The 10 Best Motorcycle Panniers
This wiki has been updated 36 times since it was first published in April of 2016. If you prefer to commute on two wheels or ride recreationally on the weekends or during vacations, you may be interested in our comprehensive selection of motorcycle panniers. From the functional to the stylish, they will give you the carrying capacity to tote a lot of stuff, whether that be your gym clothes to and from the office or supplies for a long-distance road trip across rugged terrain. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Tusk Aluminum
2. Vuz DSB
3. Dowco Willie & Mx Braided Series
Editor's Notes
August 24, 2020:
Choosing motorcycle panniers is about both function and style. For most, their bike is an extension of their personality, just like their jacket and helmet, so they won't want to add anything to it that detracts from its aesthetic. On the other hand, they may need to make some small sacrifices in the name of functionality, especially if they often need to carry a lot of gear.
When it comes to long-distance touring, it is usually a good idea to get panniers that are lockable. This way you won't feel like you have to unload everything or keep your motorcycle in sight at all times any when you stop somewhere for lunch or to sleep for the night. Both the Tusk Aluminum and Nomad USA NO-25 are lockable, with the Tusk Aluminum offering the most security due to their sturdy metal construction.
That being said, metal panniers do have some downsides. Because their sides aren't soft, you can't overstuff them or fit odd-shaped objects insider of them that don't fall firmly within their interior dimensions. They will also be dented if a hit by a rock or some other obstacle. For long-distance adventure touring, the Nelson-Rigg SE-3050 and Givi EA100B are some of our favorites. The former are fully waterproof and include removable liners, so you can pull all your stuff out when you stop for the night without actually having to unpack everything. The latter are expandable and have shoulder straps to make for easy carrying when off the bike.
If you are going for that classic Harley aesthetic, the Dowco Willie & Mx Braided Series, Nomad USA NO-25, and B&F Diamond Plate Studded Set are all obvious choices.
March 17, 2019:
Motorcycles are tons of fun, but in truth, they aren't super practical. Not only are you exposed to the elements at all times, but they have no, or either very limited, storage space. To make up for that, you can get a pair of these handy panniers. For the cruiser riders out there and the hardcore Harley enthusiasts, we have included a lot of classic black leather and faux leather options, such as the Dowco Willie & Mx Braided Series, Nomad USA NO-25, and Diamond Plate Studded Set. For the sport bike riders out there, we have included the Nelson-Rigg RG-020 and Ogio Stealth Duffel. If you ride a vintage motorcycle or just want to cultivate that classic style, take a look at the Spot On CrazyLeather Saddlebags. They're the kind you'd expect to see hanging of a 1970s Triumph or Honda CB as somebody tours the deserts of India or the Ceuta to Marrakesh loop route. If you are taking an enduro cross country and expect to encounter inclement weather along the way, the waterproof Vuz DSB and Nelson Rigg Survivor are definitely worth considering.
Special Honors
Enduristan Monsoon 3 As you may be able to guess from the name, the Enduristan Monsoon 3 are built to stand up to some serious adventure touring. They are crafted from a heavy-duty polymer and have all-welded seams to prevent water intrusion, and they boast high-impact plastic in the front, rear, and bottom to protect gear from unexpected hazards. revzilla.com
HogWorkz Harley Touring If you need something to replace the original saddlebags that came on your Harley, the HogWorkz Harley '14-'20 Touring fit the bill. They will work perfectly with your existing hardware, are available for model years ranging from 1994 to 2020, and come in a wide variety of colors. hogworkz.com
4. Givi EA100B
5. Nelson-Rigg SE-3050
6. Nomad USA NO-25
7. Stansport Vinyl-Backed
8. Nelson-Rigg RG-020
9. Ogio Stealth Duffel
10. B&F Diamond Plate Studded Set
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.