Panniers are bags attached to your motorcycle that are used to secure your stuff. The main reason why many bikers love using panniers is that they are ideal for long-distance travel securing your cargo around the megalopolis.
Here are the top 3 ultimate adventure motorcycle panniers:
- Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag Roll-Top
- Mosko Moto Soft Luggage
- Nelson-Rigg SE 3050
These are the top adventure motorcycle panniers due to their unique characteristics. They are lightweight and will secure your stuff until you get to your destination.
These bags are also waterproof meaning your cargo will remain dry, especially with the Nelson-Rigg SE. That particular bag even has U.V. protection that diverts harmful rays from the sun.
This guide covers the top three adventure motorcycle panniers to have on your bike. Follow along to find out what bags they are.
Picking The Right Pannier For Your Bike
| Giant Loop Coyote Roll-Top | Mosko Moto Soft Luggage | Nelson-Rigg SE 3050 |
|---|---|---|
| PROS | ||
| Simple installation | High-quality gear | Weather-resistant/ waterproof |
| Additional mounting options | Rackless panniers | Lightweight |
| Roll-top closure design | No dealer mark-up | Double pull straps |
| Standard dry pods and heat shield | Adaptable pockets/ storage | Sleek and flexible design |
| Great warranty on seams | 4 quick-release cam buckles | |
| CONS | ||
| Water-resistant/Not waterproof | Shipping if outside of U.S. | Very expensive |
| May need racks |
Whether you have a lightweight adventure bike or dual sport motorcycle, you can effectively use panniers to carry your stuff for the trip. You want to make sure you have brought along everything you need to make the trip a success.
If you plan on exploring wet weather areas or a trail that involves several water crossings, you need waterproof bags or dry bags to carry your stuff. One thing you be clear. There are no wrong or suitable adventure bike panniers.
All you need to know is the advantages and disadvantages of each bag and the overall condition of your trip. That will help you select the right bag you require for that particular trip.
Below are a few things to consider when looking for adventure motorcycle panniers:
- Fixing type – do you go for the pannier with or without racks? If the motorcycle does not have a rack system, it means your ideal pannier will be without racks. Check on your bike to determine the type of pannier you should purchase.
- Capacity – this is another crucial factor you have to think about. It may largely depend on the duration of the explorations and possibly how much off-road it is. Most saddlebags, especially those covered here, will carry you enough supplies for several days.
- Durability – This is vital, especially for the soft panniers. While riding off-road, anything can happen, such as falling, and you want the bags to remain steady and secure your stuff. That is why you need to get bags that are durable and made of quality material. Also, ensure you get waterproof bags as this can also reduce scratching instances on them.
Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag Roll-Top
Giant Loop is known worldwide for producing rugged and durable luggage products for all your off-road itineraries. The Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag Roll-Top is a unique pannier designed for lightweight adventure and dual sports bikes. If you are looking to explore the wilderness or outback for several days, these bags will offer you the convenience you need.
The panniers’ stand-out characteristic is the heat shield and dry pods. These dry pods are waterproof and will keep your stuff safe and dry in the bag. Slide the pods into the saddlebag, which comes in a set of 3. These air pods will have air purge valves to allow the rider to squeeze the air from these bags. That ensures they are compact and will not take up much of your space.
These coyote bags are made of durable vinyl-coated polyester. To strengthen the pack, it bears tough ballistic coated polyester, especially at the bottom. Drains are found at the bottom of the bag for draining water if it finds its way into the bag.
Mounting the bag on your adventure bike is not hard. In fact, it will take around 15 minutes only. The bags will mount using a three-point attachment system to make them stable. As you mount it, ensure it is fair enough to give you room to maneuver about on your seat. Some of its main features include:
- Reinforced roll-top closure – waterproof seal
- 39-liter packable volume
- Reflective accents – enhances visibility
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Different colors such as gray, yellow, white, and black
- Ballistic webbing – useful in rear mounting option
- Bombshell vinyl coated polyester
- Side release and cinch ring buckle compression straps
Pros
- Simple installation
- Has mounting options to attach additional items
- Roll-top closure – better than zipper design
- It comes with dry pods and a heat shield
Cons
- It is water-resistant and not waterproof – with this pannier, you have to use dry pods
Mosko Moto Soft Luggage
You are probably aware that off-roading may be hard on your gear. That is because of the nature of the terrain and environment via which you ride. Everything can tear and damage your gear easily, from horizontal rain to the desert sun, to sand, dust, flying rocks, and even mud. However, the good news is that the Mosko Moto Soft Luggage was designed to handle such off-road cases.
The panniers are rackless, off-road focused, and heavy-duty to give riders the ultimate experience of exploring new lands. These panniers are among the top adventure bike panniers, if not the best in the market. That is because they are unique, durable, and adamant.
The most notable characteristic and advantage of these panniers is their high quality. Manufacturers made these bags intending to create durable and robust adventure gear for off-road bikers.
Most products in the adventure bike world will not offer you a full package. They will leave you wondering why it does not include some features you would fancy. However, that is not the case with the Mosko moto panniers.
