As the age old saying goes, size matters, especially when it comes to motorcycle luggage. You certainly do not want to jump the gun and select an option that when you get it home you realise it is not going to fulfil your needs.

Motorcycle top boxes and panniers come in an array of different sizes and capacities, so it is important to ensure you find the option that best suits your intended use, whatever that may be.

With that said, how can you ensure your choices are going to get the job done? Well, luckily we are here to act as the proverbial wingman and guide you in the right direction.

How To Understand Motorcycle Luggage Capacities

SHAD's SH58x offers up to 58 litres.

Motorcycle luggage is normally categorised by ‘capacities’ in the form of internal volume, listed in litres. Now, litres may not mean anything to the average person, but it really comes down to what you would like to carry and how much you plan on storing.

Say, for example, you would like to store helmets, clothing, supplies and other essentials, ideally you will want a large motorcycle top box or possibly even a full luggage set. Many riders opt for luggage that can hold helmets and in that respect, it is important to check the helmet capacity.

However, if you travel light and only need a small amount of storage, there is no point going to the expense of a full luggage set or larger-sized cases. There truly are options available for everyone.

What Size Motorcycle Top Box Or Panniers Do I Need?

When it comes to selecting a motorcycle top box or panniers, there are a number of variables that come into play. The choice you land should come after weighing up  what you need to carry, how many people are travelling and how long the journey is. After all, daily commutes, short trips and longer tours are going to have very different luggage needs.

SHAD top boxes are perhaps the best on the market and aside from their desirable features that include lockability, waterproof protection and convenient use, they also feature various storage capacities that range from 26 to 58 litres. The jewel in their crown is their expandable SH58x top box which can be increased in size for extra storage or decreased when carrying less cargo.

As for motorcycle panniers, again, it would be fair to give the majority of the plaudits to SHAD. Their side cases are sold in pairs, meaning the capacity is doubled and the volumes on offer range from 23 litres right up to 38 litres. Just like the top boxes, the pick of the bunch here is the expandable option, the innovative SH38x panniers.