Depth for Motorcycle Tour Packs: How to Choose Yours

Depth for a motorcycle tour pack measures the distance from the front of the bag to the back, determining how much gear can be stacked front-to-back. The specific depth you need depends on the volume of items you carry and the physical clearance available on your motorcycle’s rear rack or fender.

Which motorcycle tour pack depth suits your needs?

Where these choices show up in our reviews

2 options shown here, $819 to $879, each with its own full review behind its name.

If your current setup is too small, you can find extra storage for long motorcycle trips to maximize your packing capacity.

How do I measure the correct depth for my motorcycle tour pack?

Establishing your required depth begins with measuring the available clearance on your motorcycle. Place a straight edge or a ruler against the back of your mounting point, such as a luggage rack or a fender, and measure toward the rear of the bike. This measurement represents the maximum depth you can accommodate before the bag interferes with the swingarm or the turn radius of the rear wheel.

Owners of specific brands can see the best motorcycle tour pack for harley touring to find the perfect fit for their bike.

Subtracting mounting hardware thickness from available motorcycle tour pack clearance

You must also account for the thickness of the mounting hardware. If you are using a bolt-on rack, the hardware itself may occupy 1 to 2 inches of the available space. Subtract this hardware thickness from your total clearance to find your usable depth. For example, if you have 10 inches of space but the rack brackets take up 2 inches, your motorcycle tour pack should not exceed a 8-inch depth.

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Matching motorcycle tour pack depth to the thickest cargo item

To determine the depth based on your cargo, identify the thickest item you intend to carry. Measure the front-to-back dimension of that item in inches. If the item is 8 inches deep, you need a bag with a depth of at least 9 inches to allow for the thickness of the bag walls and any padding. A motorcycle tour pack with a depth smaller than your largest item will force you to compress the gear, which can damage items or make the bag difficult to zip shut.

Finding exterior depth and projection measurements in manufacturer listings

Check the manufacturer’s listing for the “Depth” or “Projection” measurement. This is usually found in the technical specifications section of the product page. Ensure the number provided represents the exterior dimension of the bag when fully loaded, as some bags may expand slightly when packed to capacity.

Vertical clearance is vital for aerodynamics, so view our guide on pack height to ensure it fits your seat.

What happens if I choose the wrong depth for my touring bike bag?

Choosing a depth that is too great can cause physical interference with the motorcycle’s movement. If the bag extends too far back, it may strike the ground or the swingarm during a sharp turn, potentially causing a crash or damaging the bag’s structure. This often occurs on adventure bikes where the rear tire has a wide swingarm path.

Balancing your load is crucial, so check our guide on tour pack weight to see how it affects your handling.

How excessive motorcycle tour pack depth affects bike handling and safety

A bag that is too deep can also shift the center of gravity too far toward the rear of the bike. This change in weight distribution can affect the handling of the motorcycle, making the front end feel light or unstable during acceleration. If the bag is excessively deep, it may also protrude so far that it becomes a hazard for other riders in traffic or on narrow roads.

If you are new to the category, you can see how a tour pack works to understand the mounting and utility.

Risks of zipper failure when motorcycle tour pack depth is insufficient

Conversely, a depth that is too shallow limits your storage capacity and can lead to overstuffing. When a motorcycle tour pack lacks the necessary depth, you may be forced to pack items in a way that puts pressure on the zippers or seams. This stress can cause the zipper to fail or the fabric to tear over time, especially when the bag is subjected to the vibrations of highway speeds.

Protecting your investment is important, so review the common tour pack warranties before you commit to a purchase.

Side bulging and interference caused by shallow motorcycle tour pack depth

In some cases, a shallow bag may result in a “bulge” where the contents press against the sides of the bag because they cannot fit front-to-back. This can cause the bag to widen unexpectedly, potentially hitting the rider’s hips or interfering with the bike’s side panels. If you find yourself unable to close the bag without significant effort, the depth is likely insufficient for your specific gear requirements.

What should I do if my requirements fall between two depth values?

If your measured clearance and your cargo requirements fall between two common depth measurements, such as 8 and 10 inches, you should prioritize the clearance of the motorcycle. It is safer to choose a slightly shallower bag that fits perfectly within the bike’s limits than a deeper bag that risks hitting the ground or the swingarm.

If these styles don’t fit your needs, explore the alternatives to a tour pack for different storage solutions.

Maximizing storage in shallow motorcycle tour packs using soft gear

To manage the limited space of a shallower bag, use soft gear like clothing or sleeping bags to fill the gaps around hard items. This allows you to maximize the usable volume without exceeding the depth limits of the motorcycle tour pack. If the gear is still too bulky, consider removing non-essential items rather than forcing them into a bag that is too small.

To understand the technical jargon, view our tour pack terms and specs guide for a plain English breakdown.

Splitting cargo when motorcycle tour pack requirements conflict with clearance

When two requirements conflict, such as needing 12 inches of depth for gear but only having 10 inches of clearance, you must change your packing strategy. You can split the cargo between two smaller bags or choose a different mounting location that offers more clearance. Never compromise on the physical clearance of the motorcycle, as this is a safety requirement for the operation of the vehicle.

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Choosing smaller motorcycle tour pack depths when clearance measurements are uncertain

If you are unsure of the exact clearance, it is safer to choose the smaller depth. A bag that is slightly too small can almost always be compensated for with clever packing, but a bag that is too large cannot be made smaller once it is mounted. Verify your measurements twice before ordering, ensuring you have measured from the point of mounting to the nearest point of potential interference on the motorcycle.

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.