These bags offer the flexibility of soft bags and the convenience of hard luggage. The bags are made of high-strength polymer plastic which makes them durable.
The construction of the pannier is first-rate. Its sewing is heavy-duty and neat. The bag comes with an inner waterproof bag that is removable. It has five straps that will easily secure your items in the bag.
The pannier also has “the beavertail,” a unique outer flap that compresses stuff in the bag to create more space. It is also an outer pocket to put easy access items like a map book or a rain jacket.
When speaking of the accessory pockets, one of the pockets is sewn on the outer part of the bag and can be used to carry large bottles of wine or fuel.
This bag also bears the M.O.L.L.E. system that is sewn the outer bag. This is a system used by the military that is famous for its versatile and functional accessory attachment.
It comes with an optional accessory bag that is spacious to accommodate a water bladder and is easily mounted to the pannier. The Mosko moto features a beavertail system and a double-ended roll top for extra security of your bags. You will not have to open the bag to access your stuff with the beavertail.
The bag will also come with hideaway shoulder straps which means you can also use the bag as a backpack.
These Mosko moto bags are pretty huge; you can carry several things here, including a tool kit, sleeping bag, kitchen, clothes, and even spares.
The best part about these panniers is that there is no distributor or dealer network. The company sells the goods to the last user, who is the rider. You will buy the pannier at favorable prices since there is no intermediary.
Pros
- High-quality gear
- Rackless panniers that are off-road-focused
- No dealer mark-up
- Adaptable bags with pockets and additional storage pouches
- Two-year warranty on the welded seam panniers and a lifetime warranty on the sewn ones
Cons
- The manufacturer is based in the U.S. You have to factor in the shipping prices
Nelson-Rigg SE 3050
These panniers provide riders protection and safety for their stuff. If you need to transport your things to your area of exploration safely, consider these saddlebags. They are pretty adjustable and durable. Nelson Rigg is known worldwide as a top firm in the motorcycle manufacturing industry. The company produces alluring products for riders.
The unique characteristic of the Nelson-Rigg Pannier is that it is purely waterproof. It is also equipped with heat-welded seams and U.V. protection.
Not many bags have these qualities, especially the U.V. protection, making this pannier among the best for your adventure motorcycle. The U.V. coating is responsible for diverting harmful sun rays. The bag will also protect your gear from road debris.
Nelson-Rigg is lightweight, meaning your motorcycle will remain weightless even as you cruise. It is furnished with mounting hardware that is aircraft-grade. Installation is relatively easy, and most of these saddlebags universally fit adventure bikes. The pannier comes with highly-strung thin plastic or breakable buckles.
Speaking of the inside of the bag, with this pannier, you will enjoy lots of space. The bags have an enormous capacity to hold up as many items as you wish to carry. Nelson-Rigg has an internal black plate that holds the bag in an upright position and supports the bag.
These bags come in two different colors. You may come across a yellow or black Nelson-Rigg bag.
When compared to other saddlebags, these panniers are quite easy to install and are very user-friendly. Nelson-Riggs are durable and can be used in various riding conditions. They are ideal for adventure motorcycles, sport touring, stripped bikes, and even dual sportbikes.
Pros
- Weather-resistant and waterproof bag
- It comes with double pull straps
- Lightweight
- Sleek design and quite flexible
- Has 4 quick release cam buckles
Cons
- Very expensive
- In some motorcycles, you have to use racks
What Are the Two Types of Adventure Motorcycle Panniers?
Since you already know that a motorcycle pannier is a bag used to carry your stuff as you head out on your adventure motorcycle, you need to understand that there are two types of motorcycle panniers.
The first category is known as hardshell panniers or hard bags. Usually, they are made from different plastics, robust fiberglass, or metal. The other category is the soft panniers made from light materials such as nylon or leather.
Are Motorcycle Panniers Secure?
Many riders still wonder whether these adventure motorcycle panniers will hold securely on the motorcycle while navigating difficult terrain.
Understand that these panniers are securely fitted on motorcycles which means they cannot fall once you are moving, even on rocky terrain. There are mechanisms employed to keep these bags in place and secure them on the bike.
Some bags come with a stainless-steel net that holds the bag in place. Simply place the bag in this net and then pull the cable drawcord and lock it with a padlock.
Weave the drawcord around the pannier rack, which will securely clip the bag in place. Other panniers will have strong cables to secure the bags from underneath the motorcycle.
Can You Lock Panniers?
Some riders also wonder whether you can safely lock the panniers and keep intruders away from your stuff. That can be pretty helpful, especially when you leave your bike somewhere else and you have to move and leave the motorcycle.
However, as much as you want to lock your pannier, it is good to understand that no lock will ever keep away a determined thief. If they really want what is in your pannier, they will try every means possible to gain access.
It is advisable to keep all the important items such as your wallet, phone, documents, cash, and camera away from these bags. To answer the question, you will easily come across panniers that can be locked to secure your stuff.
You can carry a lock such as a wire lock. A beefier lock would also be perfect such as an Abus motorcycle lock.
Final Thoughts
Adventure bike panniers are great for storing your stuff when you explore the woods or the deserts. Here you will pack your stuff and everything else you need.
