Navigating the world of motorcycle luggage can be a tricky task at the best of times, but that task becomes even more daunting when approaching it from the perspective of a beginner.

It is unlikely anyone will part with their hard-earned cash for a new method of motorcycle storage only to use it once, decide it’s not for them and instantly fork out for a different product. So, for anyone taking that under consideration, here is a guide to help narrow down the options and come to an informed decision.

How To Understand Luggage Terminology

The first thing to address is, regardless of the name given to a particular product, various people will have various terms for that same product. So, it is important to gather an idea of not just what the item is used for, but also the different names it could be referred to as.

Motorcycle jargon could be a task in itself for beginners.

Top Boxes:

Motorcycle top boxes, which could otherwise be described as a cargo box, rear box, back box, top case or rear case, mount to the back of the motorbike and are situated behind the pillion seat and above the rear brake light.

Panniers:

Motorcycle panniers are mounted to the sides at the rear of a motorbike and without intending to confuse beginners, they are often referred to by many names including side cases, saddlebags, pannier bags and pannier boxes in what seems to be an ever-growing list.

Tank Bags:

Common terms used when describing motorcycle tank bags include fuel tank bags and tank storage and while the list is not quite as extensive as that of some of the other motorcycle luggage options, there is still enough to wrap your head around.

How To Choose The Best Luggage

If it wasn’t difficult enough to choose the best categories of motorcycle luggage, that is just a drop in the ocean when it comes to landing on a specific choice and there are some key features to look out for if you are just starting out.

Features are the key to unlocking the ideal luggage.

Top Boxes:

With a wide range of variations and capacities, top boxes are often used on their own for shorter trips when a backpack, tail bag or tank bag simply do not offer the required level of storage space and can be used to hold anything from a jacket, shopping or even up to two full-face helmets.

When searching for your first top box there are a number of features that should be kept in mind. Firstly, you want to be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you and waterproof protection should be considered vital. Security is just as important and it would be advisable to pick a lockable top box to reduce the risk of theft while convenience should also be accounted for with a comfortable carry handle for smooth transportation.

Panniers:

Panniers come in all shapes and sizes and offer a real scope as to what they can be used for. Often, they are used as additional storage for longer trips and tours and many riders even team them up with a top box to really maximise their luggage capacity.

With that said, how can the pannier options be narrowed down? Well, if you want to ensure your items remain safe and dry, the first two features to look out for are waterproof protection and whether the cases are lockable. Carry handles are going to be needed if you want to transport them around without breaking a sweat and it is worth being aware that although panniers are often sold in pairs, there are some instances when they are sold individually.

Tank Bags:

Tank bags also differ in the purpose with significantly less storage space than the aforementioned luggage options. Motorbike tank bags serve their purpose as convenient storage for riders’ essential items, positioned within hand’s reach to provide quick access without having to stop and get off the motorcycle.

The difference in the types of motorcycle tank bags really boils down to the mounting system they use, of which there are two main categories. The first one is manual mounting, using either straps or magnets, which is rather time-consuming to say the least. In comparison, ring mounts offer an effortless mount and dismount, simply slotting in and out of place and it would be fair to say they are the obvious choice for beginners.