Saddle & Rear Panel Bags

Pack Safely and Securely with 24MX
Motorbike Saddle Bags

The type of motorbike saddle bag you choose depends on one overriding factor, how much room you have. 24MX has an impressive selection of motorbike saddle bags to help you pack safely and securely for your adventure.

When your trip is still in the planning stage, it pays to be realistic about the size of bike saddle bags you can carry safely. So first, choose the size. Then decide whether you want soft throw overs, hard, or semi-hard bags.

To help with the decision-making process, let's take a closer look at the available options.

Soft saddle bags

These practical panniers have a soft outer carcass and are often heavy denier nylon or polyester, making them weather resistant and durable.

Motorbike saddle bags join with a series of straps, allowing them to sit across the seat. This feature makes them easy to mount. Moreover, it's typical to find several external pockets, which are handy for items you may need along the way.

Pros: Good value, easy to remove and expandable.

Cons: Easily removed from your bike. Usually, you'll need a rain cover. You may also need pannier frames to keep the saddle bags away from the wheels.

Hard saddle bags

Hard bags are the natural progression from soft luggage. These panniers hold their shape and offer more protection than soft saddle bags. Also, you can fix hard bags securely to the bike and often, they feature a locking system. However, they increase the bike's width, making riding through narrow gaps tricky.

Pros: You can fix them on the motorcycle and are lockable. Offer greater weather resistance.

Cons: Easy to damage. Pannier frames are an additional cost. Non-expandable, wide profile

Semi-hard shell saddle bags

If you can't decide between the first two motorbike saddle bag styles, the semi-hard shell may be for you. This saddle bag features a hard outer shell with flexible material sides. This combination gives exterior protection while still allowing the bag to expand slightly. There is a small weight saving over hard bags but they remain heavier than throw-over soft saddle bags. Semi-hard shell saddle bags also require a fitting kit, which you need to buy separately.

Pros: Expandable. Retain their shape. Lighter than hard bags

Cons: The fitting kit costs extra. Less secure than hard bags

Tank bags

If you need extra carrying capacity, consider a tank bag. These soft bags attach to the tank and offer between 10-20L of capacity. Opt for a tank bag with magnetic attachments if your bike has a steel tank. Riders with plastic gas tanks can choose a tank bag that attaches via straps.

Pros: Handy for storing electronic items and documents

Cons: You have to remove the bag for gassing-up

Pack your Off-Road Essentials in 24MX Rear Panel Bags

Most motorcycles would benefit from more luggage space. Yet, when it comes to off-road bikes, you need to use every square centimetre of surface available. 24MX motorbike tail bags and tank bags help you pack your dirt bike to the max. To find the bag that suits your needs, let's look at the different types available in the 24MX lineup.

Tank Bag

Tank bags are useful, especially if they have magnetic fasteners or use a tank lock system. However, because of the way they attach, they need a (steel) gas tank large enough to sit on. This design means they are more suitable for enduro and adventure bikes. For a dirt bike or dual sport, a tank bag, even with a 10-15L capacity, will keep your documents, first aid kit, small tool kit and sat nav accessible and safe. Also, when off-roading, a small capacity tank bag is large enough to carry essentials. Moreover, it won't make the bike top-heavy. Tank bags are often hard-wearing, weather-resistant nylon and should include a rain cover.

Throw-overs/soft panniers

Throw-over panniers are the perfect companion for a weekend away, or a cross-country run. Twin adjustable straps allow the bags to sit across the pillion seat. In addition, they usually have D-rings to secure bungee strap hooks. This motorbike bag is adjustable to sit parallel to the top of the seat. Yet, depending on the style of the bike, you may need additional saddlebag supports. These supports don't carry the weight of the panniers, they merely keep them away from the back wheel. As with all motorcycle luggage, the capacity is in Litres, accompanied by a safe maximum weight limit. Two sensible throw-over saddlebags features are rain covers and heat-resistant panels for protection against exhausts.

Front fender bag

A front fender bag may be the solution when you've virtually no carrying capacity. These rectangular bags are often constructed from wear-resistant polyester and can take the knocks. As for capacity, around 2 litres is enough to carry an essential tool or tire repair kit. What's more, the contents of your front fender bag can mean the difference between riding home or becoming stranded. A front fender bag will have two adjustable mounting straps. It is best to attach the bag as close to the fender's mounting point as possible.

Rear bike bag

Motorbike tail bags are another innovative answer when carrying capacity is limited on your dirt bike. This style of bag has a larger carrying capacity than a front-fender bag. The reason for this being the rear fender can take more weight. A rear bike bag is ideal for storing a roadside tool kit or larger items like spare inner tubes. Most rear bike bags have a thin, rigid base that bolts securely to the fender. The motorbike tail bag attaches to the base via Velcro and adjustable straps. These features mean the bag is securely fixed in position yet is removable in seconds. Rear bike bags have many features. These include multiple compartments, large pull-tabs to make opening easier while wearing gloves and double zips to protect against moisture and dust. It's a big bonus if the bag also comes with a mounting plate. A rear bike bag is usually twice the capacity of a front fender bag. Space on a dirt bike is minimal. Yet, with the 24MX range of luggage, you can head off on your adventure knowing your backup kit is safe and secure.