Choose the best motorcycle luggage for you and your bike with MCN's expert, in-depth guide
Motorcycle luggage comes in many shapes and sizes, from various bags you can strap to yourself to a whole host of options you can install on your motorbike. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and like everything in life there is often a compromise to be made.
Comfort, capacity, practicality, simplicity, cost and the type of bike and riding you do will all play a part in choosing the right option.
Jump to
- What is motorcycle luggage for?
- What are the different types of motorcycle luggage?
- Hard luggage vs soft luggage for motorbikes
- Best motorcycle rucksacks
- The motorcycle rucksacks we recommend
- Leg bags and kidney belts
- Leg bags and kidney belts or waistbags we recommend
- Best motorcycle tank bags
- Motorcycle tank bags we recommend
- Best motorcycle panniers
- Panniers we recommend
- Best motorcycle tail packs
- Tailpacks we recommend
- Best motorcycle top boxes
- Top boxes we recommend
- Best motorcycle roll bags
- Roll bags we recommend
What is motorcycle luggage for?
Motorbikes are great for all sorts of reasons – from clearing your head to doses of adrenaline and everything in between – but there are some slight drawbacks and one of them is carrying capacity.
Modern motorcycles in particular suffer from a complete lack of cubby holes. Gone are the days when you could fit a packed lunch under the seat of your sportsbike, a combination of shrinking bodywork and burgeoning technology means space is at a premium.
So, if you want to carry anything that doesn’t fit in your pockets, you’ll need some motorcycle luggage. This might be a simple rucksack if you’re just carrying some waterproofs, work stuff and some lunch, or for more applications like touring you will want a more in-depth solution.
What are the different types of motorcycle luggage?
The simplest answer to carrying a few bits is often a rucksack, but there are other options that you wear as you ride, too. A kidney belt or waistbag is a bit like a bumbag and straps around your waist and you can also get a leg bag if you just want a place to put your wallet and phone and there’s no room in your leathers.
Then there are the options that strap to your bike; panniers, tank bags, tail packs and top boxes are the most popular but there are plenty of more specialised options around, too.
You can also get modular systems like the Kriega OS and Oxford Atlas that combine several different packs together to maximise the amount of carrying capacity you have. This can be handy if you sometimes carry a little and other times a lot.
And finally, there’s simple roll bags, a sausage-shaped sack with a roll and clip closure that you lash to the bike with bungees, ratchets, Rok straps or anything else you’ve got lying around the garage.
Hard luggage vs soft luggage for motorbikes
Top boxes and panniers are often available for motorbikes in hard or soft versions but it’s not as simple as one being better than the other. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and you have to decide which will suit your needs best.
Hard luggage is rugged and secure. If you pick a lockable option then your possessions will be safer when you leave the bike parked up whereas soft luggage can be sliced open with a sharp knife, even if you fit a padlock to the zip. Soft luggage straps can also be cut away (or undone, depending on the set-up) and all your stuff will disappear at once.
On the down side, hard luggage is heavier, more expensive and can cause problems of its own if you drop the bike. Aluminium panniers are usually bolted via a frame or rack to the bike’s subframe and, due to being so sturdy, they can damage the bike’s frame in an off.
A crash could also see the pannier itself get dented and mis-shaped, which could render it useless until you can hammer it back out – not an issue with soft panniers. You can, of course, tear your soft panniers in a crash but this generally fixable for the short-term at least with enough duct tape and cable ties applied.
Best motorcycle rucksacks
There’s something particularly freeing about a motorcycle rucksack. I love the idea that I can just sling it on and go, no mucking about with straps or ratchets. You also take it with you every time you get off the bike, so there’s less of a worry about security.
The down-side of a rucksack is that you carry its weight through your shoulders, which can cause fatigue on longer rides or with heavier loads. I once rode to Czechia with four days-worth of stuff in a backpack and I was completely exhausted at the end of each day.
And it’s not just your shoulders you have to worry about, if you ride a bike with an upright (or even worse, feet-forward) riding position then the weight of your rucksack will all be transmitted through your lower back and your bum.
If you’re adventure touring and covering off-road miles then you really ought to think twice about wearing anything bigger than a hydration bladder with added pockets on your back.
