Motorcycles have a number of different functions with commuting being one of the most common types of riding and thus it is important to understand which motorbike luggage has the most to offer the average commuter.

Many people use their motorbikes and scooters to commute to and from work, especially in the city, and naturally, they will be looking for motorcycle luggage that offers adequate storage, security locking and waterproof protection.

So far, this may sound familiar but you may not be sure what to look out for when choosing new luggage for that daily commute. Luckily, we are here to narrow down the options, so here are the best motorcycle luggage for commuting:

SHAD Motorcycle Top Box

SHAD's SH29 & SH40 are two standout commuting top boxes.

Let’s not beat around the bush, a motorcycle top box is an absolute must have when it comes to commuting and SHAD’s are the pick of the bunch, offering everything you could ever need in a motorbike luggage case.

While a fully waterproof structure and a secure locking system are the features that tick the main boxes when parking in public during work hours, all of the SHAD top boxes have them included. For that reason, deciding on the right option for commuting comes down to one key aspect, storage capacity.

Imagine you are travelling to work on your motorcycle or scooter, chances are you will need to transport the likes of a laptop, rucksack, paperwork, lunch etc. and naturally, a top box with a suitable amount of storage space will be required. On that note, while SHAD’s top boxes range between 26 and 58 litres, some cases do not have enough space while the bigger cases are simply too large and more expensive to go with it. So, it is all about finding the right balance and in this case, to paraphrase Goldilocks, SHAD’s SH29 and SH40 top boxes are ‘just right’.

Many commuters simply want a secure, dry place to store their helmet without worrying about additional storage and in that case, a smaller top box like the SH29 would be the best choice. On the other hand, as mentioned, others need to carry a lot more items for work and subsequently need a larger storage capacity. If that sounds familiar, the medium-sized SH40 would be your standout option and in particular, its square shape is ideal for holding a laptop.

SHAD Motorcycle Panniers

SH23 panniers: additional storage without impacting mobility.

Although top boxes are certainly top of the list, motorcycle panniers can add a different option when it comes to commuting luggage or alternatively, widen the scope of storage possibilities.

For many, a motorbike top box will provide ample cargo space when travelling to and from work, however, for others a single luggage option may not quite cut it and if additional storage is required, a top box could be teamed up with a set of side panniers. Motorcycle luggage is also a matter of preference and if someone perhaps does not like the appearance of a rear case or thinks the panniers will better suit the bike’s aesthetics, panniers are there once again to offer something different.

The main aspects to consider when choosing panniers for commuting are whether they are waterproof and whether they are lockable. Both of these features are going to be needed when parking out in the open in the city and that is where SHAD panniers come in. All of their motorcycle side cases possess such capabilities but it is important to consider size and for that reason, their SH23s come to the fore. The SH23 panniers are the smallest of SHAD’s range and fit to their minimalist ‘3P’ fitting kit, allowing you to retain mobility and the ability to filter through traffic.

SHAD Motorcycle Tank Bag

SHAD offer three sizes in their click system motorcycle tank bags.

Regardless of what you use your motorbike for, it is safe to say that convenience is high on the list of priorities when it comes to luggage and on that note, it is time to turn attention towards motorcycle tank bags. In fact, tank bags are undoubtedly the most convenient luggage option of all.

Positioned within reach, front and centre on the motorbike, tank bags provide quick and easy access to essential items that may be needed in a hurry without having to come to a stop and get off to retrieve them. This is particularly useful for storing the likes of wallets, cards, toll passes, identification and more.

While the mere presence of a tank bag is useful in itself, the level of convenience really goes up a notch with the addition of a SHAD click system tank bag. The revolutionary click system fitting kit allows the bags to be mounted and removed in just seconds and can be used to lock them directly to the bike for enhanced security. As for the SHAD tank bags themselves, they are 100% waterproof and make use of glove-friendly zippers for what is without a doubt, the most convenient option on the market.