Width for Motorcycle Tour Packs: How to Choose Yours

Width for motorcycle tour packs is the measurement across the widest side of the bag, which determines how much horizontal space it occupies on the bike. You must choose a width that matches your specific bike’s mounting points and the clearance required for your wheels and frame to move freely.

Which Motorcycle Tour Pack Width Suits You?

Motorcycle Tour Packs covered by our own reviews

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

How do you measure your required motorcycle tour pack width?

To determine the correct width for a motorcycle tour pack, you must measure the available clearance on your bike’s mounting system. Most manufacturers list the width of the bag in inches, typically referring to the widest point of the exterior shell.

If you own a cruiser, see the best motorcycle tour pack for harley touring to find the perfect fit.

Measuring motorcycle mounting points to determine maximum bag width

Start by identifying the mounting points on your motorcycle. If you have a dedicated pannier rack, measure the distance between the two outermost mounting bolts. This measurement tells you the maximum width the bag can occupy without overhanging the rails. If you are using a side rack, measure the width of the rack’s horizontal bars themselves.

Calculating rear wheel and swingarm clearance for side bags

Next, check the clearance for your rear wheel and swingarm. Stand behind the bike and measure the distance from the center of the rear tire outward to the nearest part of the frame or engine guard. Subtract the width of your tire from this distance to find the maximum allowable depth for a side-mounted bag. It is vital to ensure that the bag does not protrude into the path of the tire when the suspension compresses or the bike leans into a turn.

Riders carrying heavy gear should view the best motorcycle tour pack for heavy luggage to ensure proper weight distribution.

Comparing motorcycle tour pack exterior dimensions to available clearance

Once you have these measurements, compare them to the width figures provided in the product descriptions. Most motorcycle tour pack listings state the width as a single figure, such as 21.3 inches or 25.7 inches. Note that these figures represent the exterior dimension. If your available clearance is exactly equal to a stated width, you may need to account for the thickness of the mounting hardware or the thickness of the bag’s material, which can add a fraction of an inch to the total footprint.

What happens if you choose the wrong motorcycle tour pack width?

Choosing a width that is too wide can lead to mechanical interference where the bag makes contact with the tire or the swingarm during a turn. This creates a physical stop that can cause the bike to wobble or feel unstable as the bag pushes against the moving parts of the motorcycle.

Selecting the right volume is easy when you see the best motorcycle tour pack for touring bike options.

How wide motorcycle luggage affects lean angle and mounting stress

A bag that is too wide may also prevent the bike from leaning over to a sufficient angle. If the bag hits the ground before the bike reaches its natural lean limit, it can cause the bag to shift or the mounting hardware to experience high stress. This risk of vibration fatigue occurs when the bag is forced into a position that does not align with the bike’s geometry, leading to rattling or structural cracks in the mounting points over time.

Reducing storage capacity when choosing a narrow motorcycle tour pack

Conversely, choosing a width that is too narrow may result in a loss of usable storage capacity. While the bag will fit easily, you may find that the internal volume does not accommodate the specific items you intended to carry, such as a large toolkit or a full set of camping gear. This mismatch forces you to choose between a bag that fits your bike and a bag that holds your gear.

You can find affordable options by browsing the best motorcycle tour pack under $900 for high-quality builds.

Risks of moisture and instability with narrow motorcycle storage bags

If the bag is significantly narrower than the mounting rail, it may lack the surface area needed for a secure connection. This can lead to moisture seepage or the bag swaying during travel because there is not enough contact area for the straps or bolts to distribute the load evenly. A bag that is too narrow for its mounting system often results in a less stable load that is prone to shifting during high-speed travel.

What should you do if your requirements fall between two width values?

If your measured clearance falls between two common width values, such as 22 inches and 24 inches, you should prioritize the smaller dimension. Selecting the narrower option ensures that the bag will fit within the available space without risking contact with the tire or frame components.

Our data-driven analysis provides a complete look at the Razor Tour Pack and its performance specs.

Choosing motorcycle tour pack widths based on specific mounting methods

When you are caught between two sizes, consider the specific mounting method. If you are using a bolt-on system, the mounting holes must align perfectly with the holes on the bag. If the bag is slightly narrower than your rack, you can often use spacers or adjust the strap tension to secure it. However, if the bag is wider than your rack, it will likely overhang the rails, which can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased stress on the mounting bolts.

Using deeper profiles to increase volume without increasing bag width

In cases where the width is the deciding factor but you need more volume, look for a bag with a deeper profile. A bag with a smaller width but a larger depth can often provide the same internal storage capacity as a wider bag while maintaining a narrower footprint on the bike. This allows you to maximize storage without exceeding the physical limits of your motorcycle’s frame.

For a detailed technical breakdown, see our full Moto Onfire US Stock Motorcycle Tour Pack Fit review.

Selecting smaller widths to ensure safe motorcycle operation and clearance

If you are unsure of the exact clearance due to the complexity of your bike’s geometry, it is safer to choose the smaller width. A bag that is slightly too small is a functional tool, whereas a bag that is even a fraction of an inch too wide can make the motorcycle unsafe to operate. Before ordering, confirm the dimensions with a qualified installer who can verify that the chosen width will clear the swingarm and tire during full suspension compression.

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.