The best soft panniers for Africa Twin motorcycles will carry your tools and camping gear on adventure trips in the woods. Good soft bags are large enough for gear, but they won’t break like a set of hard panniers if you drop the bike on the trail.
Comparison of Different Soft Panniers for the Africa Twin
SaleBestseller No. 1
- 100% waterproof motorcycle saddlebags, all seams are electronically heat welded
- All saddlebag mounting hardware is aircraft grade aluminium. NO breakable plastic buckles
- Each saddlebags securely mounts to your motorcycle using 4 quick release cam buckles and double pull straps
- Includes 2 lightweight saddlebag liners to easily remove and pack contents
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 2
Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dry Saddlebags, Black/Gray
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: All Nelson-Rigg products are made to the highest standards of quality and finish. Our products are warrantied to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
- KEEP DRY: Made from durable Tarpaulin PVC with electronically heat welded seams that ensure your contents remain dry.
- KEY FEATURES: Removable liners allow you to easily maintain your items, and a purge valve allows for easy compression.
- PERFECT SIZE: The Hurricane Saddlebags each have overall dimensions of 15”L x 8”W x 14”H, can hold 28 liters per side.
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 3
- YKK Hardware, 252D Nylon Body, TPU Reinforcement Panels, and Nylon Stitching
- Sold In Pairs. One Pannier Bag For Each Side Of Bike
- 35 Liter Capacity Per Bag
- Roll Top Design
- Replaceable Strap System
$180.92
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 4
- INTERIOR BAGS - The motorcycle saddle bags come with interior bags. Taking the entire bag off is unnecessary when you leave the bike.
- OUTSIDE POCKET & HOLD SHAPE - There is an outside pocket for small items. And comes with bag stiffeners to make the bags always hold shape.
- WATERPROOF - The waterproof motorcycle saddle bags are made with 500D PVC waterproof material. Super sturdy and suitable for different riding venues.
- HIGH CAPACITY - Total 70L capacity of the side saddle bags. There is 35L per side of the bag. Could meet the storage needs of long-distance and short-distance travel.
- HEAT INSULATION - Comes with two removable heat insulation plates. Protects the bag from the heat of the exhaust pipe.
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 5
MOTOGS Waterproof bag Motorcycle saddlebag 50L huge capacityTank bag Motor Side bag (Black)
- Suit content/fittings: anti-drop elastic hook rope*2 bottom plate*2 instruction book
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 6
$768.00
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 7
Tusk Traverse Pannier Bags w/X-Small Dry Duffel Tail Bag, Black
- Rackless, soft pannier bags are ready for any day trip adventure.
- Perfect for off-road and smaller ADV motorcycles.
- Durable construction and materials that feature YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware, nylon shell and straps, and TPU reinforcements.
- Easily installed, with or without a top-rack.
- Tapered profile doesn’t interfere with the rider and keeps items secure to the bike.
$137.82
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 8
Tusk Traverse Pannier Bags w/ X-Small Dry Duffel Tail Bag
- Rackless, soft pannier bags are ready for any day trip adventure
- Perfect for off-road and smaller ADV motorcycles
- Durable construction and materials that feature YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware, nylon shell and straps, and TPU reinforcements
- Easily installed, with or without a top-rack
- Tapered profile doesn’t interfere with the rider and keeps items secure to the bike
$138.99
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Bestseller No. 9
- 【Wide Suitability】These motorcycle saddlebags fit lots of motorcycle models including but not limited to adventure, sportster, softail, v-star, shadow, vulcan. (PS: The cruiser needs a back seat to fix the bags. Some motorcycle type seats with small thickness need side frame to fit.)
- 【Large Capacity】The capacity of motorcycle saddle bags is 50L (25L*2) and the load capacity is 50kg. It is designed with 2 separate bags, large enough to hold all kinds of items, such as helmets, water bottles, clothes, and camping gear. Two bags can be separated to use individually.
- 【Waterproof & Durable Saddle Bags】Made of thick and durable PVC material which is 100% waterproof and easy to clean. No worry about your luggage being exposed to rain or snow. The material of our pannier bag is more durable. The strong straps make your items safer - no escaping items even if just several stuff.
