10 Best Motorcycle Saddlebags in 2023: Tested Reviews!
A motorcycle is a thrilling vehicle, but the thrill can be easily replaced by annoyance due to lack of storage space. If you’re going grocery shopping or perhaps on a longer trip, chances are that you will need an extra bag or two to store the extra stuff.
This is where motorcycle saddlebags or panniers can really come in handy. Having one on each side will preserve the balance of your bike while maximizing its storage/carrying potential.
While there are plenty of great saddlebags on the market, some are overpriced while others aren’t as practical, durable, or visually appealing as they should be. To help my readers, I went the extra mile (pun intended) to test and review the most highly rated saddlebags on the market. These ten bags turned out to be the best considering their price and overall features:
A.B Crew 2pc Waterproof Motorcycle Saddlebags
Riding long distances will never be the same with the new waterproof saddlebags produced by A.B Crew. The company has spent years of research and developed a product that combines convenience, durability, and a modern design that will leave even the most demanding clients satisfied.
Features
The initial package includes a 2-piece saddlebag set that’s specifically designed to offer customers maximum storage and functionality. Made of high-quality PVC material and enriched with a tear-resistant and waterproof shield, this set of saddlebags is great for every rider. The company promises that the bags can be exposed to temperatures ranging from – 10 to 60 degrees.
The A. B Crew saddlebags possess a multifunctional design, enabling riders to properly adjust them depending on their specific body structure. Their movable straps and easy-to-adjust properties, along with their incorporating clips ensure that your bag will stay in place even when you ride at high speeds or abnormal routes. Apart from placing the bags on your motorcycle, you can also, use them separately as a shoulder bag. That’s something you cannot easily find in similar products, nowadays. The fact that the interior space of those bags is large enough allows riders to store their necessary items, including accessories, equipment, their bottle of water, and even their helmet. Despite the sufficient space, however, the bags are still lightweight and easy to move around.
Placement
Those bags are specifically designed to be placed securely on the side of the motorcycle you prefer, Their durable straps and clips ensure proper placement on the back of your motorcycle. Alternatively, you can use those bags as a shoulder storage equipment when your motorcycle is not accompanying you on your trip.
Capacity and size
Each saddlebag has a capacity of 25L, therefore when you purchase the whole set, you will have a total capacity of 50L available for you to store anything you wish to. The dimensions of the bags are the following: 16.92” x 6.29” x 19.29”.
Benefits
The combination of optimal features is the main benefit of those saddlebags. They are easy-to-use and install on your bike, they are big enough and lightweight. Therefore, you can carry them along with you without affecting the total weight of your motorcycle.
Specially designed to be water and tear-resistant, those saddlebags are really durable and offer long-lasting storage space for your motorcycle. Their double storage nature is also, a great benefit since it enables riders to use the saddlebag as a simple shoulder carry bag.
Pros
-Easy-to-use and install
-Water and tear-resistant
-Adjustable and multifunctional
-Lightweight and removable
Cons
-Still heavier than other models
-The interior space is not water-resistant
Willie and Max by Dowco 58481-20 Braided Series
Designed and manufactured in the USA, it is no wonder that the new Willie and Max bag launched by Dowco combines functionality and design. Ideal for every modern rider, this bag can be used to hold securely all of your beloved belongings when you wish to go on a trip with your favorite motorcycle.
Features
The Willie and Max bags are made of high-quality synthetic leather that looks really nice. The whole exterior of the bag is water-resistant in order to protect your belongings from extreme weather conditions, like rain or snow. The interior of the bag is enriched with a sturdy, plastic material that allows the bag to keep its shape despite the items you wish to store inside.
A three-strand braid is also, a special feature of this model. Both the attached carry-handle and quick-release buckles are durable and ensure quick attachment and detachment from your motorcycle. Near the top right corner of the bag, there is a snap that efficiently secures your items. Overall, although the bag may look a bit small at first, it is actually quite spacious, thanks to its great design.
Placement
Unlike similar products, the Willie and Max Braided Series by Dowco is designed to securely fit under your seat, at the back end of your motorcycle. A sturdy middle bridge keeps the two bags together when you ride and lets them rest securely on both sides of your bike. As you can well imagine, riders can also, use those bags separately, as carry-on storage luggage when they reach their destination.
