A versatile, all-purpose piece of motorcycle luggage

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When I had my 2011 Triumph Bonneville America repainted last spring, the bike looked brand new. But the tail bag I’d used since the bike was new was looking a bit shabby and quite faded, and just didn’t look worthy of the rest of the motorcycle. So, I began the arduous search for a new bag.

I used to go to the annual Powersports Manufacturers Trade Show, where all the motorcycle brands and distributors would go to display and show of their wares. I’d see luggage, helmets, clothing, boots, seats, exhaust, engine performance parts, shocks and everything for motorcycles. I got to speak to their representatives, learn about products and most importantly, see, feel, and touch their goods.

I don’t do that anymore, so choosing accessories is much more difficult, because the selection at dealerships and even stores like Cycle Gear can’t stock all the brands that are out there. First stop was the internet. With the dozens of choices available, I always start by going to the web sites of the companies that I know of and have been in business for a long time, and have the reputation for high quality products. Also, you get to see every model and style they make, rather than just the one or two that may be sold by the online retailers.

The Nelson-Rigg Weekender NR-215.

I first looked for the size, shape and measurements I needed for my bike. Going off the dimensions of my old bag, I looked for ones that would fit properly. Then I needed to decide if I wanted a bag that was full synthetic leather, or fabric material. After spending a few hours looking through the sites of 5 or 6 companies, I chose a bag by Nelson-Rigg. They have been in business since 1979, and make a wide variety of luggage for all types of motorcycles, as well as other accessories, and have a reputation for quality. And the thing that put me over the top was the excellent photos and descriptions on their site, an excellent video showcasing the bag’s features, and exactly how the bag can be mounted for various fitments to different motorcycles.

Lots of space and features, including a rain cover.

The bag I chose was the Weekender NR-215.  This one checked all the boxes I was looking for. It is made out of UltraMax fabric, with some faux leather accents, and reflective piping all around the bag. It’s the right size for my bike and luggage rack, measuring 14” long x 13.5” wide x 10” high. It holds 31 liters (whatever the hell that means). I do know it holds a full face helmet, and the base is also expandable and will hold an additional 9 more liters of whatever the hell that means. In short, it can hold a lot of stuff. In fact, it holds enough stuff that I don’t always have to ride with my saddlebags on the bike.

The bottom base panel is made of rigid material, so it won’t sag as it hangs past the luggage rack, and the rest of the bag is also rigid so it will keep its shape. The main compartment is closed with dual heavy-duty zippers, which can lock together by using a luggage lock. In addition, there are two zippered outer side pockets for easy quick access for smaller items. Inside the main compartment’s top, there is a full length zippered mesh pouch to keep the small items together, and you can easily see what you have stored in it. Perhaps the best feature, however, is that the interior of the bag is lined with a light grey fabric, making it easy to see all the black items that bikers put in there because of the contrast in color.

A perfect fit and finish.

Another huge selling point for me is that it literally takes 10 seconds to mount and remove the bag from my bike, a feature I saw on the company’s video.  For me, just the one Velcro strap secures the bag around the sissy bar bracket, and I’m good to go.  It can also be turned around, if I choose, to have it rest on the passenger seat, and use the rack for something else.  For other applications there are also four built-in quick-release, self-fastening straps which will come in handy for those bikes with a tour top trunk and a luggage rack on top of that.  And they even have receptacles to store the extra length of straps so they won’t flap around in the wind. And lastly, it comes with a full waterproof rain cover. I am absolutely delighted with my purchase, and it enhances the look of my bike, too.

The Nelson Rigg Weekender Tail Bag retails for $169.95, and I believe it is worth every penny.
Visit their web site at www.nelsonrigg.com to see all their products.

Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

*Have you bought and used a Nelson-Rigg piece of luggage? Give us your impressions in the comments section below!