The best touring luggage is not the system with the most liters. It is the smallest secure system that carries the trip without overloading the motorcycle or rider. For most long trips, our preferred order is firmly mounted luggage for the bulk, a small tank bag for frequent-access items, and a backpack only for light personal gear.
Hard cases: security and convenience
A quality top or side case locks to model-specific hardware, protects contents from weather and casual theft, and keeps weight off the rider. A top case is convenient, but its load sits high and behind the rear axle. That mass has more leverage on handling than the same weight carried low and forward. Respect the motorcycle, rack, plate, and case limits; the lowest published limit controls. Do not treat physical volume as permission to fill a top case with dense tools.
Tank bags: the useful six-liter zone
A compact tank bag is ideal for tolls, earplugs, a visor cloth, cables, sunscreen, documents, medication, and water. The GIVI GRT716 is a six-liter waterproof design with reflective print, a transparent top pocket, anti-slip base, and strap mounting. Confirm the bag cannot interfere with the handlebar, steering lock, ignition, fuel cap, instruments, or your body under braking. Never trap grit beneath a magnetic or strapped base.
Backpacks and soft luggage
A motorcycle backpack is useful for hydration or valuables that leave the bike with you. It is also the easiest place to create shoulder fatigue, heat, and a hard object behind the spine. Keep it light and avoid tools, locks, or glass bottles. Soft tail and side bags are adaptable but need separation from exhaust, wheel, chain, and suspension. A bag that clears the tire on a stand may touch it when suspension compresses.
Where to pack and what to check
| Location | Best contents | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | Documents, snacks, cables, visor care | Anything blocking steering |
| Side cases | Clothing and dense items split evenly | Left/right imbalance |
| Top case | Rain layer and light bulky gear | Heavy tools beyond limits |
| Backpack | Hydration and light valuables | Rigid objects against the spine |
Add rider, passenger, accessories, racks, cases, and contents to the owner's-manual payload calculation. Verify every latch and strap, lights and plate visibility, exhaust and tire clearance, and loaded tire-pressure guidance. Take a short test ride and recheck fasteners.
Bottom line: Mount the main load to the motorcycle, keep heavy items low and balanced, use a small tank bag for access, and make the backpack the exception rather than the foundation.
Related product
GIVI GRT716 6L Tank Bag
A compact waterproof tank bag is practical for high-access essentials. Confirm strap routing and control clearance.
Related product
GIVI TRK52BA 52L Trekker Top Case
A 52-liter case provides volume, but payload is governed by the case, plate, rack, and motorcycle limits.
Sources and further reading
Specifications, approvals, laws, prices, and event rules can change. Checked July 2026.