Hardcase Luggage vs Softcase Luggage
Hardcase Luggage vs Softcase Luggage – 6 Tips to choose the right Luggage system for your Motorcycle by 6kiom.
Searching for the right accessories in a riding gear store, whether online or in person, can be very fun but also leaves you in a lot of thought regarding the options available. Today, in our latest segment of 6 Things by 6KIOM, we’re going to go over how to choose between Hard Luggage Systems and Soft Luggage Systems.
To start off, let’s understand what we’re dealing with today. A “hard” luggage system is typically a box made out of plastic or aluminum, while “soft case” Motorcycle luggage are usually made from rexine and rubber.
Examples for Hard Case Motorcycle Luggage made with Aluminum and Plastic.
Examples for Soft Case Motorcycle Luggage made with Rexine.
Soft Luggage Tail Bags from Rynox & Viaterra.
Let’s find out how to choose between Hard Case vs Soft Case Luggage System for your Motorcycle with 6 key tips from 6kiom team.
1. Weight
Soft Case Luggage are light weighted as compared to Hard Case Luggage due to the materials used in their construction. If you’re someone who has less power (cc) motorcycle and prefer to travel light, then Soft Case Luggages can be best for you.
Softcase Luggage comes in different size and Liters options from 10ltr to 50+lts such as Tank Bags, Tail Bags, Hybrid Bags and so on. To check the available options in Soft Luggage click here.
So if you’re riding a lower cc Engine bikes and prefer to carry light luggage with you, soft luggage systems is the way to go.
2. Security
Soft Luggage usually use zipper mechanisms and plastic clasps, which is not recommend if you’re carrying valuable items with you.
Hard Luggage have Lock and Key mechanisms built into them by design, making them the safer option of the two. With Hard Case Luggage you can have a piece of mind if you have to leave your Helmet or belongings at the motorcycle for a quick coffee or lunch between your rides.
3. Cost
Due to the Build Quality and Materials used Hard Case Luggage are more expensive than Soft Case Luggage. If you want a Simple Luggage system at less cost then Soft Case Luggages are good to go. Hard Case Luggages are primary for regular Daily use for a long term usage with the motorcycle.
4- Maintenance
Hard Luggage are fairly easy to clean since they are made of smooth plastic and/or metal. They can even be left on the bike while it gets washed to make it simpler.
Soft Luggage on the other hand are made of fabric, rexine, rubber, etc. which all have specific wash and care instructions to follow.
5- Installation and Comfort
Soft case luggage are a more universal fit due to them using straps and buckles, but these straps are tedious to mount every single time and have a tendency to flail around in the wind if the ends are not tucked away.
Hard luggage have clamping mechanisms which helps them easily mount on your bike’s Top Rack or Saddle stays.
6- Purpose
When it really comes down to it, the most important factor to choosing your luggage system is what kind of use you intent to put it to. If you’re more into off-road trails and adventure riding, soft case luggage is probably the way to go.
If you see yourself spending most of the time riding in urban road conditions, then don’t think twice about hard case luggage!
To Summarize in quick Table:
6 Points to Choose the Luggage | Preferred Luggage System |
Weight | Soft Case Luggage |
Security | Hard Case Luggage |
Cost | Soft Case Luggage |
Maintenance | Hard Case Luggage |
Installation & Comfort | Hard Case Luggage |
Purpose | You got to choose! |
Additionally, you can find a video resource for this over on the 6KIOM YouTube channel:
We hope this article makes your next accessories purchase a little less confusing, feel free to use this as a reference while making your way through our catalogue at our store or on our website.
Ride safe!