The motorcycle rucksacks we recommend
"I opted for the biggest bag in the collection, the B-30 motorcycle backpack, as it has the option to be used as a rucksack or tail pack. Thanks to a well thought out ergonomic design it’s a comfortable thing to carry even when fully loaded, but that flexibility comes in handy if you want to expand on its 30-litre capacity with other bags in the modular range."
"On a daily basis, the B-30 is my go-to rucksack and has more than enough internal storage to transport laptop, lunch and a change of clothes to the office. The outer construction is a tough but flexible rip-stop fabric with a kind of rubberised reinforced base, that feels like it’s been built to last. Inside is a removable waterproof dry bag, and as a neat touch extra bags can be added using the same hook and loop fastening to create separate compartments."
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Tough construction
- Innovative modular features
Cons
- Sternum catch can be tricky to undo
| Construction | Zoned 420D PU backed polyester ripstop, 1000D PU backed polyester |
| Capacity | 30 litres |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee |
- Magnetic Speed Lock sternum strap
- YKK Aquaguard® zips with glove-friendly pullers
- 3-point adjustable roll top opening
- 4-point adjustable shoulder straps
- Under seat security strap
- Direct vent system creates a breathable back channel
- Detachable 100% waterproof lining
- Hydration bladder pocket with tube routing
- Quick access rear and side pockets
"Firstly, Kriega’s luggage is designed by bikers, for bikers. This is my third of their back packs over the last 20 years and I’ve never had one break. Even tumbling down the road in a 50mph crash, my ageing R35 escaped with a single scuff. They are so well made and will likely last a lifetime. The R22 then (taking its name from its capacity) has a waterproof 18-litre main compartment, lined with a removable, washable lining and a simple roll-top closure.
There’s a 4-litre non-waterproof front pocket (that doesn’t actually let water in), the two providing enough room to take my laptop, lunch and gym kit on my daily commute. The Quadloc-LiteTM harness does an excellent job of distributing weight evenly so that even on a recent 500-mile, 15-hour ride I didn’t have any fatigue across my shoulders or upper body. The moulded, padded straps and air-mesh back panel make it extremely comfortable to wear and with light loads I barely notice I’ve got it on."
Pros
- It's spacious
- It's genuinely waterproof
- Lots of adjustability
- It's rugged and hardwearing
Cons
- It's pricey, but it is worth it
| Construction | 420D Cordura and Ripstop nylon |
| Capacity | 18 litre main compartment and 4 litre extra pocket |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Warranty | 10 years |
- 17" laptop pocket
- Quadloc-Lite harness transfers shoulder weight to chest and body, giving all-day riding comfort
- Air-mesh back panel for rider comfort
- Removable waist strap
- Four compression straps help keep the load stable
- Optional hydration reservoir compatible
Leg bags and kidney belts
Sometimes you just need to carry a few basic bits – slightly more than you can fit in your pockets but not enough to warrant a full-on rucksack. That’s where a leg bag or kidney belt/waistbag comes into its own.
These are particularly popular with sportsbike riders who want to wear a leather one-piece as they’re often low on pockets (and you wouldn’t want to ruin the lines with a bulging smartphone anyway).
But adventure riders and tourers have also adopted them as a handy way to keep your most precious possessions close at hand when you step away from the bike for a fuel or lunch stop.
Leg bags and kidney belts or waistbags we recommend
"I went through a few leg bags before I came across Rockbros and it was worth the wait. It does double up as a tank bag if required but I think I need to get stronger magnets before I trust it not to slip off the tank at 60mph. But as a leg bag I think it’s brilliant. It’s just the right size to not get in the way of my jacket, or when I’m getting on and off the bike. It holds a surprising amount of stuff in the two compartments, and it’s also expandable if needed."
"I use the leg bag on all my day to day riding, but still also take my tank bag for the extra capacity when I’m touring. In practical terms, the sturdy zippers make it easy to open and close and it’s also waterproof. I’ve ridden with it through torrential rain and never had a problem. This leg bag is now as much a part of my daily kit as my helmet and gloves."
