The use of hard or soft motorcycle luggage is a debate that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. This is simply because, like anything in life, everyone has their own opinion.

The option that is perfect for one person may not be for the next and you may want to make an informed decision before committing either way. After all, you are selecting a riding companion that will be with you for quite some time.

SHAD offer a vast range of motorcycle top boxes and panniers with both the hard and soft options boasting a list of pros and while aesthetics are an obvious selling point, is there any other evidence to prove which is the better choice?

Well, luckily for you, we have outlined the key features and differences, making what may be a difficult decision just that bit easier.

Is Motorcycle Luggage Secure?

SHAD's hard top boxes are lockable.

If the security of your belongings is high on your list of priorities, seeking to enjoy the time with your motorbike without having to worry about the risk of theft, then there is one clear choice.

SHAD’s hard top boxes and panniers are fully lockable, employing one of SHAD’s standard or premium locking systems which can be distinguished by the inclusion of either a red or black key. The addition of these lockable systems ensures your gear is safe and secure both throughout your journey and when parked up, allowing you to go about your day with the freedom of not having to carry your belongings around with you.

On the other hand, while SHAD’s soft luggage does not include that same locking function in most cases, it does offer the alternative benefit of being able to be effortlessly opened in just seconds, providing quick access to your essentials without having to spend extra time unlocking.

What Are The Functions Of Motorcycle Luggage?

Functionality is an area in which the pendulum swings in the opposite direction, favouring soft luggage.

With much of the hard and soft luggage sharing a similar range of storage capacities, there really is not much to separate the two when it comes to internal volume. The difference can be seen in the versatility of the soft luggage’s structure. With a less rigid nature than its hard-structured counterparts, SHAD’s soft cases and bags can fluctuate to mould around their contents, providing greater freedom with the amount and type of items you can fit inside.

Moreover, SHAD soft motorbike bags’ lightweight nature allows them to be removed and transported off the bike with ease whilst creating better mobility and stability for a smooth ride that is easier to manoeuvre at low speeds.

Is Hard Luggage More Durable Than Soft?

When it comes to durability, you can see the benefits of both SHAD’s hard and soft luggage options.

The hard motorcycle cases are 100% waterproof, featuring a double-profile rubber seal to prevent water from reaching the internal compartment and ensuring your belongings remain dry regardless of the weather you encounter. In contrast, while some soft luggage is waterproof, in most cases you would need to use a waterproof rain cover which can often be cumbersome and time consuming.

Structure and material make the difference in waterproof capabilities.

Although SHAD’s hard motorcycle luggage gains the upper hand with the waterproof offering, there is something else you should consider when it comes to durability. It should be considered that the soft bags and cases offer longer-lasting durability due to effects of impacts. It is a given that you will encounter gravel, stones and other road debris throughout your journeys and while soft luggage effectively absorbs these impacts, the hard-shell cases will display visible dents and scratches.

How Does Luggage Mount To A Motorcycle?

As well as a range of motorcycle top boxes and panniers, SHAD also produce a number of different fitting kits to securely mount luggage to your motorbike and although they each have their incentives, the benefits do differ.

Firstly, top boxes regardless of being hard or soft all mount to the same type of fitting kit, making your life a bit easier with one less decision to make.

Panniers on the other hand, require a tad more consideration to say the least. With the exception of the TR40 adventure panniers, SHAD’s soft motorcycle side bags fit to either the SE or SR fitting systems which offer a secure fitment with a smaller, lightweight framework to compliment the mobility and aesthetics of your motorbike. Whereas, hard panniers fit to either of SHAD’s 3P or 4P fitting systems which offer an additional stability, preventing the side cases from moving around thanks to their additional mounting points.

So, with all the benefits laid out and differences compared, which option is actually the better choice?

The honest answer is, it depends. While taking the many incentives of both hard and soft luggage into account, there are some other variables you should consider. Generally speaking soft luggage is the cheaper option, but the two options each have a lot to offer and it ultimately boils down to the kind of bike you have and the type of riding you intend on undertaking.