Capacity and Size
Each pannier weighs only 454 g, making the whole equipment one of the lightest ones in the global market. The panniers can hold up to 221lb of weight each and their dimensions are the following: 12” x 9.5” x 5.5”.
Benefits
One major benefit of those panniers is the fact that they are stylish and modern in their own way. For this reason, they can complement the perfect picture of your motorcycle and they are ideal for both genres, as well. Their maximum capacity is more than ideal for almost every short trip and their interior, sturdy structure ensures protection of your belongings.
The bags are really easy to install, they can get removed quickly and they look great on almost every type of motorcycle. The most important benefit of those panniers, however, is the fact that they are really affordable.
Pros
-Modern design
-Easy-to-use and remove
-Affordable price
-Sturdy structure
Cons
-Limited lifetime warranty
-Not included instruction manual
Nomad USA Leather Slanted Motorcycle Saddlebags
A bag designed to perfectly complement the image of your motorcycle, the leather slanted Nomad saddlebag offers customers a series of benefits. Ideal for short journeys and specifically designed to protect your belongings, it is no wonder that this series of bags have gained a lot of popularity, nowadays.
Features
As it is common with the Nomad equipment, its bags are made of a high-quality and water-resistant synthetic leather. This material can efficiently protect your bag from extreme weather conditions and secure your items even when you travel for a long time on an abnormal road. Thanks to the bag’s quick-release buckles, you can now save a considerable amount of time when you wish to remove it from your bike.
The main body of each bag is reinforced with a metal frame to increase protection and keep the shape of the bag intact at all times. The special design of this series of bags, their clean lines, and slanted styling make this bag fashionable and ideal to use by both genres.
Placement
As it is common with saddlebags, the Nomad Panniers possess of a sturdy middle bridge that allows users to securely sling them under their seat. The two bags will then be secured in place and rest firmly on the two sides of the motorcycle.
Capacity and Size
Each pannier has a maximum capacity of 10lb and their dimensions are the following: 16” x 11” x 6.5” each. The bags weigh only 9.15 pounds each, and that makes the final set really lightweight and easy to move around.
Benefits
Their rigid and sturdy structure make these bags reliable and durable even under harsh weather conditions. The additional benefit of possessing a water-proof interface, along with the integrated lockable straps they have, make the final product secure and trustworthy. Interior pockets are included in the bags where you can store small valuable items.
The bags are reinforced with some metal frames that help the bags to keep their shape intact at all times. The bags have a more than decent interior space and they can easily hold the necessary tools you wish to have along during your journey. The inside flaps can be tucked down in the front, in case you don’t wish to use them. Overall, the bags offer a secure and affordable way of storing your items when you wish to go on a trip.
Pros
-Easy-to-install
-Multifunctional structure
-Sturdy and secure design
-Affordable price
Cons
-Possibility of sagging when placed on the bike
StanSport Saddle Bag
Available in a unique khaki color and with enough space to suit every rider’s storing needs, the new saddlebag produced by StanSport is a great choice, nowadays. The bag is specifically designed to fit every type of motorcycle and you can even use it on a simple bike, as well.
Features
Made of good quality material that has an integrated pocket size of 1.1”, the StanSport is designed with the goal to last. Weaved duck cotton and vinyl backing are the two special materials the company used to create a product that has a firm and sturdy structure. The color of those saddlebags is great and it can be used with any type of motorcycle, complementing the final image.
Each bag has double straps with adjustable loops that help hold the bags firmly closed when you drive. The canvas and hardware fabric they are made of ensure water resistance and make the bags look stronger than similar products. A D-ring on each bag can be used to tie them down if you wish to go on some type of freeway riding. The bags fit perfectly across the seat of every kind of motorcycle and they don’t touch the muffler.
Placement
The bags should be placed across your seat at the back end of your bike. The middle bridge that holds the two bags together ensures that they will stay firmly in place while you ride, resting at the two sides of your motorcycle.
Capacity and Size
With a maximum capacity of 1.8lb each, and with the following dimensions: 8.5” x 5.5” x 8.5” each, it is no wonder that those bags combine great storage opportunities with an overall lightweight nature.
Benefits
The most important benefit that comes along those bags is their durability and long-lasting properties. The sturdy material they are made of, along with the reinforced interior ensure that no tearing will ever occur. The stitching of those bags is also, great. Although the saddlebags may look quite lightweight at first, you will soon realize that their interior space is more than enough for an ordinary trip.
