The Nelson-Rigg Commuter motorcycle luggage makes a nice addition to the CFMOTO 450SS. (Photo by Killboy)
Motorcycles offer many advantages over other methods of transportation. However, one drawback is a lack of storage space. Whether packing for a weekend trip or picking up a few groceries on your way home from work, having a versatile motorcycle luggage system can be a game-changer, and that’s what the Nelson-Rigg Commuter luggage series provides.
The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag is a useful piece of gear that allows for quick attachment and removal. It’s made with UltraMax fabric with UV protection and a molded EVA carbon-like panel that helps the bag to hold its shape. It also comes with a waterproof rain cover, internal straps with hook-and-loop fastening, and a mesh pocket under the lid.
Perhaps the most convenient aspect of this particular bit of motorcycle luggage is how easy it is to attach and remove from a bike. The bag comes with four straps and four attachment points. It can be secured on the bike in two ways, either by removing the passenger seat and looping the straps under the seat before replacing it or by fixing the straps to solid points on the bike. The bag also comes with a shoulder strap that can be looped through a D-ring to convert the bag into a backpack.
Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag
The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag comes in three sizes: Lite (11.7 liters, 15.3 liters expanded, $119.95), Sport (16.4 liters, 22.3 liters expanded, $129.95), and Touring (24.8 liters, 33.0 liters expanded, $159.95).
The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tank Bag is constructed of the same materials as the Commuter Tail Bag, and it includes a waterproof rain cover and a clear map/phone pocket.
Like the Tail Bag, the Tank Bag attaches to most motorcycles, either by straps or magnets. The magnet system is easiest to use, since all that’s required is untucking the magnets from the nonslip bottom and sticking them to a metal tank. To use the strap system, loop one strap around the neck of the bike and attach the two ends to buckles on the bag, then loop a second strap through a solid point under the seat and attach the ends to the other two buckles.
The Commuter Tank Bag comes in two sizes: Lite (5.8 liters, 8.4 liters expanded, $119.95) and Sport (10 liters, 14.5 liters expanded, $139.95).
The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tank Bag in Lite size.
I appreciate the versatility and ease of attachment and removal that the Nelson-Rigg Commuter motorcycle luggage provides. I use the Sport sizes of both bags for weekend trips and daily commutes and find they provide plenty of space for my storage needs. They have proven to be durable, hold their shape well, and can be used on almost any motorcycle. The only downside I’ve encountered is that they would be easy for someone to snatch off my bike since the attachment points are visible and simple to undo, so I park where my bike is visible during lunch stops and remove the bags when I’m done riding for the day.
The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Adventure motorcycle tank bag provides riders with the flexibility to have luggage available no matter what or where they ride.
The bag fits most enduro, dual-sport, and adventure motorcycles and comes with quick-release straps for easy attachment and removal, making it simple to switch to a different bike when needed.
It’s made from heavy-duty UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material, and all seams are electronically heat welded to keep your items clean and dry. A protective base material prevents slipping or marring the tank, and a waterproof flap helps keep dust and dirt away from the waterproof zippers.
The bag also comes with an adjustable divider to keep your gear organized, and the clear map panel is touchscreen friendly. The main compartment measures 14 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches and holds approximately 8 liters. It’s available for $149.95.
Having adjustability in your motorcycle luggage setup can be a game-changer in getting all the storage you need for your next adventure. The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane RiggPak Crash Bar/Tail Bag provides that adjustability.
The Hurricane RiggPak offers universal mounting with hook-and-loop straps and adjustable quick-release buckles that allow you to mount the bag onto your crash bars, luggage racks, or seat.
The Hurricane RiggPak is made from heavy duty UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material, and all seams are electronically heat welded.
It features a waterproof roll closure, an integrated MOLLE system, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The main compartment of the bag is 6.25 x 4 x 12 inches and holds about 5 liters.
SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags, Tail Bag, and Tank Bag on a BMW S 1000 XR.
