The 10 Best Motorcycle Panniers
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
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.