Rear bag or top case: which one should I choose for my BMW motorcycle?

When preparing to hit the road on your motorcycle, various BMW luggage options are available to you. Choosing the right luggage solution is crucial for riding in peace and comfort. However, with BMW Motorrad’s wide range, it is easy to feel lost.

By exploring the different features of BMW top boxes and BMW rear bags in this comparison, discover which of these two solutions meets your needs and finally answer the question: Rear bag or top box: which to choose for my BMW motorcycle?

Motorcycle luggage: what BMW options are available?

The range of BMW motorcycle luggage is very extensive, offering motorcyclists an option that best suits their needs. With different accessories for each motorcycle, both aesthetically and ergonomically adapted, the complete luggage range allows you to quickly optimize your storage space.

Among the available options, two main categories can be distinguished: soft luggage and hard luggage. The soft motorcycle luggage consists of various bags such as tank bags, side bags, and rear bags. These options are often more compact and versatile.

On the side of hard luggage, we find the two main classics of BMW motorcycle luggage : the top case, which is mounted at the rear of the bike, and the side cases. Sturdy, these options offer ideal storage for traveling.

Of course, not all motorcycles have the same options available, but some motorcycle luggage solutions are cross-compatible and available for the majority of models. Among these, the rear saddlebag and the top case are included. Although these two items share a location at the rear of the bike or scooter, they have quite different features and may leave you undecided. Check out the benefits of these two options now.

BMW motorcycle top case: advantages and disadvantages

The top case is the most common luggage solution; it's the one you’ll see most often on the road. The BMW top case offers a number of benefits that can appeal to a wide audience, allowing you to optimize your storage space with style and functionality.

The advantages of a BMW top box

The first advantage is its storage capacity; whether it's 30L or 49L, the BMW top box is designed to always be able to carry at least a full-face helmet. This increased storage capacity is particularly appreciated on long motorcycle trips.

In terms of security, the BMW top box offers a lockable closure, either with your motorcycle's ignition key or with an additional key. This feature keeps your belongings secure when you're not nearby and ensures that your top box is firmly attached to your motorcycle. For enhanced security, the BMW top boxes are made of robust materials, providing high resistance to shocks, abrasion, and wear.

The top case is an accessory that provides a real improvement in comfort, especially for your passenger. If it is equipped with a top case backrest, the top case offers a comfortable backrest for your passenger and reduces their fatigue, especially during long trips.

The BMW Motorrad top case is designed to accompany you in most of your activities, which is why the Vario and Aluminium top cases are also suitable for enduro use.

The disadvantages of a BMW top case

Every accessory can have disadvantages depending on the use you intend for it. For example, the top case will add weight to your motorcycle, which can be felt while riding. Its presence can affect the maneuverability of your bike. The added weight and reduced maneuverability are also reasons why most riders remove it for enduro outings.

The top case also impacts the aerodynamics of your motorcycle, potentially increasing wind resistance, which can reduce its performance and even increase fuel consumption.

Aesthetically, the BMW top cases are designed to harmonize with your motorcycle, but they may not suit your tastes.

Finally, although their storage space is substantial, it may not be sufficient and may offer limited flexibility, especially if your needs vary regularly.

BMW Motorrad Luggage: Advantages and Disadvantages

BMW top boxes are less common, but they shouldn’t be! They also offer numerous advantages that can suit many riders.

Advantages of BMW Luggage

The BMW top box offers flexible and versatile storage space, with many benefits.

BMW top boxes can act as true soft top cases, available in various sizes and can even offer more storage capacity than a top box. Due to their flexibility, they can be adjusted to the desired loading volume. Most top boxes can even accommodate a full-face helmet.

Very practical, BMW motorcycle saddlebags can be easily installed on your rack or on the passenger seat if you don’t have a rack, which can limit costs.

Lighter than a top case, soft saddlebags have less impact on your riding experience, and their shape also helps limit wind resistance.

Disadvantages of a BMW Motorcycle Saddlebags

Saddlebags have disadvantages, particularly in terms of protection: being only water-resistant, textile saddlebags do not protect your belongings from impacts.

Saddlebags require special attention when loading to avoid unbalancing your motorcycle and to ensure they are properly secured. More caution is needed when dismounting the motorcycle.

Not being locked by default, they require the purchase of additional locks and/or lockable straps to secure your belongings.

Top Case or Rear Saddlebags: What to Choose?

Now that we have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each option, you might already know which is best suited to your needs. If not, here are some questions to consider that could guide you:

What capacity do I need? If you are going on a trip or just heading to work, your needs will be different.

• What type of riding will I be doing? Depending on your riding style, you might need to enhance your maneuverability or avoid hindering your performance.

• How long will I need it? Whether you’re going for a short trip or a weekend getaway, you might need to carry your belongings with you, in which case a bag might be more practical.

Let’s not forget that the bag can be installed on the passenger seat in addition to a top box and that the top box can be equipped with an inner bag for transporting your belongings. Each option is designed to meet your needs, and if these are not met by the bag or the top box, feel free to explore other options from BMW Motorrad luggage directly on our site.