In Rider’s February issue, we shared the results of a survey that offered a fascinating deep dive into our readers’ habits and preferences. One telling statistic was that three-quarters of our readers – yep, we’re looking at you – ride their motorcycles at least 3,000 miles per year, with nearly half of those polled saying they travel at least double that. Along these lines, the top three most popular types of motorcycles our readers own are touring, sport-touring, and adventure bikes. Ergo, we created this motorcycle luggage buyers guide.
With the riding season kicking into high gear, many of you are thinking about your next motorcycle trip. Maybe it will be on paved roads, or maybe you’ll be tackling rougher terrain. Regardless, if you’re already planning your next overnight – or longer – excursion, or even if you’re fortunate enough to be able to drop everything at the last minute and take off for a weekend getaway, how much you can pack and how you will carry it is an important consideration.
With that in mind, this luggage buyers guide provides a variety of great options, from tank bags to panniers to top boxes, to help you take what you need on your next adventure.
The Aerostich Tank Panniers are semi-rigid bags made in the U.S. and constructed of sturdy, water-resistant urethane-coated 1000-denier Cordura nylon with an adjustable mounting system: two padded, 2-inch-wide hook-and-loop closed webbing straps plus two adjustable bungee shock cords. Neoprene tank pads protect your paint and eliminate slippage, and removable plastic inserts shape the bags. The panniers also feature two exterior pockets. Available in Black or Hi-Viz for $197. Standard: 12 × 9 × 5 in./8.8 liters each, or Competition: 12 × 7.5 × 4.5 in./6.6 liters each.
The Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag is made of 1680-denier ballistic polyester and 1800-denier three-lined twill jacquard. It fits most modern sportbikes and sport-tourers with sloped gas tanks, and it has a single zipper on the main compartment, a removable map pocket, and two built-in sip tube/headphone exit ports. The bag also comes with a rain cover, a shield pouch, a water bladder holder, and hideaway backpack straps. The 12-liter tankbag measures 20 x 7.5 x 11 inches and is priced at $109.99 (strap mount) or $129.99 (magnet mount).
Made of abrasion-resistant material with reinforced stitches, Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags have 64 total liters of capacity and hold up to 22 lb in each side, with six Duraflex cam buckles and eight reinforced tiedowns per bag. The Double Locking System locks the bag to the 4P System Side Case Racks (sold separately) and prevents unwanted access to the inside of the bag, while roll closures on the outer and inner bags ensure they’re waterproof. The TR40s include a dry bag, a bag holder, and a bottle harness, and each bag is 15.75 x 9.8 x 14.9 inches. Priced at $578.99.
The 44-liter Monokey Alaska Case from Givi holds the equivalent of one modular helmet and features the Monokey attachment system, which uses a single lock and key to open the case and release it from the plate. Inside is a series of built-in grips, so loads can be secured to both the lid and the bottom of the case. The waterproof case has rivets fitted with gaskets and sealed using silicone. It measures 13 x 16.6 x 18.3 inches and has four belt-strap loops integrated into the lid. Available in natural or black finish for $464.
The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dual Sport Saddlebags are made from heavy duty, UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material. All seams are electronically heat welded. Approximately 14 liters per side, the saddlebags have internal support panels and a removable stiffener to hold the shape when empty. They mount using hook-and-loop straps and tension buckles – no rack needed. They feature quick-release buckles on top and bottom to secure additional gear and an air purge valve for easy compression. Main compartment measures 17 x 7 x 9 inches. Priced at $179.95 with a lifetime warranty.
The Joe Rocket Manta II XL Tank Bag is made of improved structural foam and UltraMax fabric with SBS zippers and is resistant to wind, water, and fading. The newly resized phone pocket has mesh backing for better breathability, and an outer side pocket provides additional access to the main pocket. Inside the tankbag is an adjustable divider to keep contents from shifting, as well as a charge cord and headphone port. The bag comes with a rain cover, and it mounts using either magnets or supplied straps. It measures 16 x 10 x 6 inches and is priced at $124.99.