Pros
- It looks good
- Easy to put on and take off
- Convenient for smaller items
- Expandable
- Can also be used as a tank bag
Cons
- Takes a bit of getting used to
| Construction | PU and 210D lining |
| Size | 8.5cm depth to 13.5cm expanded 21cm long |
| Type | Leg and tank bag |
- Expandable capacity
- Magnets for use as a tank bag
- Water resistant
"In terms of build quality, it’s surpassed its 10-year guarantee almost twice over, and that’ll do for me. Yes, there are some signs of wear, and the front outer pocket is starting to get a bit thin in places, but every part of the Kriega R8 is still functioning exactly as it should.
"I can’t recommend the Kriega R8 as a reliable, functional and durable lightweight luggage solution enough. It’s been a faithful companion on many an adventure and has more than enough life left in it for plenty more."
Read our full Kriega R8 Waistbag review
Pros
- It's well made
- Comfortable to wear
- Lots of storage space
| Capacity | 8 litres |
| Construction | 1000D Cordura |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
- Waterproof side pod and water resistant main compartment
- Removable tool roll
- Hypalon abrasion resistant reinforcement
Best motorcycle tank bags
As the name suggests, a tank bag sits on the fuel tank in front of you and has the added advantage of being in your line of sight, which is good for security and means many have transparent map or sat nav pockets on top.
Tank bags come in two main flavours, universal (attached by straps, magnets or both) and tank ring (which need a bike-specific bracket that fits to your bike). You can also choose from a wide range of sizes starting at barely larger than a wallet and ending at big enough for the kitchen sink.
It’s really important that you consider your bike type and your own physical shape before you choose a tank bag. If you ride a full-bore superbike with aggressive clip-ons and a high tank then you will only be able to accommodate a small tank bag (or none if your arms are short, too).
Large adventure bikes with wide bars will be more likely to accept a big tank bag without hindering your ability to actually ride the bike safely and comfortably.
Motorcycle tank bags we recommend
"Just like the Oxford luggage I’ve used in the last couple of decades the M15R magnetic tank bag doesn’t disappoint. It’s strong, hard-wearing, easy to wipe down, simple to use and always dependable. It couldn’t be easier to fit and the storage space and how it feels on the bike is perfect for me. A tank bag like this also doubles up as a chest rest to take the weight off my arms and wrists. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for and it will last you a biking lifetime. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Robust
- Well made and finished
- Easy to fit
- Simple to use
- Perfect size for a sports tourer
Cons
- Pricey, but worth it
| Size | 15 litres |
| Construction | 420D Ripstop Nylon |
| Type | Magnetic tank bag |
- Water resistant pocket zips
- Removable waterproof internal liner
- Carry handles
- Map holder in main bag and base
- Sat nav holder with anti glare shield
- Key pocket and electrical outlet with internal device pocket
"As my 5’4” tall Grandad always said, all good things come in small packages, and that’s definitely the case with the Pro Daypack Tank Bag from SW Motech. Made from heavy duty nylon, it will hold between five and eight litres of gear. In reality, that’s my sandwiches, phone, wallet, keys, all the usual stuff you need for a quick ride out and for journeys further afield, it’s great for passports or documents."
"A tank mount is required, which is an easy fit, replace the screws in the top of the fuel cap with the ones in the kit and the mount sits proud of the tank. The bag then fits in place and to remove, just pull the red tabs to un-hook the securing mechanism. A raincover is included but I managed to lose mine somewhere on the autobahn last year, that said I’ve found the bag is showerproof, so it’s never let water. I like the fact the bag’s not bike specific, I’ve used it on a couple of my bikes, only issue is, you do need to buy mounting kits to fit, as fuel cap sizes aren’t universal."
Pros
- It's easy to fit
- The perfect size
- It's showerproof without the cover
Cons
- Badly fitting rain cover
| Construction | UV resistant 1680D ballistic nylon construction with water-resistant interior coating |
| Size | Ranges from 5-8 litres |
| Waterproof | Showerproof and rain cover included |
- Rain cover included
- Expanding zips
- Mesh compartments inside
- Magnetic guide aid in the Pro tank ring for easy attachment
Best motorcycle panniers
If you’ve bought a sports-tourer or adventure bike then the first place you could look for panniers is the manufacturer. Factory panniers look great, they’re often colour coded to your bike and they’re designed hand-in-hand with the bike itself. You might even be able to find a used set on eBay.
