Motorcycle Tour Pack Explained: What It Is and How It Works

A motorcycle tour pack is a specialized storage bag that secures to a motorcycle’s rear rack or frame to carry gear during long-distance travel. You need a tour pack when your daily commute requires more volume than standard under-seat storage can provide, typically when your cargo exceeds 5 litres in volume. Before ordering, you must measure the width and height of your rear rack to ensure the pack does not interfere with the swingarm or the rider’s ability to move their legs.

Motorcycle tour packs distribute gear weight to improve rider balance

Motorcycle riders often face the problem of limited cargo space on the bike itself, which forces a choice between carrying less gear or riding with a heavy, unbalanced backpack. A tour pack solves this by moving the weight to the bike’s frame, distributing the load more evenly and keeping the rider’s center of gravity stable. Without a dedicated pack, gear like rain suits, tools, or extra clothing is often compressed into tight spaces where it can be damaged or become inaccessible during a ride.

How a motorcycle tour pack functions on a bike

The functionality of a motorcycle tour pack relies on a mechanical connection between the bag’s mounting points and the motorcycle’s structural frame. The process follows these steps to ensure the load remains stable at high speeds:

If you are confused by technical specs, see our guide to motorcycle tour pack terms and specs.

• The bag is positioned against the rear rack or frame, aligning the mounting points with the bike’s specific hardware.
• The mounting bracket connects the bag to the bike, creating a rigid link that prevents the pack from swaying side-to-side.
• The locking mechanism secures the bag to the bracket, ensuring the pack does not shift forward or backward during heavy braking or acceleration.
• The internal structure of the bag holds the contents in place, preventing items from moving and creating momentum inside the pack.

Motorcycle Tour Packs we have reviewed in detail

Prices across these 2 run from $819 to $879; each one has a full review here.

Parts and standards that determine tour pack performance

The performance of a motorcycle tour pack depends on specific components that dictate how much weight it can carry and how well it protects your gear. Choosing the right materials and hardware changes the durability and utility of the bag for different types of riding.

The role of brackets and locking mechanisms

The mounting bracket ensures the bag aligns with the bike’s specific frame points, which is the most critical step for preventing vibration fatigue. If a bracket is not perfectly aligned, the constant movement of the motorcycle can cause the hardware to loosen or the bag material to tear. The locking mechanism provides security for stored items against theft and ensures the bag stays attached to the bike. A high-quality lock prevents the bag from bouncing, which can cause structural cracks in the mounting hardware over long distances.

Understanding your options is easier when you see the different types of motorcycle tour packs.

Internal protection and moisture management

The interior liner protects contents from shifting and prevents scratches by providing a smooth surface for gear to rest against. Without a liner, heavy items like tools can rub against the outer shell, wearing down the material. A drainage plug allows moisture to escape from the bottom of the bag, which is essential for preventing water from pooling in the base. This feature is vital for riders who frequently wash their bikes or ride through heavy rain, as it prevents the bottom of the bag from becoming a reservoir for water.

Hard-shell vs. soft-shell material choices

Choosing between hard-shell and soft-shell materials determines the primary protection method for your belongings. Hard-shell options use fiberglass or ABS to provide high impact resistance and rigid protection for electronics or fragile items. Soft-shell options use ballistic nylon to provide flexibility and the ability to compress the bag when it is not full. Soft-shell bags are often easier to pack into tight spaces, while hard-shell bags offer a higher level of security against crushing forces.

Check out our full breakdown of the Razor Tour Pack review.

Integrated vs. bolt-on mounting systems

The mounting style determines whether the pack replaces the factory unit or mounts to the existing rack. Integrated systems are designed to replace the original equipment, often providing a seamless look that follows the lines of the bike’s bodywork. Bolt-on systems are more versatile because they can be attached to various aftermarket racks or the frame itself. Bolt-on systems allow for easier removal and replacement, while integrated systems often offer a more aerodynamic profile.

What a motorcycle tour pack changes in practice

Having a motorcycle tour pack changes the logistics of a trip by allowing you to carry bulky items like a full-face helmet or a toolkit without occupying your seat. It provides a dedicated space for “just-in-case” items that you do not need for every mile but must have available at any moment. In practice, this means you can pack a complete set of riding gear, including wet layers and spare gloves, without having to rearrange your cargo every time you stop.

Long distance touring benefits versus short city ride handling

The difference shows up most clearly during long-distance touring where the weight of the gear would otherwise cause fatigue on your back. However, the difference does not show up in short city rides where you may not have enough gear to fill the pack’s volume. If you only carry a small amount of items, the extra weight of a large, empty pack might actually decrease the bike’s handling compared to a smaller bag or no bag at all.

See our full spec breakdown of the Moto Onfire US Stock review.

Who needs a motorcycle tour pack

You need a motorcycle tour pack if you frequently travel more than 100 miles in a single day and require more than 10 litres of storage space. This condition applies to riders who carry heavy gear like camping equipment, tools, or multiple sets of riding clothes. If your current storage method involves a backpack that causes back strain after an hour of riding, a tour pack is the necessary solution to move that weight to the bike’s frame.

When a motorcycle tour pack is unnecessary for your riding needs

You do not need a motorcycle tour pack if you primarily ride for short distances or if your bike’s factory storage already accommodates all your gear. If you do not carry items that require protection from the elements or from shifting, a large tour pack may be unnecessary. For riders who prioritize a minimal, lightweight setup and only carry what is needed for a single day, a smaller bag or a specialized tail bag is often a more appropriate choice than a full tour pack.

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.