- 【Easy to Install】Saddlebags are connected with hook&loops and two straps, straps can be adjusted to different lengths. The distance between the two packages can be adjusted from 12 inches to 16.5 inches long. The quick-release buckle makes it easy to access and close the bag.
- 【Special Design】The reflective logo develops visibility in the night. It is better for safer riding. Note: Please measure the distance between the highest point of the seat cushion and the exhaust pipe more than 14in to ensure can use.
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
SaleBestseller No. 10
- ✔SUPER PERFORMANCE ON WATERPROOF: Duffel Bag is made of military-grade PVC tarp material which is 100% waterproof also the most durable material for motorcycling, travel, kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. Rolling-up design provide a waterproof guarantee, at the same time support quick Open&Close.
- ✔LARGE CAPACITY FOR DAILY NEEDED: Waterproof duffel bag is designed for people who love traveling, outdoor adventure and kayaking. Totally 60L super large capacity meets your daily needed. Carrying your little bathroom and staring your amazing travel.
- ✔QUICK USE&STORE FOR REUSING: Motorcycle dry duffel bag support quick using and storing. We use the soft and healthy material is mean for more people could reuse their duffel bag. Simply fold the bag down 3-4 times, buckle, and you are ready for adventure! Our boat bag is soft sided and completely collapsible to make storage easy!
- ✔3 COMFORTABLE CARRIER WAYS: Kayaking duffel bag waterproof come with a soft and wide shoulder, you could carry the cloth and food easily, also suitable for fishing in the lake. Two scalable straps for fastening the dry duffel bag on the motorcycle, boat and kayak. Two handle straps also could be backpack shoulders.
- ✔USEFUL& EASY FASTENING : With two removable straps, you could fasten the duffle bag on anywhere, easy to fasten on boat, motorcycle, kayak and bike. What’s more, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee: If any issue or questions about our bags, contact us anytime you want, we will be glad and pleasure to service you.
Buy on Amazon Price excludes tax and shipping charges, which may apply. Last update: 2023-01-30
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you are touring the African continent, planning an extended journey through Europe, or simply looking for a light luggage solution for your weekend trips, soft panniers can be a great choice for your Honda Africa Twin.
But with so many brands, materials and price points available on the market today, choosing the best soft panniers for your needs can be a daunting task.
To help simplify the selection process and make sure that you get the perfect panniers for your bike and budget, we have compared four of today’s top soft luggage solutions: Hepco & Becker Xplorer Side Cases, Wolfman Explorer Lite Panniers, Mosko Moto Reckless 80 Panniers and Altrider Rear Luggage Racks. Each one offers different features and advantages to suit your individual needs in packaging and practical advantages.
- Hepco & Becker Xplorer Side Cases feature reinforced internal frames to ensure safe transport of goods as well as easy fastening systems that give you quick access to whatever you need while on the road.
- Wolfman Explorer Lite Panniers made from hard plastic are strong yet lightweight and come with a five year manufacturer’s warranty. The useful space-saving design of these four side cases makes them ideal for weekend trips or short business trips around town.
- Mosko Moto Reckless 80 Sidecases are waterproof drybags that come in a variety of sizes making them great if you plan to carry wet camping gear or cold drinks along with other items normally kept in side cases or backpacks. These eye catching bright-colored bags also comes with daisy chain straps which allows you to secure accessories on any part of these panniers without struggling to reach inside tight compartments.
- Altrider Rear Luggage Racks on offer allows riders to expand their total carrying capacity without compromising performance while being extremely convenient when packing cargo before extended trips or simply going fishing over the weekend. They securely attach using stock mounting points putting less pressure on adventure mounts while also doing an exemplary job protecting sensitive parts like suspension components from unwanted damage over time due heavy loads constantly shifting about during spirited rides off roading across Africa twin terrains.
Best Soft Panniers for Africa Twin
Panniers are one of the most important pieces of equipment for riders who plan to explore and ride off road.
Having reliable and waterproof storage solutions is essential for peace of mind when travelling. Soft panniers are a great option for Africa Twin riders as they are lightweight, waterproof and usually carry more gear than hard panniers.