If that’s not an option, there’s no need to worry as there are loads of aftermarket options available that have their own advantages, too. First decide if you want hard or soft and remember to look into what kind of fitting kit, frame or rack you need for your bike before you make your mind up.
If you don’t want the added weight or you don’t like the look of a frame or rack, then Kriega’s OS Rackless system is probably the answer you’re looking for.
Panniers we recommend
"I first started using the Kriega OS base system and smaller panniers on my KTM 690 Enduro R, which made me want to try them on my KTM 1290 Super Adventure R longterm test bike. Unlike metal panniers there is no need for any racking or permanent changes to the bike. Instead there is an over-seat harness which is secured using straps. The panniers/bags then attach to the harness and can be tightened and secured in seconds.
"They are tough, 100% waterproof and come with a 10-year guarantee, which gives an indication of the quality.
"The panniers come in three sizes with each side being either 6, 12 or 18 litres. I use the 18-litre system and while that is smaller than most metal panniers, because they are soft and loaded from the top they are very easy to pack and I always manage to squeeze more into them than I expect.
They are also relatively cheap. While metal panniers and racks will cost in excess of £1000 this system is under £400 and can be removed in seconds when not in use.
"In fact the only downside I can see is security as being fabric they cannot be locked or secured to the bike like traditional metal panniers."
Add the OS-6 Pack
Add the OS-12 Pack
Add the OS-18 Pack
Pros
- Far lighter and less expensive than metal panniers
- No need for a rack or frame
- Can be packed quickly and removed in seconds
- Move easily from bike to bike
Cons
- Not lockable
"Wunderlich make some lovely kit for an increasingly wide range of bikes, and these X-Case panniers have been the saviour of many an R1300GS owner over recent months as BMW’s own Vario pannier system has been conspicuously absent due to problems with the new central locking mechanism.
"Each aluminium X-Case (they’re symmetrical) delivers a decently useful and capacious 36 litres of stashability, and the uniform shape means you can make use of every bit of them. They’re very nicely made, fit extremely securely and snugly to the bike via the bespoke rails (£229.90), and – brilliantly – they may not be keyless, but you do code the barrels to your BMW key, meaning there’s no extras dangling on your fob.
"I much prefer top-loaders, personally, but the plastic internal ‘bucket’ usefully stops your contents from spilling out when you open the lid, and there are nets supplied to give even more reassurance.
The locks are top-side and a single lock secures both the lid against light-fingered passers-by, and also locks the lever that allows the pannier to be released from the rails. The locks have nice rubber covers, too – helping to prevent water and dirt ingress into the mechanism.
"The rack fitting system is a doddle to mount on the bike, only requiring a minor degree of faff to remove the electronic-enabled bars that provide central locking to BMW’s OE pannier system. Once fitted, the rails are unobtrusive, and easy to clean. The brackets are a little lacking in finesse, but it all works as it should."
Pros
- Classy finish
- Well-made with an OEM factory feel
- Coded key barrels
Cons
- Water gets in when you open the lid
- Side-loading overspill
Tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months, 4,000 miles
"I inherited these panniers from MCN Group Editor, Rich Newland who had already put 2500 miles of his own on them fitted to a BMW R1250GS, but despite all-weather use you’d have been hard pressed to tell they weren’t brand new. And in fact, after a further 4000 miles in my care fitted to a Yamaha Ténéré 700, the same could still be said.
"Kriega are well-known for making high quality stuff and this luggage is no exception. The strap system is a bit fiddly but once you are used to it, it is pretty quick and easy to use and most importantly feels very secure.
"I found it much easier than systems with straps under the saddle. The waterproofing never let me down, either.
"I feel entirely confident that wherever in the world I head with this luggage, my possessions will arrive with me safe and dry. It represents incredible value when compared to aluminium kit."
