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Which One Is Better Soft or Hard Motorcycle Luggage

Which One Is Better Soft or Hard Motorcycle Luggage

After you are done with choosing your motorcycle type according to the route and type of tour you will be going on. Regarding the luggage, soft and hard luggage are the two options. The debate between hard and soft luggage is just like tubeless and tube tires or adventure bike vs, dual-sport. Everyone has their own opinion on this matter and they love to debate for hours.


However, when it’s time to choose between one for your next adventure trip you must see both sides. Following we will be discussing hard and soft luggage systems with their pros and cons so, in the end, you can decide better. Before that, just keep in mind that hard and come in a variety of different sizes so capacity is not an issue. There are plenty of other factors that you can have a look at and decide. Weigh the pros and cons of each will help you decide better.

1. Hard motorcycle bags

Hard motorcycle luggage is usually made of aluminum or hardened plastic, but sometimes it is a combination of these. These are also called saddlebags and panniers. These bags usually open from the top like some container but give protection to the items in there from dust, water, and damage.

1.1 Pros

Security is a big advantage especially for lone riders because they have lock options. For petty thieves, these bags are not worth and they just leave it as is. Plus, you are going to notice a forced entry and by the way, aluminum is not easy to breakthrough.


On tours and trips, the bike falls a million times and hard luggage protects what’s inside. It is sealed properly, unless the damage was too much and thus provides waterproofing and dust proofing too this protects your electronics and basically everything in there. Detaching them is mostly easy, and they can be a chair. Motorcycle luggage makes your trip easier, click and know more details.

1.2 Cons

Hard luggage takes the fall seriously and gets damaged, most of the times. If not the first time, multiple falls will surely damage your waterproofing thus after some time you have to get them replaced, which is not cheap. Another option is to get them repaired, but that does not bring back the quality. Of course, to get them mounted, and that can also break as the bike falls, again not cheap but at the same time, they protect the bike.


Yes, hard luggage cause injuries, it is common! As the bike unbalances, we try to gain control but because of the speed legs whipped back and; injury! Other times when the bike falls legs get pressed under them and again, injury!

2. Soft motorcycle bags

The only way to stop those injuries is to get soft luggage while you compromise on some things. These are rolled open bags and bag straps plus zip ties are the way to strap them to your bike.

2.1 Pros

These don’t bend or break, plus they absorb the impact too. It may cause a hole or braised bag but they are easier to repair. As waterproofing is done externally you can do it again for cheap. They are lightweight with more storage space and are cheaper to buy. Mounting the is easier, you just get them secure with straps on the bike or mounting system, your choice. A trapped leg under the soft luggage will not break, might get bruised though.

2.2 Cons

Soft luggage bags will break easily, even though they are made of tough material. Thieves like these bags, one because they can be cut through with a knife, or they can just unstrap and take the whole thing. For this you can make an inner liner, hard edges and get them in your bag, this will prevent the cuts


These bags are not waterproof, mostly, but water-resistant! However, waterproofing can be done afterward, by covering it with a waterproof bag. Just don’t put your electronics or any electronics accessory in there, even if it is waterproof. 

Reading next

Packing Luggage for A Camping Motorcycle Trip
Motorcycle Luggage Guide For Adventure Motorcycle Trips

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