The following review looks at some of the best soft panniers available on the market for Africa Twin riders.
- Oxford X24 Pannier: This is a versatile and durable option from one of the most trusted brands in motorcycle accessories. It has an intuitive mounting system which fits securely to all bikes, even those with OEM side racks, whilst still allowing you to quickly remove or mount them in just a few seconds. The quality Cordura fabric used is waterproof and very abrasion resistant, making it highly suitable for off-road use in harsh conditions. An adjustable fastening system allows you to adjust their position on the bike when loaded up, ensuring complete stability despite varying gear weights or lower-power engines.
- Touratech Drybags: Touratech’s range of Drybag panniers feature extremely high quality construction and materials with reliable sealing capabilities against water ingress even through heavy rain or river crossings. Their sleek design works perfectly on virtually all bikes including adventure models like Honda’s Africa Twin, giving you two spacious 50-litre bags perfect for even long trips across multiple continents. The bottom straps can also be secured to additional luggage racks – a great convenience if you wish to carry more cargo without adding unnecessary weight or bulkiness to your loadout configuration.
- Kappa K6315 Soft Panniers: Kappa offers premium quality soft luggage solutions designed specifically for larger motorbikes like Honda’s Africa Twin range – achieving robust protection and carrying capacity without any compromise on performance on the trail or during long haul adventures alike! These panniers boast top loading access via two-way zippers plus an internal adjustable partition allowing customisation while packing your belongings securely into their roomy 55 litre capacity interiors with both rigidity and water resistance in mind – keeping everything safe during bad weather riding throughout those challenging excursions off-road! informed decision when it comes time to purchase.
Benefits of Soft Panniers
One of the biggest benefits to using soft panniers on an Africa Twin is the amount of space they provide.
With larger, rigid bags, it can be difficult to find enough storage capacity to take all of your necessary on-the-road equipment with you.
Soft panniers also have a chic and modern look that will enhance the appearance of your bike, adding style as well as practicality.
Soft panniers are often significantly lighter than rigid bags, making them perfect for those who want to keep their Africa Twin lightweight for off-road riding, yet still have plenty of room for essentials when touring or commuting.
In addition, since soft panniers are often constructed from nylon or other weatherproof materials, they provide added protection from water and dirt.
Soft panniers also require less setup time than hard cases and can usually be quickly and easily installed onto your bike frame via attachment straps or buckles.
This makes them much more convenient when on the go—especially when you’re in a rush to get back out on the road!
Types of Soft Panniers
Soft panniers are bags, attached to your motorcycle rack, that are made of light, durable material and allow you to store items while on a long journey.
There are several types of soft panniers available and each style is designed with different materials, styles and features to suit the needs of the rider and their bike.
The different types of soft panniers include:
- Roll Top Panniers: Roll top panniers are made from waterproof material such as canvas or vinyl and feature internal stiffening bars for extra support. They roll down from the top with two buckles for added security. Roll top panners usually feature a double sided zip closure as well.
- Rigid Base Pannier: Rigid base panniers combine rigid sides with buckled straps and adjustable lids, providing better protection for items stored inside than their softer counterparts. These bags often have additional pockets for accessories such as first aid kits or tools.
- Padded Pannier: The majority of lightweight travel bags do not come with reinforced bottoms or sides; however, a padded pannier provides cushioning along the sides while also offering some security on rough terrain (such as offroad riding). Padded bags also protect against bumps and scratches during transport.
- Drybags: Drybags are typically constructed out of heavy duty nylon coated with PVC or urethane film laminate which creates an airtight seal when rolled down at the top. They often have strap attachments so they can be securely fastened onto your rack without worry that they will slip off or become detached during mounting/dismounting your motorcycle.
Features to Look for in Soft Panniers
When looking for soft panniers to store your gear while riding your Africa Twin, you’ll want to consider the features of different models and brands in order to find the perfect option for you.
Some features to look for include waterproofing and windproofing capabilities, strong clips for a secure fit on the bike, ease of use, fitment with your particular bike model, luggage capacity, type of material used in construction and general durability.