Easy-to-install and with the ability to get mounted on ordinary bicycles, as well, it is no wonder that those bags have gained a lot of popularity on the global market. Their spacial color that reminds us of our old school days is another great benefit of this company’s bags. Lastly, they come in a really affordable price that’s actually among the lowest ones compared to similar brands that offer bags with similar features.
Pros
-Great color option
-Affordable price
-Unique design/sturdy structure
-Reinforced interior
Cons
-Not 100% waterproof
VUZ Moto Dry Saddlebags
VUZ Moto is dedicated to providing products to every moto enthusiast that combine three major characteristics: quality, affordability, and style. That’s the case with the new Dry Saddlebag the company has recently launched.
Features
The new VUZ Moto Saddlebags are made of high-quality and durable PVC fabric that’s enriched with a neoprene shield. The result? A waterproof and heat-resistant bag that keeps your belongings safe and dry at all times. The specifically designed velcro straps keep the bags connected and allow quick release, while the four compression straps provide further security to your items.
The initial package also includes two other nylon straps, that can be used to secure the bags on your motorcycle or bike. An additional scrambler strap allows riders to attach one extra 24L bag. On the rear of each bag, there are some reflective strips that provide increased visibility and protection. The simple and classic style of this bag ensures broad usage by both genres and its adjustable nature allows riders to adapt the bag to various mounting points.
Placement
The unique feature of the VUZ Moto bags is the fact that they are not attached to each other. Therefore, you can either strap both of them on the sides of your bike or alternatively, use only one at a time. In either case, the fact that there are specifically designed clips and straps to keep the bags in place even under harsh conditions ensures the safety and protection of your belongings.
Capacity and Size
Each of the two bags has a maximum capacity of 24L. The dimensions of each saddlebag are the following: 16.6” x 12.9” x 3.2”.
Benefits
The durable and waterproof construction of those two bags ensures proper function even under extreme weather conditions, including rain and snow. The classic and simple style of each bag, along with their stealth black color allows the bags to look great on any bike, whether we talk about an ordinary city bike or something more complicated.
The straps of the bags are adjustable and they can fit on almost every type of bike. The benefit of being able to use only one of the bags is a great one, as most of the other types of bags that can be found on the market consist of two saddlebags firmly attached to each other. The extra scrambler strap enables users to hang an additional 24L bag to their bike if they need some more space. The bag is quite affordable as well, despite all of the above mentioned great features it possesses.
Pros
-Easy mounting to most motorcycles
-Simple and classic design
-Extra scambler strap
-Sufficient space at an affordable price
Cons
-When extra weight is added, the bags may droop a bit
Saddlemen Sport Panniers
Although smaller than most models, the Saddlemen Panniers are bulky, sturdy and able to secure your belongings at all times. The company has tried to create a type of bag that can effortlessly fit any motorcycle, even the smallest ones.
Features
Designed to meet the needs of a sports tourer, the Saddlemen Panniers feature a contour shape and universal straps that allow riders to use them efficiently on their bikes. Once secured to the side of your seat, the bags can easily get removed and re-attached to the motorcycle within seconds.
The main compartment is spacious enough and the internal mesh pockets of the bag allow easy access to your belongings. The bag is made of a medium-firm 600-denier SaddleTuff and its waterproof zippers make it your ideal storage companion under harsh weather conditions. A couple of D-rings and buckles are also, included in the initial package. The nylon stabilizing straps the bag also consists of allow riders to secure it to a turn signal, frame tube or bungee hook.
Placement
The specifically designed straps of the Saddlemen Panniers enable riders to place the bag either on top or underneath their seats. Moreover, since the two bags are not attached to each other, you can choose to tie only one of them or both, depending on your specific needs.
Capacity and Size
Each bag has a maximum capacity of 22lb and they only weigh 3.75lb each. The dimensions of each bag are the following: 17” x 10” x 6”.
Benefits
The slim, smart and yet bulky structure of those bags makes them a great choice for every driver wishing to purchase something that will not take up much of the motorcycle’s space. The universal straps and buckles of this model allow drivers to mount it easily on almost every type of motorcycle. The bags can be secured underneath or over your seat and that adjustable nature makes them great for those of us who wish to use the saddlebags in multiple ways.
