Motorcycle Pannier Racks: Everything You Need to Know

There’s a reason why adventure bikes are topping sales charts. They take the best of both dirt and road bikes and let riders decide where they want to go. Favourites like the LAMS legal Honda CRF300, the well-regarded midweight, the Yamaha Tenere 700, and older workhorses like the indestructible Kawasaki KLR650 all have good power-to-weight ratios, are nimble, and most importantly easy to ride. And being built around sturdy frames sitting on decent suspension and bigger spoked wheels front and back means they’re ready for any adventure.

The bikes are also customisable to suit different needs. Anyone planning longer road trips will find different luggage solutions, depending on how much gear they’re carrying, Panniers are a traditional solution for most riders, and these straddle the bike both at the left and right and when fitted to a bespoke pannier rack motorcycle, offer good storage space, decent security and don’t affect stability.

Hard panniers are standard additions on bigger adventure bikes (like the BMW 1250 GS) and are tough, waterproof, and secure. There are top and side-loading options with easy access to the items inside. For smaller bikes, like the ones mentioned above, you’re better off with the lower weight and flexibility of soft panniers. Most attach securely to a pannier rack, but there are also rackless systems and bags with built-in frames that easily clip on or off the rack. They’re a lot cheaper than metal panniers, easy on the bike and rider when riding off-road, and offer almost just as much security and strength.

Whichever type of bag you choose though, the quality of the rack is what keeps everything in place and ensures that the weight of the whole shebang sits nicely with the bike’s subframe. Choosing a luggage rack can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to balance things like quality, bike compatibility, and getting racks on or off with the amount of cash you’re willing to spend.

Pros of Bike Racks

Racks let riders carry all the luggage required for longer rides. But they also have a few key benefits. They’re made of metal, so are also durable, and have added coatings that keep the rack’s good looks in bad weather or in the occasional accident. Most are easy to install, and are just bolted onto the bike with the provided hardware. And when on, racks are a solid and permanent solution for different types of luggage. What’s more, pannier racks sit lower down, without coming into contact with mufflers, and help evenly distribute the weight of the luggage, and minimise drag. If you are involved in an accident side bags and racks also absorb the impact of the fall, so shield bike plastics and fragile components.

Choosing the Right Motorbike Rack

There are a few key factors when choosing your next pannier rack motorcycle. This revolves around materials, size, weight, bike fit, and compatibility, and how much luggage the rack can handle. You’ll also want a rack that’s easy to mount without having to rummage for special bike tools and one that comes with the right hardware or provisions like brackets for more choices in positioning the rack. Here’s what to look for:

• Materials – Stainless steel is the most common material used in racks. It’s strong, easy to shape, and can take coatings to improve weather and wear resistance.
• Quality build – Choosing a quality rack from respected brands goes without saying, but be aware of cheap imports.
• Sizes – The overall dimensions of the rack need to suit the bike, as well as the amount of gear and the type of panniers you’re going to carry. Manufacturers make this easier by supplying a few lines or racks for the same bike. These also work with other luggage solutions like top base plates and rear racks.
• Weight – The larger the rack the heavier it will be. Go for variants that are lightweight but still big enough to carry your gear. Also, racks shouldn’t protrude too far out or have overcomplicated designs. Both these things add unnecessary weight.
• Does it suit the motorcycle? – Retailers and rack makers will help you choose the right rack for your bike. In this respect, steer clear of universal racks, as there are too many compromises. Get a rack designed specifically for more make and model to ensure it fits, and installing it doesn’t require an engineering degree.
• Mounting systems – there are a few ways to mount the rack to the frame. Those with a quick-release mech offer the fastest way to get the rack on or off, but for outright durability and holding, look for hard mount bolt-on types to know the rack stays on no matter what.
• Carrying Capacity – Also consider the rated weight motorbike pannier racks can safely carry. This generally correlates with size, but not always. Generally smaller bikes will have smaller racks.

Other Considerations

How the rack looks should also be part of your decision on whether it’s worth your cash. A good-looking bike rack and one that is functional, and built to a high standard should go about its business without fuss and outlast the bike. Check if the rack that’s caught your eye comes with the right mounting hardware and any accessories that up usability.