Motorcycle Tour Pack Terms and Specs, Explained in Plain English

A motorcycle tour pack is a specialized storage container that secures cargo to a motorcycle’s rear frame or rack. You need a pack with a capacity that accommodates your specific gear, such as a helmet or toolkit, while ensuring the dimensions do not interfere with the bike’s swingarm or turn radius. Before ordering, you should measure the available width and height on your bike’s rear section to ensure the pack fits within your clearance limits.

Physical dimensions of a motorcycle tour pack

• Width – This measures the side-to-side distance of the pack, and 3 of the 4 listings we screened state a specific figure ranging from 21.3 to 25.7 inches. A wider pack offers more internal volume but may risk hitting the ground or the bike’s frame during a lean.
• Height – This is the vertical measurement from the base to the top of the pack. A taller pack allows for stacking items vertically, provided it does not exceed the height of your bike’s rear fender or seat.
• Depth – This measures the thickness from the front to the back of the bag. While depth determines how far the pack protrudes toward the rider, it is distinct from width or height.
• Weight – This is the mass of the empty bag, with 3 of the 4 listings we screened stating weights between 27.5 and 35.3 lbs. A heavier bag often indicates thicker materials like ABS plastic or reinforced shells, but it also increases the overall load on your bike’s suspension.
• Storage Capacity – This is the total internal volume available for items. A higher number means more room for gear, though the shape of the interior determines how efficiently you can pack irregular objects.

Where these choices show up in our reviews

Each of the 2 shown here has its own full review on this site; they run from $819 to $879.

Material and construction standards for motorcycle tour packs

• Hard-shell vs. Soft-shell – This standard determines if the bag is made of rigid fiberglass or ABS plastic versus flexible ballistic nylon. Hard-shell options provide superior security and impact resistance, while soft-shell designs offer more flexibility for varied mounting shapes.
• ABS – This specific plastic material is stated by 2 of the 4 listings we screened. It provides a rigid, durable surface that resists scratches and minor impacts better than standard plastics.
• Plastic – This general material is stated by 2 of the 4 listings we screened. It is often used in molded shapes to create a consistent exterior for easy mounting.
• Interior Liner – This is a protective layer inside the bag that prevents contents from shifting and prevents scratches. A liner is essential if you carry tools or electronics that might damage the internal walls of the pack.

Mounting and security features for motorcycle tour packs

• Mounting Type – This describes how the pack attaches to the vehicle, with 3 of the 4 listings we screened stating a rack mount configuration. Rack mount systems are designed to bolt onto an existing luggage rack rather than the bike’s frame.
• Integrated vs. Bolt-on – This standard determines whether the pack replaces the factory unit or mounts to the existing rack. Integrated units often provide a seamless look, while bolt-on options allow for easier removal and installation.
• Mounting Bracket – This is the hardware that ensures the bag aligns with the bike’s specific frame points. Using a bracket that does not match your bike’s geometry can lead to vibration fatigue or structural cracks at highway speeds.
• Locking Mechanism – This provides security for stored items against theft. A key lock is stated by 2 of the 4 listings we screened, offering a physical barrier to the zippers or lids.
• Backrest Included – This feature provides a surface for the rider to lean against. It is stated by 4 of the 4 listings we screened, though it is often an optional accessory depending on the specific mounting layout.

Required accessories for motorcycle tour pack installation

• Mounting Hardware Kit – This provides the necessary bolts and spacers for installation. You must ensure the hardware kit matches the hole pattern of your specific motorcycle rack or frame.
• Waterproof Dry Bag – This provides an extra layer of protection for sensitive electronics. Because many tour packs only offer moisture resistance, a dry bag inside the pack ensures gear stays dry during heavy rain.
• Trunk Organizer – This maximizes storage space and keeps gear separated. Using an organizer allows you to create compartments for small items like keys or phones so they do not get lost at the bottom of the pack.
• Drainage Plug – This allows moisture to escape from the bottom of the bag. If you ride in wet conditions, a drainage plug prevents water from pooling in the base of the pack.

What terms do buyers often confuse?

Width vs. Depth: Buyers often confuse these because both describe how much space the bag takes up. Width is the side-to-side measurement across the widest part of the pack. Depth is the front-to-back measurement, which determines how far the bag sticks out toward the rider. If you have a narrow bike, you must prioritize a smaller width over depth to ensure the bag does not hit the ground during a turn.

Differences between motorcycle tour pack storage capacity and weight limits

Storage Capacity vs. Weight Limit: Capacity refers to the total internal volume of the bag. Weight limit refers to the maximum mass the bag can safely hold without the material failing or the mounting points breaking. A bag can have a high capacity but a low weight limit if the internal liner or shell is not reinforced for heavy items like tools.

Choosing between rack mount and frame mount motorcycle tour packs

Rack Mount vs. Frame Mount: A rack mount means the bag attaches to a pre-installed luggage rack on the motorcycle. A frame mount means the bag bolts directly to the motorcycle’s structural frame. If your bike does not have a rack, you must choose a mount type that is compatible with your frame’s specific bolt points to avoid vibration fatigue.

Reviewed by the Used New Car editorial team. Used New Car writes these guides from the 14 most-reviewed motorcycle tour pack listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.