Offering an innovative way to mount soft saddlebags on sportbikes, the SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags feature mounting arms that quickly attach and detach, leaving minimally visible mounting brackets when the arms are removed. The Pro Blaze bags are made of durable, UV-resistant 1680-denier ballistic nylon material, and the expanding zipper increases volume from 14 to 21 liters. The main compartment is top loading, and the bags have a zippered outside pocket and a carrying handle. Dimensions are 5.5 x 11.8 x 17.3 inches. Priced at $499.95.
Giant Loop’s MotoTrekk Panniers are dry bag-inspired panniers made of welded 500-denier waterproof fabric and a double-reinforced top and bottom. They feature a roll-top closure that keeps contents dry and dirt free. The integrated mounting system enables them to strap to virtually any side luggage racks. Lash loops provide expanded storage capacity, and quick-connect magnetic buckles facilitate easy mounting and removal. Each bag holds 25 liters, measures 12 x 15 x 7 inches, and includes two shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying. Priced at $479.
The Sedici 20-liter Dry Bag Saddlebags’ three-fold roll-top closures and dual-layer 500-denier tarpaulin material with sonic HF-welded seams ensure your gear stays dry. A quick-release air valve and quick-release speed buckles on each side facilitate easy packing and unpacking. External MOLLE loops, pockets, and D-rings, plus included accessory mounting straps, provide a variety of options for mounting and adding additional storage. Removable internal support loops help keep the bags in shape. They measure 17 x 11 x 6 inches and are priced at $149.99.
Wolfman Luggage redesigned its popular Enduro Tank Bag WP for a more usable shape that fits almost every dual-sport and dirtbike. Made of custom 840-denier nylon TPU laminate with waterproof RF-welded seams, the bag is kept in place by a four-point quick-release mounting system that doesn’t interfere with the gas cap or the vent hose. With a 4-liter capacity, the Enduro Tank Bag has a removable clear pocket, a removable waist belt pouch, and a YKK AquaGuard water-repellant main zipper. The bag is 9 x 6 x 5.5 inches (height in the front). Priced at $151.99.
For longer trips, luggage is a must. Having your luggage stay where you want it on your motorcycle is also essential. That’s where the Rigg Straps Kit by Nelson-Rigg comes into play.
Sold as a pair, the straps in the Rigg Straps Kit feature a patented cam-hook design made from aircraft-grade aluminum and can be used for a variety of gear tie-down options. The straps are 5 feet long and made of a heavy-duty webbing.
Loop ends for additional connection points are also included, providing riders more options for tying down their luggage.
Available as a pair for $19.95 with a five-year warranty.
Several years ago, I tested the first generation of Nelson-Rigg’s Hurricane Waterproof Backpack/Tail Pack, which impressed me with its practicality, functionality, and versatility. Nelson-Rigg has redesigned its entire line of Rigg Gear Hurricane waterproof luggage, which also includes saddlebags, duffel bags, and roll bags.
As with the original, version 2.0 of the Backpack/Tail Pack is made of waterproof, UV-resistant, vinyl-coated 24-oz. polyester tarpaulin fabric with electronically heat-welded seams. Rather than the previous 40-liter and 20-liter options, the new bag is available in a single, happy-medium 30-liter size. One of the key updates is the new 4-point Rigg Strap system, which uses a set of adjustable cam-lock straps to secure the bag to a motorcycle seat and/or luggage rack. Once the straps are cinched tight, the bag stays put even during aggressive off-road riding. I gave it a good thrashing while testing the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, and it passed with flying colors.
The main compartment of the bag has a large top opening that seals shut with a roll-down, dry-bag closure secured with quick-release buckles. A closable purge valve makes it easy to squeeze out excess air when closing the bag, and there’s a sleeve pocket inside that accommodates tablets and laptops up to 15 inches.
