How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Luggage
There’s no such thing as the “best” motorcycle luggage – only the setup that fits the way you ride. Terrain, trip length, security needs, and how often you ride off-road all play a role in what works best for you.
At Lone Rider, we focus on three luggage categories: Soft, Semi-Rigid, and Aluminum. Each comes with its own strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases. Understanding these differences will make choosing your next luggage setup much easier.
The 3 Main Types of Motorcycle Luggage
Weight, durability, security, convenience and off-road suitability all play a role when choosing luggage.
Soft luggage focuses on low weight and flexibility. It’s the most suitable option for off-road riding and the least likely to cause damage or injury in a crash.
Semi-rigid luggage adds structure and easier packing while keeping weight and crash safety under control. It’s a strong choice for riders who mix pavement and dirt.
Aluminum luggage prioritizes security, convenience and organization. With lockable cases and a rigid shape, it’s well suited for onroad touring and commuting.
Choosing the right type comes down to how and where you ride. Let's dive a bit deeper.
Soft Luggage: Lightweight and Off-Road Focused
Soft luggage is built for riders who spend a lot of time off the pavement. It keeps weight low and close to the bike, flexes during impacts, and reduces the risk of you getting injured by the bags themselves during accidents.
The ADVBags are a rackless soft luggage system designed for demanding adventure riding. The modular setup allows you to run side bags only or add a top bag when more capacity is needed. Waterproof inner dry bags, abrasion-resistant materials, and a low center of gravity make them ideal for technical terrain and long off-road days.
The Explorer Duffel Dry Bag is a waterproof duffel that works as a standalone bag or as part of a larger luggage setup. Made from durable TPU with welded seams, it’s perfect for carrying camping gear, extra layers, or anything that must stay dry.
Semi-Rigid Luggage: The Hybrid Setup
Lone Rider was actually first with developing a semi-rigid luggage system. We wanted to create a system that gives the rider the best of both worlds: the structured shape of hard cases for easy packing, while staying safer in crashes thanks to its ability to flex.
The MotoBags are designed for riders who want panniers that stay stable on the bike and organized inside. They’re fully waterproof, feature external MOLLE panels for extra storage, and flex during impacts instead of transferring force to the bike or rider. Many ankles and shin bones have been spared thanks to this design.
The Overlander bag adds versatility to any adventure setup. With a semi-rigid body, multiple compartments, and MOLLE attachment points, it maintains structure while remaining lightweight. It can also be carried as a backpack, leaving your hands free for other items.
Aluminum Luggage: Maximum Security and Organization
Aluminum cases are ideal for riders who value lockable storage, durability, and easy access to their gear. It’s especially well suited for touring, commuting, and two-up riding.
The MotoPanniers feature a rigid aluminum shell, lockable lids, and a clean internal layout that makes packing and unpacking simple. They’re designed to handle rough treatment and offer added peace of mind when leaving the bike unattended.
The MotoCase is a hard top case that complements pannier setups or works on its own. It provides secure storage for helmets, electronics, and everyday gear, making it a practical choice for daily use and long trips alike.
Our complete range of aluminum cases can have their locks coded to work with BMW keys.
Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Before deciding on a luggage setup, ask yourself:
- How much off-road riding do I actually do?
- Do I need lockable luggage for travel or commuting?
- How sensitive am I to added weight on the bike?
- Will I ride two-up or carry heavier loads?
- How important is easy packing and organization?
- Do I want saddlebag styled luggage or a rack-mounted system?
Guide Chart
Feature |
Soft Luggage |
Semi-Rigid Luggage |
Aluminum Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lone Rider products |
|||
|
Weight |
Lightest |
Medium |
Heaviest |
|
Off-road friendliness |
Excellent |
Very good |
Durable but can be dangerous |
|
Crash behavior |
Soft, low injury risk |
Holds original shape but flexes on impact |
Does not flex |
|
Security |
Low (no locks) |
Medium (structure + mounting) |
High (lockable) |
|
Weather protection |
100% waterproof |
100% waterproof |
Water resistant |
|
Shape retention |
No (soft) |
Partial |
Full |
|
Ease of packing |
Requires planning |
Easy and structured |
Very easy |
|
Mounting |
Universal, no racks needed |
Rack-mounted |
Rack-mounted |
|
Best for |
Offroad riding, BDRs, TET |
Mixed terrain, long ADV trips |
Touring, commuting, two-up |
|
Rider priority |
Light weight and flexibility |
Balance of strength, weight and capacity |
Security, convenience and organization |
Final Thoughts: Match Your Luggage to Your Riding
The right luggage should support the way you ride, not limit it. Riders who focus on dirt and technical terrain often prefer soft luggage. Those mixing long road days with off-road sections tend to gravitate toward semi-rigid systems. Touring and commuting riders usually value the security and structure of aluminum cases.
Many adventure riders eventually own more than one setup — because no single system fits every trip.
Choose the luggage that makes you want to ride more, and the rest will follow.