The affordable price of those bags, along with the high protection they offer, thanks to their hard shell and waterproof fabric, are some other advantages of this choice of bags. Finally, the fact that although the initial package includes two separate bags, you can then choose to secure only one to your bike makes that option of a saddlebag beneficial and adds to their multifunctionality.
Pros
-Easy-to-install and remove from motorcycle
-High protection and sufficient interior space
-Single or double placement options
-Sturdy, sleek and minimal design
Cons
-Difficulty in mounting particularly for new-riders
Nelson-Rigg SE-2005-BLK Adventure Bag
Nelson-Rigg is known for its variety of motorcycle luggage solutions. Their SE-2005 model is a medium-sized bag, that has a comfortable and modern design. along with some unique features. The bag promises to provide riders with a comfortable and safe journey.
Features
With electronically heat-welded seams and an air-tight roll closure, this Nelson-Rigg bag is 100% waterproof. The high-quality 24oz Tarpaulin PVC outer material of this saddlebag ensures durability and effectively prevents slipping or marking. The firm internal base plate of this bag provides supporting and the strong D-rings provide further storage space if you wish to hang some more items.
The bag can easily attach to most motorcycle models, and it can be securely placed on snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, and PWCs, as well. The durable compression straps of this bag can adjust to the specific volume of content you carry along on each journey. The mounting system actually uses 4 nylon straps that easily secure to a luggage rack.
Placement
The SE-2005 Nelson-Rigg saddlebag can be placed across or along the motorcycle’s seat or tail section. The bag’s sturdy clips and straps ensure protection and promise to keep the bag in place even when you have to ride under extreme conditions. The bag can also, be placed on your shoulder and be used as a carry-on bag for your everyday life.
Capacity and size
This bag has a total capacity of 40L. Its dimensions are 20” x 10” x 12” and the bag only weighs 2.1 pounds.
Benefits
Overall, this bag is easy-to-install and move around. Its water-resistant properties and anti-scratch feature, along with its firm and durable interior and exterior materials make this bag a great choice for long journeys. A great benefit of this saddlebag is the fact that it consists of some nylon cam straps that provide some reflective properties when you travel at night. Therefore, your visibility along the route will get increased considerably.
Mounting is easy and quick and the D-rings included in the package offer the flexibility to mount the bag in a variety of different ways. The straps and clips of the bag are of high-quality and that’s a huge benefit since damaging of those particular accessories is a common enough complaint among customers.
Pros
-User-friendly interface
-Large storage capacity and ideal weight
-Available in 3 colors
-Highly adjustable and durable
Cons
-PVC interior material not sturdy enough
-Interior PVC material not sturdy enough
Oxide Deluxe Tek Leather Motorcycle Panniers Saddle Bags
A robust and sturdy leather set of saddlebags that can make riding a memorable experience, the new Oxide Deluxe Tek Motorcycle bags are here to stay. The optimal combination of features, along with their superior design makes those bags a sought-after choice on the market, nowadays.
Features
Made of the best quality TEK leather and enriched with a spacious interior and an internal zip pocket, the Oxide Deluxe Saddlebag is still a lightweight and easy-to-move around set of bags. The exterior is extremely resistant to wear and tear and it effectively prevents discoloration, as well. The bag is accompanied by an Oxide Security Lock System that provides utter protection of your belongings.
The whole set can easily disconnect into a single bag through a hidden YKK zipper that keeps the two pannier bags together. The interior liner of the bags, although it can be described as soft, it is also, enriched with strengthened walls to increase protection of your items. The side-release clips, placed just behind the buckles provide easy and quick access to your belongings.
Placement
The exceptional thing about this particular model of saddlebags is the fact that they can be placed on both sides of your motorcycle with the security of the middle strap that connects the two panniers.
Capacity and Size
With a 30L maximum capacity and dimensions that can be described as 13” x 8” x 17”, the shape and size of those saddlebags are ideal for every type of motorcycle and ensure broad storage of your belongings.
Benefits
Water and heat resistance, along with protection against scratches, make this bag handy in providing you with reasons to believe that your delicate belongings, like your electronics, will be safe during your ride. Its universal design promises to let this bag fit on any bike model and that only makes it all the more practical and functional.
The bag has a spacious interior and its TEK leather construction ensures durability. Attaching and detaching this bag to your motorcycle has never been more easy, thanks to its lightweight design and user-friendly interface. The interior of the saddlebags is specifically designed to be soft so as to prevent damages to your stored items.
