When heading out on a long motorcycle trip over a number of days, otherwise known as a tour, it is important to be prepared, knowing exactly what will be needed and motorcycle luggage should be high on the list of priorities.

As you are going to be away from home for a significant amount of time, clothing, supplies and any other gear that springs to mind is likely to be required and so too will luggage cases to store it all. So, what are the best motorcycle luggage options for a tour and what do they have to offer?

SHAD Motorcycle Top Box

When embarking on a tour with your motorcycle it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink and for that reason, one of SHAD’s larger-sized top boxes is an absolute must have.

All of SHAD’s top boxes are fully waterproof and lockable but the one you opt for should really depend on the length of the tour and how many people are travelling. The size of a top box can be judged by internal storage capacity and how many helmets it can hold, this should help you gauge how much cargo you can fit inside.

The first one to consider is the SH44 top box which thanks to its 44 litre volume, is the first top box in the SHAD range that can hold two full-face helmets. This particular luggage case would be ideal for one person on a lengthy trip. If you are riding with a pillion then the SH58x, SHAD’s largest motorcycle top box, would be right up your alley and it may be worth adding a top box backrest to help your passenger feel comfortable and stable.

SHAD Motorcycle Panniers

When riding solo on a tour, motorcycle panniers are not a necessity and if they are not absolutely required then their omission would be welcomed to keep weight at a minimum and ensure mobility is not impacted. However, when riding with a companion, it would be worth considering the addition of some side cases.

In terms of key features, all of SHAD’s hard motorbike panniers are 100% waterproof and lockable, meaning any of their options would be a great addition your motorcycle. However, a lengthier trip or tour is going warrant a set of large panniers for their storage capabilities.

On that note, the standout choice are their new SH38x panniers. As the only expandable aftermarket side cases out there, the SH38s offer a 38 litre capacity at their maximum and if that is not required, they can reduce in size to enhance mobility. They also claim the pannier crown thanks to their security offering as not only are the SH38s lockable themselves, they can also be locked directly to the bike using SHAD’s 3P or 4P fitting kit.

SHAD Motorcycle Tank Bag

Suffice to say motorbike tours warrant as much cargo storage space as possible, but that does not mean convenience should be forgotten about and SHAD tank bags are the most convenient motorcycle luggage of all.

Positioned within arms’ reach, SHAD’s click system motorcycle tank bags slot into place in the blink of an eye and are ideal for storing any essential items that may be needed mid-ride. Thanks to glove-friendly zippers, these tank bags provide quick access to anything that may be needed in a pinch, such as cards, toll passes and wallets, without having to stop

If you have been hooked by the click system tank bags thus far, they may just reel you in with their security capabilities. That is because the premium and pro versions can be locked directly to the motorbike and locked themselves, leaving the rider free to move away from the bike with the peace of mind that their belongings will be safe.

Now that some of the standout motorcycle luggage options have been highlighted, will you be all set to hit the road on a motorbike tour?

Well, If you opt for these SHAD top boxes, panniers and tank bags, or at least some of them, you will not go too far wrong. The high levels of storage space, waterproof protection, locking systems and everything in between certainly make a good case but the main variables to keep in mind are how long the tour is and how many people are travelling.