The outside of the bag has a side pocket with a drawstring closure that holds a water or fuel bottle up to 30 oz. A large panel on the back is covered in MOLLE webbing for attaching other items, and the panel is hinged on the bottom to provide access to the waterproof document pocket on the other side. The panel also conceals a durable mesh pocket that can be used to stash items for quick access or hold an optional hydration bladder ($19.95). Both sides of the bag have rubber carry handles and loops for attaching items or threading the Rigg Straps.
Large, adjustable, contoured backpack straps have a connector strap across the chest for added security. The backpack straps have outer strips of webbing for attaching a GPS locator, a multi-tool pouch, or other quick-grab items, and there are clips on each strap for securing a hydration tube. When using the bag as a tail pack, the backpack straps can be hidden behind the padded, breathable back panel.
The Hurricane 2.0 Waterproof Backpack/Tail Pack is a well-made, durable piece of motorcycle gear that is even more practical, functional, and versatile than before. Covered by a lifetime warranty, it’s a solid value at $169.95.
Whether cruising the pavement or banging along a remote dirt road, tankbags are a rider’s most convenient place for storing frequently used items. Where else could I keep my sunscreen, hat, and snacks so easily at hand? I’ve used several high-capacity bags over the years on various motorcycles, and although appealing for the sheer volume of stuff they hold, I find large bags can also interfere with bike control. This is most noticeable when standing on the pegs while riding off-pavement. The Nelson-Rigg Trails End model, part of its Rigg Gear Adventure line, creates no such problem.
It has a useful 12-liter capacity, and is expandable vertically to 16.5 liters. Securely mounted to my Yamaha Ténéré 700’s tank with four side-release buckles and the requisite straps, it stays put over the roughest ground, yet is easy to partially remove for fueling. The Trails End’s base is slightly tacky to assist in stabilizing it, and there are protective fabric tabs where the straps contact the tank.
Sewn from UltraMax synthetic fabric, which is said to resist fading (as it has for 8 months), the Trails End maintains its tapered, box-like shape, and it features reflective piping all around. The twin zippers are easy to operate and designed to prevent dust entry, and the two narrow side pockets are large enough for my faceshield cleaning kit, a few small tools, and a notebook.
Perhaps best of all, the left pocket doesn’t sound the 700’s horn with the bars at full lock. Since the bag is narrow, the map pocket can’t accept two folds of an AAA map, requiring some field origami to make one fit. The clear top is touchscreen-friendly and includes an inside pocket with a net to hold a phone, but my phone had to be securely supported from below (as in stuffing a shirt in the bag) for me to use it easily. At the rear of the bag is a weather-resistant power port; from there, a cord can be run into the map pocket.
With the bag in its unexpanded configuration, the extra two-layer body material from the extension crowds the interior a bit without seriously limiting volume. The large hump of my Yamaha’s tank steals space too, so those extra 4.5 liters when the bag is expanded are invaluable for stashing an extra layer or stocking up on Fritos at the last gas stop before camp. This is a handsome, well-built bag, with its only flaw being some imperfect sewing to attach the map pocket net and second power port.
The Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and comes with a tight-fitting rain cover with a clear top and the ability to extend to protect the expanded bag. It sells for just $119.95.
Our Hayabusa test bike fitted with the Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag (Touring size).
As our recent test of the Suzuki Hayabusa shows, a big, open-class sportbike can make for one heckuva sport-tourer. But touring means going far, often for days at a time, and that requires luggage to carry gear. Earlier this year we tested Nelson-Rigg’s Commuter series tankbags, both the Lite (up to 8.4 liters when expanded) and Sport (up to 14.5 liters). They offer strap and magnetic mounts in the same bag, which is perfect for the Hayabusa, since the front of its tank has a plastic cover and the back is steel.
