Motorcycle Luggage Guide: Top Boxes, Panniers, Tank Bags and Touring Accessories

Because balancing your camping gear on the pillion seat with a couple of bungee cords and hoping for the best isn't always the ideal touring solution...

As the weather improves and riding season gets into full swing, more riders start thinking about longer journeys, weekend adventures, commuting, touring holidays and simply carrying more gear on their bikes.

Whether you're heading across Devon, tackling the Welsh mountains, exploring Scotland or planning a European road trip, good luggage can completely transform your riding experience.

From compact tank bags and waterproof roll bags to aluminium adventure panniers and lockable top boxes, there's now more choice than ever for riders wanting to travel further, carry more and make every journey that little bit easier.

Here at CMS Motorcycles Exeter, we can supply a huge range of motorcycle luggage and accessories for many makes and models. We carry selected products in stock and can order in many more options from leading manufacturers including Givi, Royal Enfield and various model-specific luggage systems.

Whether you're a daily commuter, weekend explorer or someone already planning next year's big adventure, there is a luggage solution available for almost every bike and every budget.

Why Motorcycle Luggage Makes Sense

Let's be honest. Riding with a backpack seems like a great idea for about twenty minutes.

After an hour, your shoulders start complaining. After two hours, you're wondering why you packed everything except the kitchen sink.

Proper motorcycle luggage spreads the weight correctly, improves comfort and gives you secure storage for everything from waterproofs and tools to camping equipment, laptops and riding gear.

Many modern luggage systems are waterproof, lockable and designed specifically for individual motorcycles, meaning they look great while remaining practical.

Whether you're commuting to work, heading away for a weekend or embarking on a two-week tour, luggage quickly becomes one of those accessories you wonder how you ever managed without.

Tank Bags: Small Size, Big Convenience

Tank bags remain one of the most popular luggage choices for riders.

They're perfect for keeping essentials close at hand including phones, wallets, sunglasses, snacks, cameras, paperwork and route information.

Many modern systems now use quick-release mounting systems such as Givi Tanklock, allowing the bag to be removed in seconds when you stop for fuel or a well-earned coffee.

Compact options such as the Givi XS319 Mini Tanklock Bag offer a practical solution for day-to-day riding, while larger expandable models provide enough space for touring adventures.

Many also feature waterproof covers, tablet holders, charging cable ports and shoulder straps so they can double up as everyday bags when you're off the bike.

Top Boxes: The Everyday Hero

If there is one accessory riders consistently tell us they couldn't live without once they've owned one, it's a top box.

Modern top boxes provide secure, weatherproof storage that can often swallow a full-face helmet, riding kit or enough shopping to keep the family happy.

Adventure-style aluminium top boxes have become increasingly popular thanks to their rugged looks and durability.

Products such as the Givi Trekker Alaska range combine practicality with adventure-bike styling and are suitable for everything from commuting to continental touring.

Need somewhere to throw your gloves when you stop? Top box. Picking up milk on the way home? Top box. Carrying enough snacks for an entire day out riding? Top box.

They're genuinely one of the most useful additions you can make to a motorcycle.

Panniers: More Space for Bigger Adventures

When the journey gets longer, panniers really come into their own.

Available in both hard and soft luggage options, panniers allow you to carry significantly more equipment while keeping the weight balanced on the motorcycle.

Hard panniers provide excellent security and weather protection, making them ideal for touring holidays and long-distance adventures.

Soft panniers remain popular with many riders thanks to their lighter weight, flexibility and classic styling.

Adventure riders often favour aluminium luggage systems, while cruiser and retro bike owners may prefer leather or heritage-inspired luggage options.

The good news is there is no right or wrong choice. It simply depends on your bike, your riding style and where your adventures take you.

Royal Enfield Luggage Options

Royal Enfield offers one of the most comprehensive factory luggage ranges available today.

From Classic 650 soft panniers and Bear 650 adventure luggage through to waterproof inner bags, top boxes, pannier rails and mounting systems, there are options available to suit virtually every type of rider.

The Bear 650 aluminium adventure luggage setup has proven particularly popular with riders looking to add genuine touring capability while maintaining the bike's rugged character.

Many Royal Enfield luggage systems are designed specifically for individual models, ensuring excellent fitment and a factory-quality appearance.

Whether you want classic styling or full adventure-bike practicality, Royal Enfield has put plenty of thought into its luggage range.

Voge Adventure Luggage Packages

If you're looking at one of the latest Voge adventure bikes, there are currently some fantastic luggage package promotions available.

These packages can offer substantial savings compared to purchasing luggage separately and are ideal for riders wanting to get straight out exploring.

Please note: These luggage package prices are promotional offers available for a limited time when purchasing a new motorcycle. Terms and conditions apply and offers may be withdrawn or changed without notice.

• Voge DS800X Rally - Full luggage package available from £299
• Voge DS900X - Full luggage package available from £699
• Voge DS625X - Full luggage packages available from £499 or £699 depending on model and promotion
• Voge DS525X - Full luggage package available from £499, with selected bikes available with luggage already fitted

If you've been thinking about adventure riding, these promotional luggage packages make the Voge range even better value.

Zontes Cruiser Luggage

Not every rider wants aluminium boxes hanging off the side of their bike.

For cruiser riders, luggage needs to look good as well as being practical.

The Zontes ZT125-C2 offers stylish leather satchel-style panniers that complement the bike perfectly and maintain its clean custom-cruiser appearance.

These traditional-looking panniers provide useful storage while adding to the overall look of the bike rather than taking away from it.

• Leather Satchel Panniers: £264
• Professional fitting available from: £72

They pair brilliantly with the available backrest setup and give the bike a genuine custom-cruiser feel.

Can I Fit The Luggage Myself?

Absolutely.

Many luggage systems can be purchased and fitted yourself if you're comfortable working on your motorcycle.

However, some installations require model-specific mounting kits, racks and fitting hardware to ensure everything is secure and correctly aligned.

If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, our workshop team can carry out installation for you.

Professional fitting is available by appointment and charges will vary depending on the luggage system and motorcycle involved.

That means you can leave knowing everything has been fitted correctly and is ready for your next adventure.

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Whether you're planning a weekend in Cornwall, a tour of Scotland, a camping trip through Europe or simply want somewhere safe to keep your waterproofs, the right luggage can completely change your riding experience.

We stock selected luggage products in-store and can order a huge range of additional options for many different motorcycle brands and models.

If you're unsure what would suit your bike best, pop into the showroom, give us a call or speak to one of the team.

We'll happily help you find the right setup, whether that's a simple tank bag or a full touring luggage system.

After all, adventures are much more enjoyable when your luggage is carrying the load instead of your shoulders.

Visit CMS Motorcycles Exeter

CMS Motorcycles Exeter
Pinhoe Trading Estate
Venny Bridge
Exeter
EX4 8JJ

☎ 01392 467700
✉ help@cmsexeter.co.uk