Best Luggage for Two-Up Motorcycle Touring (3 Real-World Picks)
Finding the right luggage for two-up motorcycle touring isn’t just about buying the biggest bag you can find. When you’re packing for two people, every inch of space matters — and so does stability, weather protection, and how the setup affects passenger comfort on a long ride.
On a solo trip, you can get away with stuffing gear wherever it fits. On a two-up motorcycle trip, that approach falls apart quickly. Space is limited, weight balance matters more, and your passenger’s comfort becomes part of the equation.
After testing different luggage setups on real-world Harley road trips, we narrowed it down to three options that actually work for longer rides — no gimmicks, just practical storage that holds up.
Why Luggage Matters on a Two-Up Motorcycle Trip
When you’re riding two-up, luggage stops being an afterthought and starts becoming part of the overall setup. Space is limited, and what works on a solo ride doesn’t always translate when you’re packing for two people.
Weight distribution becomes more noticeable. A poorly secured bag can shift, sag, or interfere with passenger comfort over long miles. And if your passenger is already sacrificing space, the last thing they need is a bag digging into their back for three hours.
There’s also the practical side. On a long motorcycle touring day, you’ll want quick access to rain gear, extra layers, snacks, or hydration without unpacking half your setup at every fuel stop. The right luggage makes that easy. The wrong luggage makes you question your packing decisions around mile 120.
For two-up motorcycle touring, luggage isn’t just storage — it’s part of the ride experience.
What We Look for in Luggage for Two-Up Touring
Our setup isn’t a stripped-down solo build. We tour on a 2020 Road Glide Special with a King HD luggage rack and an OEM rider backrest — no tour pack. That means whatever bag we run has to work with the bike, not fight it.
Most of our trips are 2–3 nights, with our longest pushing five. We’re hotel riders, not campers (the Passenger Princess has standards), so we’re packing real clothes — not just a spare T-shirt and optimism. That also means hair products, makeup, and everything required to “look good to feel good,” even though absolutely no one at the gas station is paying attention. And that stuff takes space.
Here’s what matters most to us:
1. Backrest Clearance
If a bag interferes with the OEM rider backrest, it’s out. Comfort on a long two-up motorcycle ride isn’t negotiable. The bag needs to sit securely without pushing forward or changing my passangers posture.
2. Easy Access at Fuel Stops
We don’t want to unstrap half the bike just to grab a hoodie or rain layer. Quick-access pockets and smart compartment layout matter more than raw capacity.
3. Secure Mounting on a Luggage Rack
With a King HD rack and no tour pack, mounting stability is critical. If straps loosen or the bag shifts at highway speeds, you’ll feel it immediately — and so will your passenger.
4. Realistic Capacity for 2–5 Nights
Two people’s gear adds up fast. Expandability helps — but only if it doesn’t turn the bag into a sail at 75 mph.
5. Durability for Mixed Riding
Our trips are a mix of highway miles and backroads. The bag needs to handle vibration, wind, and the occasional questionable weather forecast without falling apart after one season.
For us, good motorcycle touring luggage isn’t about looking aggressive in the parking lot. It’s about holding up after 300 miles and still being easy to live with when you roll into the hotel.
Quick note before we dive in: I’m terrible at remembering to take photos when we’re actually out riding. When we’re in the moment, I’m focused on the trip — not staging gear shots in a hotel parking lot.
So the images in this post are from the manufacturers’ websites. The opinions and real-world feedback, though, are 100% ours from using this luggage on actual two-up trips.
Saddlemen S3200DE Expandable Sissy Bar Bag
View full specs on Saddlemen →
Bike Used: 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
This was the first luggage setup we ever ran on a true long-distance two-up trip, so it’s got a little history with us.
Mounting & Fit
The S3200DE slides over the sissy bar and straps down to the rack. It takes a couple attempts to get the straps dialed in the first time — especially if you’re particular about backrest clearance like we are — but once it’s properly secured, it’s solid at highway speeds. No shifting, no wobble, no drama.
On our Road Glide with the King luggage rack and OEM rider backrest, it required some adjustment to get everything sitting comfortably, but once positioned correctly, it held its place.
Capacity
For two-up motorcycle touring, this bag checks a lot of boxes. We were able to pack for 4–5 day hotel trips without feeling cramped — clothes, toiletries, makeup (non-negotiable), and cold-weather layers all fit comfortably.
The expandable feature is useful when you need a little extra room coming home. Just be mindful not to overstuff it to the point where it catches wind like a parachute at highway speeds.
Build & Materials
This bag feels built to last. Heavy-duty construction, strong zippers, and materials that don’t feel flimsy after a season of riding. It has that “this will survive some miles” kind of build quality.
What We Liked
Plenty of space for realistic two-up packing
Outer pockets for quick-access gear (sandals, sunglasses, lightweight layers)
Durable and easy to organize
What Could Be Better
The smaller top round bag doesn’t feel quite as secure as the main compartment
No true carry handle — you’re relying on the backpack-style straps
Ideal For
Riders looking for a durable, expandable option for multi-day trips — whether solo or two-up — especially if you want traditional sissy bar mounting.
Notable Story
This was the bag we trusted on our first real long-distance road trip together. It handled the miles, the packing chaos, and the learning curve of two-up touring without failing us — which earns it some respect in our book.
Viking Bags DAGR 34L Extra Large Sissy Bar Tail Bag
View full specs at Viking Bags
Click Picture for link
Bike Used: 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
Disclosure: This bag was provided to us by Viking Bags as part of a website sponsorship. As always, opinions are based on real-world use during our own two-up trips.
