EU:

It’s smart to choose brands that back their gear with solid distributor networks and spare parts—think names like Givi, Kriega, SWMotech, Oxford, Hepco & Becker.

Top 5 Motorcycle Luggage Systems for 2025

1. Givi Trekker Outback 42L Side Cases + Top Box (Full Aluminium Touring Set)

Givi’s hard luggage has long earned a legendary status among European touring enthusiasts. The Trekker Outback series is built to take a beating—gravel, rain, snow, you name it.

The build quality impresses with aircraftgrade aluminium and rugged, reinforced polymer corners.

Waterproofing stands nearly bulletproof, thanks to dependable rubber gaskets and snug locks.

Its mounting system (Monokey) clicks right on, making it super easy for most touring motorcycles.

Security is topnotch; every case attaches securely to the bike frame and comes with matching keys.

Even though it’s a bit heavy, the weight distribution is spoton when everything’s mounted correctly.

It offers 42L side cases and more, giving you plenty of room for your gear without compromise. 58L Top Box – For Big Loads

If you need a serious cargo beast, this 58L top box steps up the game.

The controls are a joy—cleaning, detaching, and opening all come effortlessly.

It pairs well with nearly every ADV bike in the UK—BMW, Honda, Triumph, you name it.

Yes, it’s a bit steep on the price, but the value really shines through.

Its look? Raw industrial flair, bold and unapologetic.

2. Kriega USCombo 40 Drypack System (For Urban & Touring Adventures)

Kriega’s USseries is like modular magic in action. The set kicks off with a 20L base bag, plus two 10L side pods, making it a hit with sportbike and naked bike enthusiasts.

The build quality feels topnotch, thanks to tough Hypalon and Cordura materials.

It’s completely waterproof—with rolltop closures and taped seams that really keep the rain at bay.

Mounting is smartly done using subframe loops, so there’s no need to permanently attach racks.

Security isn’t overdone: there aren’t heavy locks, but it’s snug and discreet enough.

The whole setup is featherlight, perfect for bikes that are sensitive to balance issues.

You can mix and match pieces to adjust capacity on the fly.

Its minimalist design keeps things simple, and it fits any bike with a pillion seat or subframe.

While it can pinch the pocket a little, every penny spent feels justified.

The overall vibe is sleek and decidedly urban—definitely approved by city riders.

3. SWMotech SysBag WP M + L Set – The Hybrid for Secure Luggage

This hybrid offers the soft luggage feel with a hardmount spirit, engineered in Germany to brave the weather.

Constructed from militarygrade materials like TPUcoated fabric and semirigid frames, it’s built to last.

Every seam is welded for total waterproof protection.

Enjoy rapid, quickrelease mounting with lockable side plates for that extra secure feel.

Need added security? Just slip in a padlock for antitheft backup.

It weighs less than traditional hard panniers while giving you more structure than a simple rolltop.

Depending on your configuration, you easily achieve over 40L of capacity.

It doesn’t mind a tumble—on or off road, its resilience comes through.

Designed with bikespecific mounting in mind, it fits across UK and EU ADV and sporttourers.

With a price that’s moderate and longevity you can count on, it’s a smart investment.

Sporting a tactical, blackedout look, it’s as practical as it is tough.

4. Oxford Aqua T50 Roll Bag – A Budget Waterproof Tail Bag

A genuine UK budget favorite, perfect for commuters or those planning light tours.

It’s made from waterproof PVC tarpaulin with welded seams that really keep out the wet stuff.

The rolltop design is straightforward and effective for keeping water at bay.

Thanks to bungees and compression straps, the mounting is virtually universal—no fuss needed!

Security isn’t its strong suit by itself, which is why riders often pair it with top boxes.

It’s super light, making it easy to pick up and carry off the bike when necessary.

With a roomy 50L capacity, it’s just right for short, multiday getaways.

One of the smoothest, most userfriendly bags available today.

Works with nearly every type of bike you can imagine.

The price is dirt cheap, especially considering the value it delivers.

It might not win beauty contests, but its functional design surely gets the job done.

5. Hepco & Becker Xplorer 45/40L Aluminium Cases – Premium Touring Hard Cases

Engineered for serious adventure across Europe’s many climates, these hard cases are highend and tough as nails.

They’re built entirely from aluminium and finished with a powder coating that rivals Givi’s quality.

Waterproofing and dust resistance come as standard, ensuring reliable protection.

They mount securely on Lockit side carriers, lending a rocksolid feel.

Integrated locking mechanisms add a layer of security you can count on.

Though they’re heavier than models like Kriega or Oxford, that weight is a sign of their abuseresistant design.

You get 45L and 40L side boxes, with an optional 55L top box to expand your storage possibilities.

Wideopening lids make accessing your gear a breeze.

They’re mostly made for ADV bikes and touring rigs, ensuring ample compatibility.

Yes, they come with a premium price tag—but Germanengineered precision speaks for itself.

The aggressive, sharp look perfectly suits bikes with a GSstyle edge.

Luggage Setup Hints for UK/EU Riders

Spread the weight evenly between your panniers to avoid any tricky handling on those twisty back roads.

Toss your electronics into drybags inside nonwaterproof luggage when a shower hits unexpectedly.

Planning a tour? Lockable hard cases become a must if you’re crashing at a roadside inn or a budget motel.

If you’re commuting in the city, opt for quickrelease tail or tank bags—they’re light, nimble, and super practical.

And don’t forget to check your mounting tension after about 100 miles; bolts can loosen with all that vibration.

goodgearhub wrapUp

Over in the UK and throughout the EU, your luggage system isn’t just about storage—it’s built to take on weather, speed, a bit of mayhem, and plenty of curves, all while keeping its cool. Whether you’re zipping through urban landscapes or winding along country roads, your gear should feel as bold and ready as you are. Roaming through Barcelona’s winding, ancient lanes or streaking across rugged Scottish Highlands, the right gear isn’t just a random pick—it holds your essentials safe and keeps your bike nicely steady. Luggage isn’t simply an afterthought; it’s that quiet sidekick that, in its own understated way, turns a tricky ride into one you’ll actually remember.

Buy Links for the above

1. Givi Trekker Outback 42L + Top Box

2. Kriega US-Combo 40 Drypack System
3. SW-Motech SysBag WP M + L Set
4. Oxford Aqua T-50 Roll Bag
5. Hepco & Becker Xplorer 45/40L Cases
ashish's Signature