Like Shoei Neotec 3 Modular HelmetWe put the Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour Motorcycle Bag and the smaller Traveler Lite Motorcycle Bag through a nine-day, 4,200-mile torture test.
Both bags are part of Nelson-Rigg’s Route 1 line of touring luggage. The Traveler Tour Motorcycle Bag I tested has a capacity of 63 liters (expandable to 73.5 liters), and the Traveler Lite Motorcycle Bag my travel buddy Eric Birns tested has a capacity of 35 liters.
The main difference between the two bags is size. Both are made from durable UltraMax fabric, have a lifetime warranty against fading from exposure to sunlight, and their sturdy construction retains its shape even when empty. They feature lockable zippers, mesh pockets inside the lid and main compartment, handles, reflective trim, and adjustable quick-release straps on each corner to secure them to the bike. The larger Tour bag also has three zippered exterior pockets and a 360-degree zipper opening.
We loaded the bags and mounted them on two Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Eric mounted the Lite bag on the rack of the Road Glide’s truncated Tour-Pak. I mounted the Tour bag in two places on our Street Glide: for the two 700-mile interstate days, I placed it on the passenger seat, which gave it wind protection and back support; for the rest of the trip, I mounted it on the rack like Eric did, which is its usual mounting location.
Once installed, these pockets provide easy access to essentials like a jacket, rain gear, and snacks, and the mesh pockets under the lid are ideal for storing maps, spare gloves, and other small items. The pockets are lined with a light gray fabric that makes it easy to see what’s inside. The Tour bag is large enough to hold two full-face helmets, and the Lite bag will hold one.
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When we arrived at the hotel each night, we simply unbuckled the four quick-release buckles and carried the bag inside. In the morning, we placed the bag on the luggage rack, buckled it, and adjusted the straps as needed. It was an easy and convenient routine. And no matter what the riding conditions were like—high speeds on the interstate in crosswinds, sharp turns with the bike tossing from side to side, etc.—the bag stayed in place and our belongings stayed safe.
Both bags have waterproof covers, which we used during a heavy downpour on our final day. Pro tip: Even though the rain covers have elasticized hems at the bottom, be sure to thread the attachment straps through the holes in each corner of the covers. I rushed to put the covers on and didn’t, and it almost blew off on Interstate 15. (If you make that mistake, a replacement rain cover is $19.95.)
These are stylish, high-quality bags that look great on any touring bike, regardless of make or model. The Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour (NR-300) retails for $259.95 and the Traveler Lite (NR-250) retails for $169.95.