When I needed to pack gear for several days to ride up to the Progressive IMS Outdoors show in Northern California in July, I used the Sport tankbag and matching tailbag. To accommodate different bikes and needs, Nelson-Rigg’s Commuter Tail Bag comes in three sizes: Lite (up to 15.3 liters, $109.95), Sport (up to 22.3 liters, $119.95), and Touring (up to 33 liters, $149.95). I opted for the Touring version.
Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bags are available in three sizes: Lite, Sport, and Touring.
The Hayabusa has a large passenger seat (for a sportbike), which is removable with the ignition key, and it has a large wrap-around grab handle. The Commuter bag has four adjustable straps that connect to quick-release buckles on the outside. Pairs of straps are connected via looped ends, and they run under the seat. I looped the rear straps around the grab handle for extra security. Installation took only a few minutes, and I was able to remove the bag and the straps even quicker. Once installed and loaded, the bag remained secure and the straps tight, even after a full day of tossing the ’Busa around on California’s ultra twisty Highway 1.
The Touring size Commuter Tail Bag in its expanded configuration.
In its standard configuration, the Commuter Touring measures 14 x 12 x 9 inches and holds up to 24.8 liters. When expanded, its height increases from 9 to 12 inches and total capacity tops out at 33 liters. The bag is made of Nelson-Rigg’s proprietary UltraMax fabric that offers UV protection against fading, and molded EVA panels help the bag maintain its shape even when empty. Inside the bag is a light gray interior, straps to secure contents, and a large mesh pocket inside the dome-shaped lid. The exterior has a non-slip, non-scratch base, a flush-mount reflective handle, and reflective piping. A rain cover and shoulder/backpack strap are also included.
Overall, the Commuter Tail Bag is a great piece of luggage that’s well made, versatile, stylish, and reasonably priced. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty.
As Egon Spengler famously warned in Ghostbusters, “Don’t cross the streams … It would be bad … Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.” No, I wasn’t building a proton pack in my garage, but I did need to ride our KTM 890 Adventure R to the Indian FTR S press launch in Phoenix. There I was on an off-road-ready adventure bike, wearing a helmet without a dirt-bike peak, a cruiser-style leather jacket, riding jeans, and high-top riding shoes.
Every Gore-Tex-clad, Instagram-famous ADV rider who passed me going down the road probably laughed so hard that Starbucks French Roast spewed out of their nose. Clearly I had violated rules of proper sartorial etiquette and must be banished.
Whatever.
I needed to get the hell out of the house and put some serious miles on the KTM, and I wasn’t about to wear one set of gear on the bike and carry another for the press launch. I’m not (that) vain. But I did need a place to stash my slinky black cocktail dress, laptop and other necessities for a two-night stay.
Standard equipment on the KTM is a luggage rack with burly passenger hand-holds and tie-down points — the ideal perch for Nelson-Rigg’s Sahara Dry Duffle Bag. Part of the Rigg Gear Adventure line of luggage, the Sahara is made of heavy-duty, waterproof 24-ounce tarpaulin PVC with heat-welded seams. Internal stiffeners help the bag keep its shape regardless of what’s inside, and a roll-top keeps the elements out. The bag has a 39.33-liter capacity and measures 20” L x 10” W x 12” H. A pair of adjustable compression straps further secure the outside of the bag, and it has a removable carry handle and reflective accents.
Four durable webbing straps with loops on each end attach to adjustable buckles (two on the front and two on the back) to secure the bag to the bike. The straps don’t stretch, so they required additional tightening as the bike’s vibration introduced a bit of slack. Being the paranoid sort that I am, no matter what bag I put on the back of a motorcycle, for extra security I always double up with a pair of Rok Straps since their built-in bungees maintain constant tension.
Although I didn’t encounter any rain or ectoplasmic slime on my journey, I dealt with some desert dust storms and nary a particle got into my gear. Overall, this is a solid piece of kit that will be part of my ADV arsenal for years to come. It’s available in Black or Yellow/Black for $114.95.
For more information: See your dealer or visit nelsonrigg.com