Pros
- Incredible build quality
- Completely waterproof
Cons
- Require bulky rack-work
Best motorcycle tail packs
Like lots of the luggage in this list, tail packs vary massively in size, complexity and carrying ability. The simplest and smallest strap onto your pillion seat and can carry a few essentials like a security chain or your lunch. The biggest are U-shaped units that sit over the back of your bike and down towards the ground with multiple chambers and compartments.
The good thing about a tailpack is you can essentially forget it’s there once you’re moving and get on with the job of riding. Any weight in the bag is likely held on the bike’s centre line and won’t make you feel as top-heavy as a top box or tank bag might.
Tailpacks we recommend
"This simple sausage-shaped bag would likely attach to most bikes, but I found it particularly useful on a trip to Paul Ricard on a borrowed 1985 GSX-R750 with five days-worth of camping equipment, camera kit and my clobber to carry in a manner that wouldn’t rub and wear the repainted bodywork.
"I chose the 50-litre version (there are 30/70-litre options, in olive or flouro yellow as well as this grey colour) and managed to get it all in, hiking tent included. Fully packed, it forms a rigid cylindrical shape, which perched on top of the Slabbie’s seat.
"It stayed closed when packed to capacity – however the roll-top doesn’t appreciate being overfilled, opening a little at the centre. You might not lose items, but the waterproofing won’t work (MCN’s sister title RiDE found it effective when they awarded it a ‘Best Buy’ in their tailpack test).
"It comes with four D-ring straps which work fine, if you have brackets or subframe tubing to tie them too – I didn’t, so I used longer Rok-Straps (£20 for a pair)."
Read our Oxford Aqua T20, 30, 50 and 70 review
Pros
- Various carrying capacities available
- Simple to fit to your motorbike
- Completely waterproof
Cons
- D-ring straps may need upgrading depending on your bike
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Luggage rack required? | No |
| Dimensions | 34cm (H) x 50cm (W) x 28cm (D) |
| Weight | Unknown |
- Easy grab carry handle on top
- External and internal pockets for small items
- Water-resistant zips
"This is by far the simplest luggage solution I’ve used on a motorbike. Its 50-litre capacity comfortably held all my camping gear, clothing and other bits and bobs for a two-week trip around Europe, the strapping system is simple and it stayed waterproof through some prolonged storms.
"The best thing is that you can vary the capacity depending on how many of the pods you use in combination, from a 10-litre on its own through 30 (pictured), 40 (30 plus a 10) or the full 50 (30 and both 10s).
"The US-30 is the bag I use most and it makes an excellent tailpack on its own. You can fit it either inline with the bike or across the frame depending what you've got to carry without changing any of the straps around."
Pros
- Easy to fit and remove thanks to G-hook system
- Modular system for flexibility
- Waterproof in all weathers
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect
Cons
- There are cheaper options out there
- Strap system relies on frame access
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Luggage rack required? | No |
| Dimensions | 445(H) x 295(W) x 225(D) mm |
| Weight | 1kg |
- Removable liner for added weatherproofing
- Rolltop closure
- YKK water-resistant zips used throughout
- Rear mesh pockets ideal for small items
Best motorcycle top boxes
Popular with commuters and couriers the world over, a motorcycle top box is like giving your bike a car boot. Need to stop at the shop for a few bits? Chuck ‘em in the top box. Need to take your gym kit with you or a change of clothes for work? Top box. Got a pizza to deliver?
The bonus of a top box over a tail pack is that it’s permanent, can be lockable and doesn’t lose its shape when empty. That means it’s just always there, ready to help when you need it.
Some are also designed to be used in conjunction with a pillion and have a built-in back rest for them, great on a longer tour.
The downside is that they’re not particularly cool-looking and will certainly ruin the carefully designed lines of a retro, sportsbike or cruiser. You will also need a fitting kit, rack or frame which will be bike-specific and not included with the box itself in most cases.
If you don’t care about that stuff, then a top box may be the perfect luggage for you.
Top boxes we recommend
Shad SH34
"I rode a Kymco DTX360 over winter last year that came with a Shad SH34 top box fitted. Despite the scooter having ample under-seat storage, more often than not I found myself using the top box instead for ease and convenience.
"The lockable box has a sturdy-feeling latch to hold it shut and handled some national speed limit clattering over rough fenland roads and potholes.
