Motorcycle Luggage that Won’t Break the bank
I’ve spent countless hours trying to piece together a luggage setup that wouldn’t break the bank but could handle the elements, long miles, and the inevitable drops. Ideally, I wanted a full kit: panniers, a roll bag, crash bar bags, and a tank bag—with a simple way to carry water and fuel for more remote days on the road and wild camping.
I originally started with the Lomo panniers, but let’s just say that experiment went up in smoke—literally. On the way to the Armchair Adventure Festival in Cornwall, the bags didn’t quite match up with the Rally Moto racking system I was using. They eventually loosened, slipped onto the exhaust, caught fire, and forced us to pull over so we could cut the flaming pannier off the bike. Whoops!!!
Since then, I’ve tested a handful of different products—Lomo, Oxford, and others—and finally landed on a setup that works. Additional photos to be added soon.
If you have any motorcycle luggage worth mentioning let me know if the comments. Always looking to improve the setup!
Pannier Luggage
I ended up opting for the Rhinowalk Saddlebags after being recommended by a friend who used them on his T7. hey fit my Honda CB500X far better than expected—snug to the bike, with no interference or bulk. I’ve put them through their paces on several trips, the most demanding being a month-long tour through Scandinavia to the Arctic Circle, covering around 8,000 miles. I’m pleased to say they performed exactly as needed.
At £139.99 for 25L, they offer great value compared to premium brands like Mosko, LoneRider, and Enduristan. While I admire many of those brands’ products, I find their pricing hard to justify—especially when they still don’t fully meet all my pannier needs.
Until something better and reasonably priced comes along, I’m more than happy sticking with my Rhinowalk Saddlebags.
Camping
- Waterproof & Dustproof: Keeps contents dry even in heavy rain.
- Rackless Design: Mounts without needing a luggage rack—fits most adventure/sport bikes.
- Durable: Built with tough materials and cushioning.
- Spacious: 28L total is ample for gear, groceries, or short trips.
- Great Value: Offers premium-like features at a budget-friendly price.
Cons
- Tricky Installation: Setup can be confusing due to many straps.
- Strap Clutter: Excess straps can look messy and may loosen.
- Fitment Issues: May not sit snugly on all bike types without adjustment.
- Not for Extreme Use: May wear out quicker in rugged off-road conditions.
Waterproof Roll Bag
Roll bag’s are simple and don’t need to be complicated. Ensure it’s waterproof and off you go. Whether it’s with Lomo, Oxford, Rhinowalk - generally you are pretty safe with any choice. Depending on the terrain you aim on covering I’d still aim for something no larger than 30L. It’s better to be efficient with your packing and go lighter.
Pros
- Waterproof Protection: Keeps gear dry in heavy rain and river crossings.
- Simple Design: Fewer failure points—just a roll-top and straps.
- Versatile Mounting: Can be strapped to rear racks, seats, or even crash bars.
- Affordable Options: Quality bags available at lower price points compared to panniers.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to your setup.
- Easy Access: Wide opening makes loading/unloading quick.
Cons
- Limited Organization: Most don’t have compartments or pockets, making gear harder to sort.
- Security: Not lockable, so not ideal for storing valuables during stops.
- Can Shift if Poorly Secured: Requires solid strapping; otherwise, it may move on rough terrain.
- Shape Matters: Overpacking or improper loading can affect weight distribution and handling.
Crash Bar Bags
I added the Lomo Crash Bar Bags to my setup specifically for quick access to essentials like a first aid kit, waterproofs, tools, spare tubes, and a tire patch kit—the kind of gear you don’t want buried deep in your panniers when you need it quickly. They mount easily to most crash bars and sit securely without interfering with riding position or movement.
The roll-top closure makes packing and accessing gear simple, even mid-ride. Capacity is modest, but just right for the basics, and having these items up front helps distribute weight forward for better overall balance on longer trips.
Pros
- Quick-access gear: Great for essentials like first aid kits and rain layers.
- Affordable and durable: Budget-friendly with tough build quality.
- Mounting ease: Simple to attach to most crash bars.
- Balanced load: Helps distribute luggage weight more evenly.
Cons
- Water resistance: Not fully waterproof in heavy rain.
- No compartments: Lacks internal dividers for organization.
- Basic straps: Simple attachment system may need extra securing.
