Soft Luggage the Most Useful of Motorcycle Accessories
August 6, 2009
Anyone contemplating traveling by motorcycle, whether short or long distances, will have to consider the most useful of motorcycle accessories: soft luggage.
While soft luggage is easier to fit to your bike than hard luggage, it doesn’t provide the same security or durability. More importantly, soft luggage isn’t waterproof without added covers. These drawbacks aside, soft luggage is the more affordable solution.
Soft Luggage Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes
Soft luggage is most often made of synthetic (especially Cordura or nylon) or leather materials. A plethora of types is available to fit your needs:
For jaunts around town or for commuting to work, you may be able to get away with just a triple tree bag, which can hold a few pocket-sized items. A bungee net on the passenger seat or a luggage rack and bungee cords can expand your options. A small strap-mount or magnetic tank bag can also be used.
Professionals may need a backpack or courier-style bag to carry a laptop or other work-related items.
A set of saddlebags is great for weekend trips. A tail bag is another option, as is a medium- or large-sized tank bag or a set of tank panniers. A tail bag attaches to the passenger seat or backrest. Tank bags attach to the top of a gas tank. Tank panniers hang over the sides of a gas tank in a manner similar to saddlebags.
A neat feature often found in tank bags is a clear vinyl map holder. The larger the tank bag, the larger the area of the map that can be viewed without refolding. Map pouches are also sold as a stand-alone product.
Some great manufacturers of soft motorcycle luggage include:
Of course, different combinations of these bags can be used to extend the length of your trip. Soft luggage can also be used to augment the integrated or removable hard luggage your bike came with.
Finally, if you are worried about soft luggage scratching the paint on your bike, use a little inexpensive shelf liner from Walmart for protection at contact points. This is especially useful with tank bags, tank panniers, and saddlebags.
Posted Under: Motorcycle Products and Accessories Tags: motorcycle luggage, Motorcycle Products and Accessories, saddlebags, tank bags, tank panniers
