Side Bags & Panniers

Ready for the Road: XLMOTO Saddlebags and Panniers

The first cloth saddlebags date back over 3000 years and eventually, fabric gave way to leather. Yet, the basic design for the saddlebag remains the same for today’s millennial motorcyclists. Side bags, saddlebags, panniers or handlebar bags are the best way to add much-needed luggage space to your ride. XLMOTO’s extensive range lets you choose from hard luggage, soft throw-over saddlebags, retro-style bike panniers and more. Whether you’re camping, city commuting or exploring worldwide, invest in panniers that will suit your motorcycle and luggage needs. Read on and find the best way to choose the right saddlebags for your ride.

Bike Pannier Styles

Panniers fall into two luggage categories; hard and soft.

Hard Luggage: As their name suggests, hard luggage has a stiff aluminium body or an aluminium frame with an impact-resistant plastic body. This pannier style has its plus and minus points. Big bore adventure bike riders often opt for this type of luggage. So whether heading for the great outdoors or the café on the high street, hard luggage can take the knocks. The rigid walls will not allow for overstuffing when it comes to packing. Yet, they are lockable and offer higher levels of security. They do need an additional mounting frame and can add a considerable amount to the width of the motorcycle.

Soft Luggage: Soft luggage is often water-resistant leather, canvas or polyester fabric and is more versatile than hard luggage when packing because of the bag’s flexible design. This type of luggage requires no mounting frame. Instead, it connects via an adjustable yoke that goes over the seat and features additional straps to secure it to the motorcycle. Soft luggage is less secure. However, it won’t snap off in a fall and when leaving the bike unattended, it is easy to remove. Whether you need the security of hard panniers or the flexibility of saddlebags, it is possible to use either style as a platform to mount additional accessories. Wet bags and jerry cans are popular additions. You can also increase carrying capacity with handlebar bags, tool rolls and front fender bags.

What to look for when Choosing Motorcycle Luggage

Hard Luggage: The primary purpose of hard luggage is security. So pay particular close attention to any locking mechanisms. Hard panniers also create a solid platform to build on. In which case, mounting rails and brackets for tie-downs and ratchet straps are a useful feature. Some aluminium luggage is available with extra brackets to add jerry cans and water flasks. As all hard luggage systems need mounting hardware, this adds expense, so allow for this in your budget.

Soft Luggage: With no mounting frame required, a yoke that sits over the pillion seat connects the saddlebags to the motorcycle. It is therefore a good idea to inspect website images to identify the style of the yoke when possible. What’s more, check out if there are additional straps to secure the bags to frame rails or footrests mounts. Depending on the height of the bags, heat-resistant panels on the underside of the saddlebags are a sensible idea. This feature is a big plus point for any motorcycle with an upswept exhaust system. Another practical detail to look out for is gusset zips. These allow the saddlebag to expand, thus increasing its carrying capacity. External pockets are ideal for any carrying items you need close at hand, like multi-tools. Last but not least, saddlebags are not the most watertight of luggage systems. So always ensure they come with waterproof inner bags or outer covers.

Hit the Road

Motorcycles are made to clock up the miles. The style of motorbike you choose to ride and the journey you take will impact your choice of hard or soft luggage. Thanks to XLMOTO’s extensive range of luggage systems, you’ll always be packed and ready to roll.