Motorcycle Panniers

There are many styles of motorcycle panniers suited to many different uses. Most touring panniers come in pairs. The larger models hold enough equipment for self-sustained tours over days or weeks. Including sleeping gear, food, and cooking equipment. Touring panniers are the largest type of pannier and hold more than 50 litres each. Panniers come in hard and soft forms, and dozens of manufacturers produce every variation you can imagine.

You could make up your own if you are strapped for cash and reasonably handy. An interesting post at ADVrider showing how someone made up their panniers. The serious rider touring around the world generally has lightweight aluminium panniers that survive when a bike is dropped and are secure.

Many Styles Available

I am not recommending any of the motorcycle panniers on this page; they are to illustrate the different types available. Please see what fits your bike and consider what configuration and size you need. The Gobi bags made by the German company Hepco and Becker, coloured shock-resistant artificial material that is highly robust, water-proof and shock absorbing. It combines the look of an aluminum-made bag and the advantages of a bag made of synthetic material.

The outer and inner panels of the shell connect and offer a volume of 3.5 litres for liquids – a novel approach to carrying water or drinks. The bags have a volume of 37 litres and apparently can resist a weight of 100 Kg.

The other luggage carrier often seen is the top box. These attach behind the pillion seat and again come in hard or soft forms. Rigid top boxes attach to the bike frame, and lids are lockable, so they are pretty secure. In addition, all good-quality full boxes are waterproof and can detach quickly, but they are expensive. Anything behind you when riding needs double-checking. In other words, make sure you check that the top tube has snapped securely into place, as they tend to have a habit of coming adrift.

Tank Bags

Tank bags are useful if you use a bike most days and even OK for a weekend spin if you are staying in accommodation. You can leave the motorcycle panniers at home and take the tank bag. The bag sits atop the petrol tank, secured by straps, a magnetised base, or stretch cords. Furthermore, a well-designed tank bag generally has a waterproof cover. It is expandable and has carry handles, money pockets, and a transparent pocket for map reading. Additionally, the base is soft so as not to scratch paintwork; some of them will convert into a backpack.

Tool Sets

I recommend tool sets for long journeys. It is best to carry all commonly used socket sizes, including wrenches, pliers, ratchets, tire gauges, screwdrivers, and any fuses the bike takes. You can put these in your motorcycle panniers. I carry my kit in a fork bag, as it is easier to get at. However, if you are travelling in built-up areas where security might be a problem, there are better ideas than this.

Likewise, fix-a-flat or similar is also useful if you have flat tyre miles from anywhere. However, see what happens if the can is not appropriately protected from thumping over corrugated dirt roads… foam everywhere!