Tank Bag
I’m currently running the Mosko Moto Nomax Tank Bag V2.0, which came in at €245.00—a bit of a splurge compared to the rest of my kit, I’ll admit. But for me, it was worth it.
I wanted a tank bag that kept key items close at hand—things like my Kindle, pocket knife, snacks, tissues, power bank—while also carrying hydration without having to wear a backpack. The Nomax fit the bill perfectly. It’s a 7L bag with an optional 2.5L expansion, and comes with a 2.5L hydration bladder included. On longer tours, the last thing I want is extra weight on my back day after day, and this setup lets me keep water accessible without the discomfort.
When I bought it back in 2023, the V2.0 was pretty much the only bag on the market offering that combination of organisation, hydration, and build quality. Since then, Mosko has released the V3.0, which includes some updates and new colour options, but the core functionality remains the same.
Pros
- Integrated 2–2.5L Hydration Bladder: No need to carry water on your back—perfect for long touring days.
- Smart Organisation: Layered compartments keep items like your Kindle, multitool, snacks, tissues, and power bank easy to access.
- Expandable Volume: 7L capacity with a 2.5L expansion gives you flexibility without needing to swap bags.
- Backpack Conversion: Converts into a hydration backpack off the bike using stowable straps—ideal for hiking or walking around camp/towns.
- Durable Build: Rugged materials, excellent stitching, and long-term reliability—built for serious travel.
- MOLLE Webbing: Modular setup allows you to attach extra pouches or accessories to suit your needs.
- Quick-Release Harness & Rain Cover: Easy to mount/unmount, and comes with a waterproof cover for sudden downpours.
Cons
- High Price Point: At €245 / ~£260, it’s a significant investment compared to other tank bags.
- Bulky for Off-Road: Can get in the way when standing on the pegs or riding technical trails, especially on smaller bikes.
- Not Fully Waterproof Without Rain Cover: You’ll need to use the included rain cover in heavy rain.
- Heavier Than Basic Options: Weighs more than simpler tank bags—even empty—due to layers and hydration system.
- May Be Overkill for Light Travel: If you're a minimalist or ride short distances, the features may go unused.
Looking for a cheaper alternative?
Rhinowalk has released a similar option—a 9L tank bag with a 1.5L hydration bladder—for around £105.99. I haven’t tested it personally yet, but on paper, it looks like a solid alternative at less than half the price of the Nomax. For anyone building out a more budget-conscious setup, it could be a smart pick.
Useful Extra’s
Rok Straps
When I first started riding, I had no idea ROK Straps existed. Once I found them, it felt like discovering the greatest thing since sliced bread. They make it incredibly easy to secure almost anything to the bike—especially a roll bag—without the hassle of bungees or knots. Simple, reliable, and solid.
I always use one for my roll bag and now carry a few extra sets in different sizes, just in case one snaps or I need to strap down something unexpected. Pro tip: don’t be like me and ride off without your roll bag but forget to stash the ROK Straps. There’s nothing quite like seeing them flapping behind you in the wind for 50 miles to remind you.
Lomo Lightweight Dry Bags
These waterproof roll bags are fantastic — I use them instead of packing cubes to keep my essentials dry and organized. They’re perfect for clothes, toiletries (especially to prevent leaks from spreading), laundry, and more. They compress down to save space and make it easy to grab what you need quickly. Highly recommend for travel or motorcycle trips!
Thigh Bag
I normally travel with a thigh bag, and it’s become an essential part of my setup. I use it to carry critical items like my passport, wallet, and any important documents or travel papers. The main benefit? These items are always on me, whether I’m riding or off the bike grabbing fuel, food, or checking into accommodation. It gives me peace of mind knowing that if I ever get separated from the bike—intentionally or not—I still have the essentials on hand. No digging through panniers, no forgetting where I last put something important. Just quick, secure access to the things that matter most.
Heat Shield
After my first set of Lomo panniers quite literally went up in flames—thanks to them sagging onto the exhaust mid-ride—I quickly learned my lesson. Now, with a Yamaha Tenere 700 and a rackless setup, I’ve opted to install a heat shield. It gives the panniers a solid surface to rest on and keeps them safely off the exhaust. Simple solution, big peace of mind—especially when you're carrying soft luggage that can shift over time.