Written by Utkarsh Sood | Photos by ADVMoto and Manufacturers. Posted in Gear
The adventure motorcycle segment has never been this hot and the market for adventure gear has been growing as a result of the increasing sales. At the core of this gear are luggage systems specifically designed for adventure and dual-sport riders. There are many adventure motorcycle luggage options on the market, but the truth is that most of them are expensive and might not be best for your specific riding goals and budget.
Thus, it’s crucial to know what kind of luggage solution works best for you beforehand. Factors like ergonomics, fall damage prevention, handling, and ride quality are all key to helping you decide what kind of luggage system is best for you. Ultimately though, many times it comes down to price, features and functionality.
Broadly speaking, there are two major types of adventure luggage – soft and hard luggage systems. Between soft and hard luggage, soft luggage tends to be lighter, more afforable and some say “safer” for the rider dut to compressability (not getting stuck under a rigid box). Also there’s a wide variety of soft luggage options from fender bags, handlebar bags, crash bar bags, tail bags to saddle bags, and so on. In this guide, we’ll select some of our favorite adventure luggage options – based on different functions – all in the budget category. Plus, at the time of this writing, there are some great deals to be found!
As always, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list. If you’ve got a candidate you’dl like to add, let us know.
• Motorcycle Fender Bags
Starting from the front, most motorcycles come with a beak-style front fender. It could be made from fibre or metal depending on the bike you have, but it’s largely designed to do one job. That is, keep the mud out from your face. But that’s just not it. I find it an extremely nifty spot to strap some handy-dandy pieces of gear in a compact ‘fender bag’.
Fender bags are a great way to counterbalance some of that weight that you add to the back of your bike. But of course, it goes without saying – you shouldn’t really weigh it down with hefty items. For fenders aren’t really designed to carry heavy loads.
• Motorcycle Handlebar Bags
Next up, we move over to the handlebar of your ADV. If you already didn’t know this, the handlebar of your motorcycle is a great spot to strap on a thin bag for some of the smaller items that you might need easy access to when on the bike, like sunscreen, chapstick, hand wash, and a protein bar.
These, like other pieces of luggage on this list, come in a few shapes and sizes. I’d recommend you stay away from anything too large and bulky to keep the weight addition to a minimum. After all, you don’t want to alter the feedback on your handlebars in any way.
• Motorcycle Crash Bar Bags
Crash bar luggage is another excellent budget-friendly solution for those who want to maximize storage without adding bulk. Ask me – I’ve had a pair since the day I got my Royal Enfield Himalayan, and I still have them on every ride. These small, waterproof bags mount directly onto the crash bars, utilizing otherwise wasted space near the engine.
While they may not offer massive storage capacity, they’re perfect for carrying tools, rain gear, first aid kits, or snacks. One of the biggest advantages of crash bar bags is weight distribution. By keeping the weight low and close to the bike’s center, they help maintain balance and prevent top-heaviness, which can be an issue with other luggage options. Contents are more susceptible to damage in case of a drop, so please don’t put anything fragile in a crash bar bag.
• Motorcycle Tank Bags
Motorcycle tank bags are incredibly useful for adventure and touring riders because they offer quick, convenient access to essential items without compromising balance or comfort. Mounted securely on the fuel tank, they keep your gear within easy reach—think maps, phones, snacks, wallets, and tools—without needing to dismount or dig through larger luggage.
Most tank bags also come with clear map windows or touchscreen-compatible pockets for navigation, and many are expandable or waterproof, making them versatile for changing conditions. Because they’re centered on the bike, they maintain weight distribution better than tail-heavy solutions, and modern mounting systems make them easy to remove when you need to refuel or step away.
• Motorcycle Tail Bags
Tail luggage is one of the most versatile and common storage options for adventure riders. These can either be open for in the form of solid top cases or soft tail bags based on your preference. The best thing is you can mount it on the rear rack or pillion seat in case you’re riding without a pillion.
They offer ample space for gear without requiring side racks or bulky attachments while being equally easy to install. While top cases can be bolted on, soft tail bags come with their own attachment systems that make it a breeze to strap them on or take them off.
• Motorcycle Saddlebags
Saddle or pannier luggage is perhaps the most go-to choice for adventure riders. That’s because this offers a blend of storage capacity, affordability, durability and even some crash protection. Some will mount on a rack or stand-off while others hug the bike and are often called “rackless.”
Unlike expensive hard panniers, soft saddlebags provide storage at a fraction of the cost while being lighter and easier to install. Many budget-friendly options feature weather-resistant materials, reinforced construction, and roll-top closures to keep belongings dry and secure. Not to forget, they are also more forgiving in the event of a fall, as they won’t dent or break like hard cases.
• Final Thoughts
No matter where your adventure takes you, having the right luggage can make all the difference. You don’t have to break the bank to equip your bike with reliable, functional storage solutions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add practicality to your ride on a budget, the options above offer a solid mix of performance, durability, and value. Remember, the best luggage system is the one that fits your bike, your gear, and your ride style—without weighing you down.
Having over 15 years of experience traveling and documenting his adventures, Utkarsh Sood lives and breathes all things motorcycle. His quest to travel, write, and create films pushed him to quit his fancy advertising job to live life on his own terms. Or so he thinks. When he is not writing about bikes, he’s busy riding his trusted Royal Enfield Himalayan and creating content for his project ‘Silence & Stories‘.
