With clothing or other items. How to Attach Motorcycle Luggage Without a Rack

  • 1-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 75-250
What You'll Need
Over the saddle bag
Bungee cords
Screwdrivers and wrenches
Double-sided tape
What You'll Need
Over the saddle bag
Bungee cords
Screwdrivers and wrenches
Double-sided tape

Just because your bike does not have a baggage rack does not mean that motorcycle luggage cannot be installed on your ride. To the contrary, there are many ways to attach large and small bags to your bike so that you can use it for getaways and trips. This simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know. Let's get started.

How to Install a Tank Bag

Step 1 - Apply Double-Sided Tape

Take a piece of double-sided tape about 6 inches long and install it along the center of your gas tank. Then, remove the paper backing from the top of the double-sided tape and place the bottom of the tank bag onto the gas tank.

Step 2- Center and Place Bag

Be sure that the sticky surface of the tape adheres to the bottom of the tank bag and that the tank bag is centered on the gas tank. This will help to prevent the bag from shifting or moving when it is filled with clothing or other items.

Step 3 - Connect Hooks and Straps

Use the straps or hooks that come with the tank bag to secure it into place. You may need to run the straps underneath the tank and frame of your motorcycle and tighten them down with the belt fastener.

How to Install Over the Saddle Bag

Step 1 - Remove Rear Seat or Trim

Use a wrench to remove the nuts and bolts that hold the rear seat into place on your motorcycle. If your bike doesn't have a rear seat, remove any trim or other items that may be in the way.

Step 2 - Place Bag in Position

Once you have removed the rear seat or trim items, drape the saddle bag over the rear area of your bike. Make sure that the two sides of the saddle bag are level and balanced so that one side does not droop down lower than the other.

Step 3 - Re-Install Seat or Trim

Replace the rear seat or trim items on the rear of your motorcycle. By placing the rear seat or trim items over the top of the saddle bag, you will lock the center strap of the bag in place.

Step 4 - Attach Hooks

If the over the saddle bag comes with additional straps or hooks, find a suitable location on the rear of your motorcycle to secure them.

How to Secure a Tail Bag

Step 1 - Position Bag Carefully

On most motorcycles, there is a small horizontal piece of chrome or metal that extends from the rear portion of the back brace support for a rear seat. If your bike has this option, you can center a large carry-on bag onto the back of the bike and secure it. Position the bag so that it is centered as much as possible on the back brace support.

Step 2 - Secure with Bungee Cords

Use bungee cords to tightly wrap the bag and secure it to areas on the back brace support. These pieces are usually made of chrome, so use bungee cords that have plastic hooks or have some sort of rubber protection installed on the ends.