How to Put on a Motorcycle Luggage Bag

When you pack a motorcycle for a big trip (or a small one), you look for the best way to fit what you need safely behind you on the bike. Some bikes have built-in luggage, some people install saddlebags, and yet others prefer to have a backrest and rack system that allows an almost infinitely customizable luggage setup. Here's how to attach a motorcycle luggage bag to your bike.

@!Instructions

Things You'll Need

Motorcycle with a backrest/sissy bar and luggage rack

Motorcycle luggage bag

4 bungee cords

1Set the bag on the luggage rack. Situate the bag so that you can access the inner compartment while it is strapped down. Usually this means the zipper will be facing rearward.

2Attach one of the bungee cords to a corner of the luggage rack, with the other end of the cord stretched to a mounting point on the bag. Choose a spot on the bag as low as possible in order to maximize stability.

3Attach another bungee cord the same way as the first, except make it a mirror of the first one. Again, attach it to a point on the bag as low as possible to maximize stability.

4Affix the other two bungee cords to the backside (front-facing side) of the bag, and wrap them around the backrest. You may have to play around with the exact placement of the bungee cords on the bag and the backrest to make sure the bag sits tight to the backrest and does not shift while the bike is in motion.

5Check your setup for stability by gently trying to move the bag side to side, then back and forth. The bag itself should not sway very much, and it should certainly not slide around on the luggage rack.

@!Tips & Warnings

Use a bag that is made to be used on a motorcycle. These bags generally have rings and straps that offer you plenty of options for how to attach it to the bike.

Always check that your luggage is attached securely before starting out on your trip. An improperly secured bag may come loose and cause you to crash.

How To Pack a Motorcycle For a Trip

Packing a motorcycle for a trip is more of a challenge than packing your car. This procedure is geared for one motorcycle rider. If you have a co-rider, you'll probably need a trunk or other external trunk behind the passenger.

@!Here's How to Pack a Motorcycle:

1Create a packing list of everything you want to take and where it will be placed on the bike. See Related Feature below.

2Depending on the bike, you'll need saddlebags, a tailpack, possibly a tank bag, and at least 3 bungee cords.

3Clothes should be tightly rolled up to assume the smallest space.

4Use the packing list to place items in the various storage areas. Include your jacket as a storage area.

5Evenly distribute the load on the left and right sides. Weigh the bags on a scale.

6Don't put too much weight on the back of the bike. See your owner's manual for limits.

7After all necessities are loaded, place your rain gear somewhere on top of the bike secured by bungee cords. You don't want to have to unpack when it starts to rain.

8Double check your list to ensure that everything is on-board.

9Place the packing list in your jacket or other readily available spot.

10Have a great trip!

@!Tips:

1Use removable bags in your saddlebags to be able to easily move the contents from your bike to a motel or campsite.

2Always place items you don't want to get wet in plastic zip-type bags.

3Try to keep items you need on the road in a place where they can be easily accessed.

4Use the Motorcycle Views Motorcycle Packing List. It's FREE.