Let's talk about an important issue - how to handle your luggage during a motorcycle tour. 🧳🏍️
Where does all the luggage for a motorcycle trip actually go? What's the easiest way to secure your luggage and how much can my motorcycle carry? Also, which luggage is useful on a motorcycle?
Luggage can be attached to any type of motorcycle. The only question is how much, where and how to secure everything correctly.
General information about luggage on your motorcycle
Our basic recommendation is: Less is more! This may sound trivial but it's an important tip. The handling of the motorcycle can change due to heavy luggage and if there is a lot of extra weight the performance of your motorcycle can worsen significantly.
The center of gravity of the bike is also an important key to consider when planning your luggage. In general, you can remember the following:
LUGGAGE AS CLOSE TO THE MOTORCYCLE'S CENTER OF GRAVITY AS POSSIBLE!
If you stick to this guideline as much as possible, that's half the battle for your next motorcycle tour. The higher and further back your motorcycle's center of gravity is due to the luggage, the more difficult it gets to steer and brake.
The maximum permitted weight…
… plays an essential role when packing. You will find this information for your motorcycle in the vehicle documents.
If you don't have your own motorcycle and would like to rent one for a calimotour, you should estimate the maximum permissible weight in advance Accordingly, you should determine the amount of luggage and then select the motorcycle. Be careful especially with older motorcycles as those are often already overloaded with the weight of a pillion and some lunch. Which means you have to decide: Would you rather take your motorcycle buddy or a toothbrush and spare socks. 🤣
Here's a tip for packing your bags: heavy things belong on the bottom, light things on the top. This way, you will have more control over the handling of the loaded bike and less negative effects on the road.
Another question is what kind of luggage can be attached to a motorcycle.
The luggage
The tank bag is probably the best known piece of luggage for bikers. Depending on the motorcycle, the mounting of the tank bag can be completely different. The easiest way to find out is to ask the manufacturer of your motorcycle. Be careful not to mount the tank bag too high. A tank bag that is too big can affect the steering and the view of your dashboard. Usually a single tank bag is not enough for longer tours. Heavy items are best stored here, as the stability of the motorcycle is least affected by the tank bag. In addition, you also have everything important quickly at hand. Just be careful of sharp-edged parts in the tank bag. They increase your risk of injury in the event of an accident.
In addition to the tank bag, we recommend a luggage roll. However, your pillion passenger is then excluded from the tour planning, as the luggage roll is attached to the pillion seat. The big advantage is that it is close to the center of gravity due to its position on the motorcycle and will therefore hardly affect the handling of your bike. Luggage rolls are available in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Check directly with the manufacturer to find out which one is recommended for your motorcycle to be on the safe side. Since the luggage roll is attached with lashing straps, check the tightness of the strap regularly during longer tours so that the luggage roll can't slip. Another alternative is a rear bag. It's also attached with lashing straps and can be used on motorcycles that don't have room for a tank bag for more storage space.
The good old top case is still around! In our opinion, completely underestimated as a storage space, but there are also some things to consider here. Since the top case is mounted behind the rear axle and also often requires a higher structure, loading the top case too heavily can massively affect the stability of the motorcycle while riding. Storing your helmet, jacket or light luggage there is no problem though. So while the top case is more suitable for your light carry-on luggage, it's very convenient when you've arrived at your destination and want to safely store your helmet to take a stroll. A top case is actually not available for every motorcycle. If you want to get one, you should find out in advance whether your motorcycle is suitable for a top case or not. Another great feature is that a top case is lockable and can often hold two helmets.
And then there are also saddlebags and cases for the sides of the motorcycle.
Saddlebags are quick to attach, very flexible and suitable for everyone, because they offer space, comfort and good usability. They are lightweights and practical alternative to side panniers, and are also quite affordable. Side cases are useless without a suitable carrier. However, once they are properly mounted, it is truly an underrated asset on your bike as they are often waterproof and offer a lot of space. Check out which cases are suitable for your motorcycle. Due to the hard shell, even fragile parts can be transported safely. A small tip: Pay attention to the width of the entire luggage. Cases attached to the side can be easy to get caught in, so keep that in mind. Another benefit is that they are lockable. This is particularly convenient when taking frequent breaks when you want to leave your bike unattended. Side cases are also one of the most theft-proof ways to store your luggage and are sometimes referred to as the "trunk of the motorcycle".
Other things to consider?
Be aware of underseat exhaust systems. These can also clash with the luggage arrangement and no one wants to unpack stewed pants when you get to your destination. So pay special attention if your motorcycle has such an exhaust system. In general: Close to the center of gravity of the bike, yes! Too close to the exhaust, no! Even a standard exhaust system gets very hot and can damage your luggage.
Not to recommend are luggage on the handlebars, the fork or the fender. Things can go wrong really quickly and not only your own safety is at risk with such constructions. Rather take a little less with you, so that everything can be properly attached.
Of course, taillights and turn signals must always be visible when you are traveling with luggage. Apart from that, the view of your calimoto app should also never be affected. 🥰
Remember the air pressure as well. With rear luggage, the rear wheel should then also be increased accordingly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. This way you are always on the safe side. In the front, the tire pressure must also be increased slightly and remember to let out the air when driving without luggage.
One last tip:
How about a test ride before your trip? Load up your bike as planned and then go for a ride around the block. This way you can test steering, stability and braking before you go on the actual trip. You may find that there is still room for improvement.
In summary, a packed motorcycle tour requires a little more planning but with a certain routine and organization you'll be prepared for the next calimotour.
Check out our YouTube video for more information on this topic. We've put together the most important facts in a visual format to help you visualize the packing of your motorcycle even better.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable ride and feel free to share some pictures of your packed bike with us in the calimoto app.