Waterproofing is essential when buying panniers for your Africa Twin as it will protect your gear from any unexpected rain showers or wet weather.
Look for a high-quality waterproof material that has been sealed at the seams with additional protection along zippers.
Additionally, a good set of panniers should have windproof construction that prevents airflow through the fabric while eliminating flapping noise during rides.
Secure clips are also key when selecting a set of soft panniers especially if you plan on riding long distances as they will ensure that your bags stay firmly fixed onto the bike during journeys.
A secure closure system helps maintain security on the go so you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are safely stowed away inside each bag.
Moreover, consider luggage capacity when selecting bags as well; capacity should be large enough to accommodate all of your necessary items without being too bulky or taking up more space than necessary on your Africa Twin.
Ultimately, look closely into materials and construction quality before making a purchase so be sure to check out reviews and compare customer feedback online before investing in an expensive set of soft panniers.
Tips for Installing Soft Panniers
Installing soft panniers can dramatically improve the carrying capacity and versatility of a motorcycle, but it is important to make sure that they are installed correctly.
Soft panniers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to fit different motorcycles and styles. Here are some tips for installing soft panniers on an Africa Twin:
- Consider the weight of your gear when you’re deciding how to attach the pannier bags. Make sure that the mounting points on your bike can handle the extra weight.
- Shoulder straps can help you keep control over your motorcycle when cornering or on uneven terrain. If possible, connect them from the handlebars to each side of the baggage rack in a crisscross pattern for better stability.
- For extra protection from road dirt or weather conditions, use waterproof covers that fit snugly around each bag.
- Check to make sure all fasteners are securely tightened before riding your bike with its new luggage setup.
- Pay attention to how much space you have before fastening down equipment – too much gear on one side of your bike can cause it to lean more than desired.
- Ensure that any reflective strips or other safety features are kept visible once everything is installed.
Best soft bags for Africa Twins
Based on the comprehensive reviews we have discussed, we can confidently conclude that the best soft panniers for the Africa Twin are those with a waterproof construction, strong and durable exterior material, customer-friendly design, an adjustable capacity and an affordable price. The most recommended panniers for this task include:
- GIVI 3D600 Pannier Systems
- KLIM Outrider Panniers
- Nelson-Rigg Adventure Touring Panniers
- DENALI Backpacker Bags
- DrySpec Shield S41 Side Case Set – as these not only offer great features but also meet various customer expectations.
The choice of the best soft panniers for the Africa Twin ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
To ensure that you get a good value for your money, research thoroughly and compare competitor products before making your purchase.
Find the best soft panniers for Africa Twins on Amazon.
Related posts:
Best Tank Bag for Africa TwinBest Africa Twin HandguardsBest 50/50 Dual Sport Tire for an Africa Twin
FAQs
What is the difference between saddle bags and panniers? ›
Pannier bags can hold up to 50 pounds whereas saddlebags can hold up to 30-40 pounds. It can carry more than that but ideally, you should not exceed the given capacity, to prolong the bags' life.
What is a motorcycle pannier? ›A pannier /ˈpæniər/ is a basket, bag, box, or similar container, carried in pairs either slung over the back of a beast of burden, or attached to the sides of a bicycle or motorcycle.
Is it better to have panniers on front or back? ›Front panniers reduce your clearance as they sit lower to the ground – I've found it's much easier to squeeze between cars with the higher-sitting rear bags. At slow speeds, you use your steering to balance from left to right. With your weight up the back, your steering is light – making it easier to balance your bike.
What should I look for when buying panniers? ›If you're in the market for a pannier for general urban or town use, then you'll need to consider how much storage capacity you need, what kind of carry system you'd like for the bag, and how easy or difficult it will be to mount or remove a fully loaded bag from your bike.
How big should my panniers be? ›If your waist is 36 inches, then your grand pannier should be 54 inches across at the waist. If your waist is 20 inches, then your grand pannier should be 30 inches across at the waist. These are not hard and fast rules, just some things to consider when planning your side-hooped ensembles.
Why is smaller pannier bags in the front? ›Running front panniers on a rear rack is a time-honoured way of reducing the amount of gear you carry. By their nature, front panniers are smaller and lighter than rear panniers, so you're less likely to overpack and have the rear of the bike wag when riding.