Pros
-Affordable solution
-Spacious interior
-High-protection
-Lightweight and durable
Cons
-Studs and clips not that durable
OGIO Pilot Case, Nero- DKO3273
Known for its variety in luggage solutions, OGIO has created a bag that combines the benefit of durability with an overall stylish design. The company has spent years of research trying to make a bag that will suit every motorcycle and that will be used by every rider, newcomer or experienced.
Features
The materials that have been used to create the new OGIO-DKO3273 motorcycle bag are quite different from similar products. A heat resistant impregnated bottom decorates the base of the bag and a textured neoprene pad is also, part of this case. An interior rain hood can effectively protect your items from getting wet under extreme weather conditions and two molded side pockets add to the final result.
A 2 inches expansion zipper is included in the whole package and a webbing mount ensures proper placement of your bag on the motorcycle. Easy to install and remove from your bike and equipped with some easy-to-open top zippers, it is no wonder that this bag is among the most adjustable and compatible saddlebags on the market.
Placement
The OGIO-DKO3273 bag is specifically designed to get easily placed on your bike. Some really sturdy straps secure the panniers on your back seat so that they rest securely on the two sides of your motorcycle. An additional Velcro strap keeps the two bags together and removing it will let you use those two saddlebags separately.
Capacity and Size
This set of bags weighs only 1.18 kilos and has a maximum capacity of 29L. The dimensions of the bags are the following: 10.5” x 16” x 8”.
Benefits
The integrated rainy hood and high-quality exterior material of this bag provide riders with an easy and secure journey. Even under really bad weather conditions, you’ll be able to ride safely, without having to worry about your beloved belongings. The set of bags is easy to mount, and if need be, you can turn them into ordinary carry-on bags.
The expandable nature of this bag promises to provide riders with some extra space and the sturdy, yet lightweight design ensures that you will not have to worry about adding some extra weight to your motorcycle. Overall, the combination of durability, functionality, and resistance are the most important benefits of this choice of saddlebags.
Pros
-Resistant and durable materials
-Easy-to-place and remove
-Enough storage space
Cons
-Exterior color-sensitive under the sun
Tusk Aluminum Panniers Medium Silver
The Tusk Aluminum Panniers are specifically designed to handle even the most extreme adventurous motorcycling rider. Not only does the bag look great, but it is also, designed to last. And all that at an affordable price. That’s the secret behind the company’s great success in the field of developing saddlebags and luggage equipment in general.
Features
The Tusk Panniers are made of a lightweight and trustworthy aluminum material. A black or silver powder-coated finish makes the final design modern and offers ultimate protection to your belongings. For security reasons, the boxes come with 4 matched locks in total, and at the top of the box, there is a rubber gasket that provides further protection against the rain.
The panniers come in two different sizes and they can be mounted on almost every pannier rack. Additionally, on the top of each lid, there is an extra loop that can help users increase the storage space of the whole box. All the welded seams of the bag are reinforced with internal stitch welds. The unique design of this box totally eliminates seams on the two back edges that are common weak spots in most panniers.
Placement
Tusk offers customers two different options: they can either secure both of the boxes on the sides of the motorbike or they can go with only one box at a time. The panniers are mountable. That being said, you need to purchase racks to secure those boxes in place.
Capacity and Sizes
As mentioned before, this particular model is available in two different sizes. The large box has a maximum capacity of 37 Liters, while the capacity of the medium-sized box is 27L. Therefore, a pair of large-sized boxes will give you 74 Liters in total, while a medium-sized one will provide you with 54 Liters of storage.
The dimensions of each size are 15.05” x 9.25” x 18” and 14.25” x 7.05” x 16.25” respectively.
Benefits
Undoubtedly, a great benefit of the Tusk aluminum panniers is the fact that they come in two different sizes. Therefore, they can accommodate the personal needs of every driver. The aluminum-based structure of those boxes ensures protection of your valuable belongings even under the toughest conditions.
The boxes are highly durable and water-resistant, as well. Most importantly, those boxes can be mounted on almost every type of motorcycle. The 4 matched locks that accompany the set of boxes provides further protection and the fact that the welding is reinforced, promises to offer customers an overall secure way of keeping their objects close by when they travel on their bike.
Pros
-Highly durable and sturdy materials
-Secure and protected interior items
-Two different available sizes
Cons
-A bit difficult to install for first-time users