"Despite being fairly small for a top box (the SH44 is basically the same but 10 litres larger) you can stuff a surprising amount inside. Just beware that the weight will be carried high up and might affect handling or low-speed manoeuvres if you over-do it.
"The Shad system comes with a plate that needs to be attached to an existing rack, so you will need to fit one if you're atsrting from scratch."
Pros
- Incredibly convenient to use
- Not bad-looking
- Sturdy latch mechanism with lock
Cons
- Needs a luggage rack to fit to
- Carries weight high up on bike
Best motorcycle roll bags
Saving the simplest until last, a motorcycle roll bag is just a large hold-all with a roll and clip closure at one end. To use it, you just fill it with your stuff and strap it onto your bike. As such, it’s the most universal option out there and often one of the cheapest, too.
Down-sides include that you’ll probably need to buy some Rok Straps or bungees. A roll bag that isn’t filled to capacity (or close to it) can be a bit of a nightmare to handle, too, as it won’t strap securely and will bend over the bike’s seat.
Roll bags we recommend
"When it comes to hard wearing, top performing baggage, Kriega really know their stuff, and the Rollpack 20 is a perfect example of their well thought out approach to lightweight load lugging solutions – it’s versatile, durable and incredibly easy to use. In essence, the Rollpack 20 is a tube of tough 500 denier Cordura, with a removable waterproof liner and roll top closure at either end.
"Measurements are 75cm x 36cm laid flat, which offers 20 litres of kit carrying capacity. When loaded, the Rollpack 20 makes a neat pillow shaped bag that can be lashed to a back seat, rack, or anywhere else you can loop the four integrated straps, and quality metal cam buckles ensure everything stays tensioned once in place.
"I attached my camo Rollpack to the back of an Indian Challenger Dark Horse for a 1,800 mile tour of Ireland, and even with torrential North Atlantic driven downpours, not a drop of moisture made it inside."
Read our full Kriega Rollpack review
Pros
- Properly tough construction
- Effectively waterproof
- Easy to attach
Cons
- None found
| Waterproofing | Cordura |
| Capacity | 20L/40L |
| Dimensions | 18cm (H) x 48cm (W) x 24cm (D) |
| Weight | 643g |
- Double entry
- Mounts to rack or rearsets
- 10 year guarantee
"I purchased this waxed cotton luggage bag as an easy-going storage solution aboard my own Royal Enfield Classic 350. I wanted something practical, that was also going to look the part and fit in with its 1960s looks.
"The Heritage Roll Bag delivered on the brief, taking clothes for a rider and pillion, plus a spare pair of shoes, a disc lock, and some toiletries for a few nights away. It straps neatly onto the bike’s rear racking with a Velcro fastener on the bottom of the bag, and is then held securely by four webbing straps. When you reach your destination, it comes off in a matter of minutes and can be carried like a conventional holdall."
Pros
- The classic styling looks great
- Easily taken on and off the bike
Cons
- A bit heavier than most rollbags
| Waterproofing | 'Wipe-clean' PVC tarpaulin |
| Capacity | 30L |
| Dimensions | 26cm (H) x 27cm (D) x 55cm (W) |
| Weight | 1.8kg |
- Easy grab carry handle
- Water-resistant top closure
- External and internal pockets for small items
- Wipe-clean finish
- Padded shoulder strap for added comfort
- Front pocket for storing items
Motorcycle luggage FAQ
How MCN tests luggage
At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our luggage to destruction (on purpose); we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.
That means we can deliver impartial luggage buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, these luggage options must have been worn for thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and meet modern safety standards as well as offering decent value for money.
Each of our expert reviewers tests their kit for a variety of things, both subjective and objective, and this luggage is no exception. Factors assessed include how comfortable rucksacks and leg bags are to wear with a variety of loads onboard, how easy to fit and remove panniers and other bags are, how well they stand up to the rigours of motorcycling, how much they can carry and much, much more.
We’ve used each of the tested pieces of luggage in this page while we’ve been covering miles on test bikes in all kinds of environments around the world.
If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. This luggage will only be included if we think it’s important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.
Our scores explained
When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:
- 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
- 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
- 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
- 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
- 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.
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