Is it OK to ride with one pannier? ›The short answer is absolutely yes!! maybe you a looking to do some commuting to work and only need to use the space one pannier provides. Using a single pannier generally on the left side of your bikes rear rack is the most popular way to carry those extra items on the commute.
How do you secure soft luggage on a motorcycle? ›If your bike's got a metal tank, a magnetic tank bag is a good choice. Strong magnets on the base and a strap around the headstock hold the bag in place. The magnets are very strong but ALWAYS use the headstock strap as well, just in case, although on some bikes the tank design can make this a bit fiddly.
Do you need two pannier bags? ›Cyclists often have a pair of panniers, but you can use just one if you're not carrying too much – the Ortlieb Back-Roller Urban Line is sold as a single pack. Most panniers attach to the rack with two clips at the top and another towards the bottom.
Do bike panniers slow you down? ›Panniers do slow down the bicycle especially on the uphill road but it's nothing significant. It also depends on how heavy your panniers are and how much weight you carry on the back wheel.
What size panniers for motorcycle touring? ›
I would suggest that a good size panniers for touring would be around the 20L mark for each bag. Keep in mind that you can squeeze more into roll top bike panniers than you can fixed lid panniers. Sign up for bike touring guides, gear reviews, and inspiration!
Are bike panniers worth it? ›With panniers, you can more efficiently carry a lot more weight and volume. Packing groceries, a change of clothes or work essentials is more efficient with panniers with their increased carrying capacity. Good pannier bags are often better weather sealed than backpacks so your belongings are less likely to get wet.
How do I choose a bike pannier bag? ›Look for things like bike-lock pockets, loops to attach a blinky light, reflective details, waterproofing, helmet attachments and flexible back panels that keep your riding position in mind.
Why don t bike packers use panniers? ›You won't overpack when you use bikepacking bags
Most bicycle tourists overpack. Bikepacking bags solve that problem because they simply offer less volume than panniers. A typical bikepacking setup usually offers 45 liters of volume between the three main bags while a standard set of 4 panniers can hold 65 liters.
Panniers or side hoops are women's undergarments worn in the 17th and 18th centuries to extend the width of the skirts at the side while leaving the front and back relatively flat. This provided a panel where woven patterns, elaborate decorations and rich embroidery could be displayed and fully appreciated.
What size panniers do I need for touring? ›In summary, I suggest you: 50-60l rear panniers and 15-30l front panniers for long distance travels. 30-40l rear panniers (and eventually 15-20l on the front) for short tours.
Do I need waterproof panniers? ›You should always buy waterproof bike panniers. Some bicycle panniers come with waterproof pannier covers. Even though a rain cover is a good idea, with so many high quality waterproof panniers on the market, why not just buy them instead. If you want a bike bag, get one that is waterproof bicycle pannier bag.
Are Lomo panniers any good? ›The Lomo motorcycle panniers are brilliant. They're incredibly hard to fault, extremely well priced, durable, waterproof, easy to put on and take off your bike and big enough to go on a round-the-world adventure.
How much weight can a pannier hold? ›For foul weather or the ability to hold loose items together, bags such as rack trunks and panniers can be easily attached to the rear rack. Rear racks are usually rated to carry loads between 20 and 50 pounds, which is sufficient for most uses. A few heavy-duty touring models are able to carry up to 80 pounds.
Do you need front or rear panniers for bike touring? ›Rear panniers are the storage option that most cyclists turn to when getting into touring. For trips lasting just a few days and that don't require lots of gear, clothing and food, two rear panniers may be all you need to carry your things.
Do you need a special rack for panniers? ›
If you can mount a rear rack you will find that most panniers are "universal" in that they will mount to any tubular rack. There are a few pannier bags that are sold as part of a system and work only with one specific rack, so you will want to watch out for those.
What is the difference between front and rear bike panniers? ›The front panniers are smaller than the rear panniers due to suspension issues. This helps you to put more in rear-panniers, and also have more panniers in the back. It also helps you to ride your bike easily, which is the point of panniers, to begin with after using them for carrying items.