Motorcycle Luggage can be categorised into two main types with motorcycle specific luggage and universal luggage each offering a range of options.

Both offer something very different from the other and it may simply come down to personal preference, but what are the main differences and which is actually the best option for you?

Pros & Cons Of Bike Specific Motorcycle Luggage

SHAD luggage racks are specific to each motorcycle.

Bike specific luggage is designed with each motorcycle in mind and as such, is mounted to the motorbike using fitting kits that are manufactured and tested for each particular model. The benefit of this is the fact that it guarantees a smooth, straightforward fitment and allows the racks and luggage to integrate better with the motorcycle. 

While there may be less top box and pannier options as you have to ensure bike compatibility, this is far outweighed by the list of features. Take SHAD for example, their top boxes and panniers are available in a range of storage capacities with waterproof structures and include a mounting plate and secure locking systems while some of their cases can hold one or two full-face helmets.

Sticking with SHAD, attention turns to the bike specific motorcycle tank bags. The beauty here is SHAD’s innovative click system fitting kits which fit to each model of motorbike and allow tank bags to be simply slotted into place and locked to the tank in a matter of seconds. 

Pros & Cons Of Universal Motorcycle Luggage

As the name suggests, universal luggage is the opposite of bike specific luggage and can essentially be fitted to any motorcycle. The upside of this is it can be mounted to existing locations on the motorbike and saves you from the expense of an additional fitting kit. However, the negative is some bikes may not have anywhere to mount the luggage.

To put it plainly, universal top boxes and panniers tend to be rather basic, offering the bare minimum. They often omit the waterproof protection and locking found with the bike specific luggage cases. Additionally, universal panniers are likely to be throwovers which are less secure, more susceptible to theft and may move around meaning they constantly have to be repositioned.

As for universal motorcycle tank bags, unlike SHAD’s bags, they will not offer the convenient installation or locking directly to the motorbike. Instead, they usually require the use of straps and magnets which are more cumbersome and time-consuming.

How Do Bike Specific & Universal Motorcycle Luggage Compare?

Now that the pros and cons of both bike specific and universal motorcycle luggage have been weighed up and the two luggage types have been directly compared, which actually presents the best option?

In all honesty, it really depends on personal preference. If you would like the most cost-effective option then universal luggage is your winner. However, if you would like guaranteed fitment with your motorcycle, waterproof protection and security locking but don’t mind spending that bit extra, then SHAD’s bike specific luggage is the best option for you.