Mounting & Fit
The DAGR slides over the sissy bar and straps down to the rack. The wider design gives it solid presence, but it can make the initial strapping process a little tricky until you get everything balanced correctly.
Once secured, though, it feels planted. No noticeable shifting at highway speeds, even when packed full for a weekend two-up ride.
Capacity
We used this bag on a 3-day, two-up trip and were able to pack clothes, toiletries, makeup, and shoes — but it was filled to the brim with no room left to spare.
Nothing felt forced in, but there wasn’t extra space for “just in case” items either. For us, that makes this a true weekend bag for two-up motorcycle touring.
If you’re packing light and staying in hotels, it works well. But if you’re planning 4–5 nights or tend to overpack (no judgment — we’ve all been there), you may want something with a little more expansion or supplemental storage.
Build & Materials
This is where the DAGR stands out. The slightly hard-shell construction gives it a more structured feel than soft bags, and the materials are thick and durable. The zippers feel strong and confidence-inspiring, and overall it has that “this will hold up over time” build quality.
What We Liked
Hard-shell structure helps it keep shape
Carry handle makes hotel transport easier
Very durable overall construction
What Could Be Better
The top-attached secondary bag doesn’t feel as secure as the main compartment (we added extra straps for peace of mind)
Even with the carry handle, it can feel a bit awkward to carry when fully packed
Ideal For
Single riders on longer trips, or two-up riders heading out for a solid weekend getaway where structured durability matters more than maximum expansion.
Notable Story
This bag performed reliably during the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In. No drama, no shifting, no memorable issues — just steady functionality, which honestly is what you want from luggage.
Rick Rack Roller Bag Combo Kit for Harley-Davidson King Two-Up
View full specs at Rick Rack →
Bike Used: 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
This is the newest addition to our setup. We picked it up during the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and it immediately felt like a different category compared to traditional strap-mounted bags.
Mounting & Fit
This is where the Rick Rak stands out.
Instead of straps, it uses a quick-release clamping system that locks directly onto the luggage rack. No threading straps. No re-tightening after the first few miles. Just clamp, secure, and ride.
For quick hotel stops or multi-day touring, it’s by far the easiest bag we’ve used to put on and take off the bike.
Capacity
We ran this bag fully expanded for a 4–5 day two-up motorcycle trip. Clothes, toiletries, makeup, flip-flops, tennis shoes — it all fit.
Just like the others, once packed for two people, there wasn’t extra space left. But it handled that capacity without feeling strained.
One thing to note: because of how easy it is to load, it’s also easy to overpack.
Build & Materials
The construction feels durable and solid, on par with the other two bags. The suitcase-style design, rollers, and pull handle make it especially convenient once you’re off the bike.
While riding, it feels secure and well-balanced. No shifting, no instability — even at highway speeds.
What We Liked
Quick-release clamp system (huge convenience factor)
Suitcase-style design with rollers and pull handle
Extremely secure and balanced while riding
What Could Be Better
Heavier than the others when empty due to the clamping system
Easy to overpack, which can make the bike feel noticeably heavier — especially when lifting it off the kickstand (shorter riders will feel this)
Ideal For
Riders who prioritize convenience and fast loading/unloading — especially for hotel-based two-up touring. Works well for both longer two-up trips and single riders who want a structured, easy-to-remove system.
Quick Comparison: Which Bag Wins Where?
🥇 Easiest On/Off
Rick Rak Roller Combo
Quick-release clamps make this the clear winner for convenience.
🥇 Most Structured / Hard Shell
Viking DAGR 34L
Slight hard-shell build gives it a sturdy, shaped feel.
🥇 Best for 4–5 Night Two-Up Trips
Saddlemen S3200DE or Rick Rak (Expanded)
Both handled 4–5 day two-up hotel trips. Rick Rak wins on convenience; Saddlemen wins on traditional strap security.
🥇 Best Weekend Two-Up Option
Viking DAGR 34L
Perfect for 2–3 night trips without overpacking.
🥇 Most Traditional Setup
Saddlemen S3200DE & Viking DAGR 34L
Classic strap-over-sissy-bar touring bag.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Saddlemen S3200DE
A proven, durable option for longer two-up motorcycle trips. It offers strong capacity, classic strap mounting, and dependable performance. If you prefer traditional sissy bar luggage with expandable space, this is a solid choice.
Viking DAGR 34L
Structured, sturdy, and well-built. The hard-shell feel and carry handle make it practical for hotel stays, but capacity makes it best suited for single riders on longer trips or two-up weekend rides.
Rick Rak Roller Combo
The clear winner for convenience. Quick-release clamps eliminate strap hassle, and the suitcase-style design makes loading and unloading effortless. For hotel-based two-up touring, this system stands out.
Bottom Line
If we were leaving tomorrow for a 4–5 night two-up motorcycle trip, we’d grab the Rick Rak Roller Combo.
The quick on/off system and suitcase-style convenience make it the easiest to live with on the road. It’s secure, balanced, and simple — which matters after a long day in the saddle.
That said, if you prefer traditional strap-mounted luggage or want a slightly more classic touring setup, the Saddlemen S3200DE remains a strong long-distance option. And for shorter two-up trips or structured durability, the Viking DAGR 34L delivers.
When packing for a multi-day two-up motorcycle trip, think beyond just clothes. Easy access to layers, rain gear, and small essentials can make long riding days smoother. And don’t forget the morale factor — we break down exactly what we pack in our guide to the best snacks for motorcycle road trips.
Choosing the best luggage for two-up motorcycle touring ultimately comes down to how you ride — and how you pack.
If you're planning your next ride through North Dakota, check out our experience at the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In.
