Best Motorcycle Saddlebags

The best motorcycle saddlebags for most riders are the KEMIMOTO 30L Universal Saddlebags. These throw-over motorcycle saddlebags hang under the rear seat and fit most cruisers, including the Sportster, Softail, Dyna and Road King, and the PU leather keeps its shape even when the saddlebags are empty.

Want classic throw-over saddlebags from a known biker brand? Go with the Saddlemen Cruis'n Jumbo. Riding a 2014 to 2024 Harley Touring bike? The TCT-MOTORPARTS stretched hard saddlebags replace the stock bags.

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Quick picks

Check this before you buy: exhaust clearance and fit

Soft saddlebags sit right next to your exhaust. KEMIMOTO asks for at least 3 inches between the bag and the tailpipe, and says its bags don't fit bobbers, fully faired sport bikes, bikes with high pipes or bikes that already have hard bags. Saddlemen recommends saddlebag support brackets, sold separately, to keep the bags off the wheel and pipes. Hard bags are different: they're made for one family of bikes, so check the model years on the listing.

Our picks

Best overall

KEMIMOTO 30L Universal Motorcycle Saddlebags

Good for: most cruisers, for everyday riding and weekend trips.

  • 30 liters total; each bag is about 13.8 x 6.3 x 10.8 inches
  • PU leather that's water resistant and holds its shape
  • Fits Sportster, Softail, Dyna, Road King, V-Star and Shadow, per the listing
  • Needs 3 inches of clearance from the tailpipe; not for bobbers or bikes with hard bags
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Best classic throw-over

Saddlemen Cruis'n Jumbo Slant Face Pouch Saddlebags

Good for: riders who want a clean, classic look from a known biker brand.

  • Throw-over mount with a multi-adjustable yoke that hangs from the fender or seat
  • Quick-release connection lets you take the bags off without moving the yoke
  • Weather-resistant lid with lockable twist locks
  • Outside pouch for sunglasses and small items; support brackets recommended
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Best lockable

KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Saddlebags with Secure Lock (15L)

Good for: quick stops where you leave the bike for a few minutes.

  • Lock plus quick-release buckles
  • 15 liters total (7.5 per side) with an inner shell that stops sagging
  • Fits Sportster, Softail, Dyna, Road King, Rebel, V-Star, Shadow and Vulcan, per the listing
  • Mounting straps included, no extra hardware; needs 3 inches from the tailpipe
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Best waterproof

Rhinowalk Waterproof Motorcycle Saddle Bags (28L)

Good for: riding in the rain, and adventure or sport bikes with racks.

  • 500D PVC tarpaulin with a roll-top closure, 100% waterproof per the listing
  • 28 liters total (14 per side)
  • Folds flat for storage when you don't need it
  • Rhinowalk suggests a heat shield to keep the bag off the exhaust
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Best budget pick

Milwaukee Leather SH66602 Zip-Off PVC Throw-Over Saddlebags

Good for: a simple, low-cost pair of throw-over bags.

  • Durable PVC with reflective piping for day and night
  • Chrome-plated buckles and two outer pockets
  • Each bag is about 12 x 9 x 6 inches
  • Double strap front with quick release
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Best hard bags for Harley Touring

TCT-MOTORPARTS 5" Stretched Hard Saddlebags (2014-2024 Touring)

Good for: replacing the stock hard bags on a Harley bagger.

  • Fits 2014 to 2024 Touring models: Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide and Ultra Classic
  • 5 inches longer than stock to cover the muffler
  • ABS plastic, painted Vivid Black, with chrome latches
  • Comes as a pair with 2 keys; no installation instructions included, per the listing
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Best for adventure bikes

Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure Saddlebags

Good for: dual sport and adventure bikes that soft cruiser bags don't fit.

  • About 25 liters in the main bag plus an 8 liter bottom pocket
  • Mounts with Nelson-Rigg's RIGG STRAP system
  • Compression straps shrink each side for smaller loads
  • Reflective piping; lifetime warranty, per the listing
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What are the best motorcycle saddlebags?

The KEMIMOTO 30L Universal Saddlebags are the best pick for most riders. They fit most cruisers and hold their shape. For a classic look, go with the Saddlemen Cruis'n Jumbo. For rain, pick the Rhinowalk roll-top bags. For a 2014 to 2024 Harley Touring bike, the TCT-MOTORPARTS stretched hard bags replace the stock ones.

Will throw-over saddlebags fit my motorcycle?

Most throw-over saddlebags fit cruisers with a rear seat they can hang under. Check the listing for your model, and make sure there's at least 3 inches between the bag and your exhaust. They usually don't fit bobbers, fully faired sport bikes, or bikes with high pipes or factory hard bags.

Do I need saddlebag brackets?

They're a good idea. Brackets bolt to the frame and hold the bags away from the rear wheel and the exhaust, so the bags don't rub, sag or get burned. Saddlemen recommends them for its throw-over bags.

Hard or soft saddlebags: which is better?

Hard saddlebags lock, keep their shape and keep rain out, but they're made for specific bikes and take more work to install. Soft saddlebags cost less, fit many bikes and come off fast. If you ride a touring bike that already has hard bags, upgrade those. On most other cruisers, soft bags are the easy choice.

What else can I add for more storage?

A tank bag keeps small things in reach, and a tail bag or sissy bar bag adds room for a jacket or overnight gear.

How we picked

We looked at what riders actually buy on Amazon, kept the products lots of riders already use and like, and favored known motorcycle brands. We read each maker's listing and pulled the key details you see on the cards. We haven't lab-tested these products, so we don't give scores. Details come from the product listings as of November 9, 2026, so check the listing for current sizes and fit before you buy.