Like the Shoei Neotec 3 modular helmet, we subjected the Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag and smaller Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag to a nine-day, 4,200-mile torture test.
Both bags are part of Nelson-Rigg’s Route 1 line of cruiser luggage. The Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag that I tested holds 63 liters (expandable to 73.5 liters), and the Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag tested by my wingman Eric Birns holds 35 liters.
The main difference between the two bags is size. Both are made of durable UltraMax fabric, which has a lifetime warranty against fading from sun exposure, and their rigid construction maintains shape even when empty. They have lockable zippers, mesh pockets inside the lid and main compartment, carry handles, reflective piping, and adjustable quick-release straps at each corner for securing them to the bike. The larger Tour bag also has three zippered outer pockets and a 360-degree expansion zipper.
We loaded the bags with gear and mounted them on two Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Eric mounted the Lite bag on the luggage rack atop our Road Glide’s chopped Tour-Pak. I mounted the Tour bag in two positions on our Street Glide: during two 700-mile days on the interstate, I put it on the passenger seat, which kept the bag out of the wind and provided a backrest; for the rest of the trip, I mounted it on the luggage rack like Eric did, which is its typical mounting location.
Once mounted, the bags provided easy access to essentials like extra layers, rainsuits, and snacks, and the mesh pockets under the lid were ideal for maps, extra gloves, and other smaller items. The bags are lined with light gray fabric that makes it easy to see the contents. The Tour bag is large enough to hold two full-face helmets, and the Lite will hold one.
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When we got to our hotel each night, we’d simply undo the four quick-release buckles and carry the bags inside. In the morning, we’d place the bags on the luggage racks, connect the buckles, and then adjust the straps as needed. It was an easy, convenient routine. And regardless of riding conditions – high speeds on the interstate in crosswinds, aggressive cornering with the bikes tossed from side to side, etc. – the bags stayed in place and our gear remained secure.
Both bags come with waterproof covers, which we used during a heavy downpour on our last day. Pro tip: Even though the rain covers have an elastic hem at the bottom, make sure to thread the mounting straps through the holes in each corner of the cover. I put the cover on in a rush and failed to do that, and it nearly blew off on Interstate 15. (If you make that mistake, a replacement rain cover is $19.95.)
These are high-quality, stylish bags that look good on any touring bike, regardless of make or model. The Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag (NR-300) retails for $259.95, and the Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag (NR-250) retails for $169.95.
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