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Storage Accessory Options for Touring Motorcycles

Sep. 3 2021 Buying Guide By Hideout Harley-Davidson

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Need increased storage space on your touring motorcycle? There are many accessories available that allow riders to pack more cargo onto their bikes. With all the product options, however, it can be tough knowing which motorcycle storage accessory best suits your needs.

We've created the following guide to touring motorcycle storage upgrade options. If you want more information or want to shop touring motorcycles for sale, contact Hideout Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is located in Joplin, Missouri, and we also serve Springfield and Rogers, Arkansas.

The Touring Motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Start by looking up your touring motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). It's important to ensure that the touring motorcycle can handle the extra weight of the saddlebags or other storage accessories. Remember that the weight limit includes the weight of the passenger(s) and cargo, not just the weight of added accessories.

The Types of Storage Accessories

Soft Luggage

Soft luggage options, such as throw-over saddlebags, are a popular option.

Pros:

  • Lower price: tend to cost less than $200.
  • Variety: lots of different sizes and price points.
  • Easy to install: may not even need mounting hardware and many options come with universal mounting straps and can be installed in minutes.
  • Lightweight: adds less weight than the hard luggage models, which can allow riders to bring along more items.

Cons:

  • Less secure: easier to steal or damage.
  • Less protective: these products are usually not weatherproof.

Hard Luggage

Riders who travel to more remote areas, endure more extreme weather, and need better cargo protection will want to choose hard luggage storage options. These products offer the ability to lock up items as well as to attach and remove the luggage with a key. The exact extent of security depends on the item's design and materials, but it will be more than you would get with soft luggage types.

The Hard Luggage Materials

Fiberglass: 

  • Higher in price.
  • More rigid, which helps the case retain its shape better and be more resistant to high temperatures.

Plastic: 

  • More budget-friendly.
  • Tends to bend upon impact, rather than shatter.

Aluminum: 

  • Highest cost.
  • Offers the best protection and durability.
  • Can hammer out any dents and weld together any cracks.
  • Easy to personalize by attaching bumper stickers.

Types of Hard Luggage Products

Panniers:

  • Lighter in weight .
  • Lower impacts on the touring motorcycle's handling.

Top Box:

  • Simplest solution for increased storage.
  • Does not make the touring motorcycle any wider, which is helpful for riders who ever do lane-splitting or navigate tight spaces.

For more information on storage options or to shop touring motorcycles for sale, reach out to the experts at Hideout Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is located in Joplin, Missouri. We also proudly serve those in Springfield, Missouri, and Rogers, Arkansas.