We can all agree that the best thing about a motorcycle is the freedom we have when riding.
However, one of the downsides is the lack of space to carry your stuff.
You either have to pack your pockets, carry a backpack, invest in some motorcycle luggage, or combine all of the above.
One of the best pieces of kit I bought for the bike was a little handlebar bag that I could stash my phone, money, glasses, and keys in.
It made the essentials easy to access, and I no longer needed to carry a backpack or stuff my pockets.
So, we have gathered the best motorcycle handlebar bags followed by a short guide of what to look out for, so you too have somewhere accessible to put your everyday essentials.
Here are our favorite motorcycle handlebar bags:
Biltwell EXFIL 7 Universal Bag
Versatile, Universal, Rugged
A military-grade constructed small bag for essential items that is pretty universal to most handlebars, the ultimate motorcycle glove box.
The Best Motorcycle Handlebar Bags Reviewed
Biltwell EXFIL 7 Universal Tool Bag
The coolest thing about the EXFIL 7 is that the ‘7’ stands for how many 12 Oz beer cans you can fit in the bag before it is fully loaded.
It is built from rugged, military-spec nylon for long-lasting durability, and it collapses down for easy storage when not in use.
There are several configurations for mounting, and it is a universal fit, so there won’t be many motorcycles this bag can’t be attached to.
This bag is the only one on the list backed with PVC, so there is a level of water resistance offered to keep your belongings dry in a sudden downpour.
The EXFIL 7 is made to be easy to use with riding gloves and can be easily removed when you arrive at your destination so you can carry your stuff with you.
Pros:
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Plenty of storage space
- Pockets
- Different mounting options and configurations
Cons:
- None
Giant Loop Zigzag Handlebar Bag
The Giant Loop Zigzag bag is an essentials-only handlebar bag that fits a wide range of handlebars.
The bag’s capacity is 1.5 liters which is enough for your phone, wallet, registration documents, and a few other bits.
When not strapped to the bike with universal straps, you can thread the bag through your belt loops or your jacket to carry your essential items off the bike.
There is a zip pocket on the interior to throw some coins in or your earbuds.
It is constructed from military-grade material for toughness and durability.
Pros:
- Fits a wide range of handlebars
- Durable
- Enough space for the essentials
- Fixes it out of the way of bike controls and instruments
Cons:
- Will only carry the bare minimum
Hide and Drink Motorcycle Handlebar Bag
Hide and Drink offers this handlebar bag, and it is the construction and materials that make it one of our favorites.
The leather of the Hide and Drink bag is extremely thick and tough; it is hand-cut and finely stitched for a brilliant finish.
It is soft to the touch but also very tough and feels durable. It is the kind of leather that only gets better with time.
Size-wise it is L10” x W3.5” x H5.5”, so it is just enough to hold your small items and maybe a water bottle for the ride.
You can fit the bag above the headlight on your bars or on your forks. Either way, it is a pretty universal fit, or it would be easy enough to get some extra straps to attach to your bars securely if needed.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Quality leather
- Classic style
- Excellent value
Cons:
- No interior pockets, pretty basic
Thrashin Supply Handlebar Bag
Ready for all your Harley Davidson cruiser needs, the Thrashin Supply bag will fit onto your HD, carry your kit and look good at the same time.
The bag comes with both horizontal and lateral attachment points, so can be configured for a variety of bars and bars with risers. Not just limited to HD, though, the bag will suit most cruiser-style bars.
It is another small bag just for the essential bits you carry.
There are 4 interior and 2 exterior pockets so you can keep organized and easily access the things you need quickly.
The bag is made from ballistic nylon, built to withstand the test of time.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Many pockets
- Stealth style
- Easy fit
Cons:
- Only really suited to cruiser style handlebars
Kemimoto Motorcycle Fork Bag
The Kemimoto bag is called a Motorcycle Fork Bag; however, it is actually adaptable to fit your handlebars and other places.
It is another traditionally styled bag in tough leather and would suit carrying a small tool roll or your everyday items like a phone, wallet, lock, etc.
The flexible installation options mean it is a pretty versatile bag that can securely fit on most handlebars.
You also have quick-release buckles for easy access to open the bag and get your stuff out, which is a nice touch.
Pros:
- Good value
- Tough leather
- Quick-release buckles for access
Cons:
- Only suitable for small items
Buyers Guide
Handlebar bags are handy for storing your essentials, whether riding out on the weekend or doing a long-haul tour across the country.
Having a bag up on the bars makes a rider’s life easier. Essential items are easy to access and safely stored away, not in your pockets where they can be uncomfortable or fall out.
There are a few things to think about when buying a handlebar bag, though, so we have put the key points here in this guide.
Here is what you need to know when buying a motorcycle handlebar bag:
Secure Fixing
First of all, not all handlebar bags are universal, so you need to make sure that the bag you go for has the right fittings to work with your bike and bars.
After that, you need to ensure that the fixings are secure, tight, and not flimsy.
If you are unsure about the straps/fixtures the bag has come with to fit the handlebars, you can use some zip ties to add in some extra security, or Rok Straps are my go-to for keeping things secure.
Be sure to stick to the weight capacity the bag states and not go over it; the weight limit is there to tell you what load the bag can cope with and, more importantly, the fittings to your bike.
If you load the bag up too much, the fittings will be strained, and the bag could fall off when you are out on the road.
I had a basket on the front of my bicycle once and loaded it with a crate of beer. I didn’t get very far before realizing this was a bad idea!
Waterproof
Depending on what you are carrying in your bag and if you ride in all weathers, you may or may not need it to be waterproof.
If you are loading it with your phone, wallet, etc., waterproofing may be high on your list of features.
However, not many handlebar bags are waterproof, so the best thing is to purchase a dry bag similar to these on Amazon, which fits inside your handlebar bag (and all other luggage) to keep your important stuff dry.
A plastic bin bag/carrier bag can also be a quick, cheap option for lining your bags and keeping your stuff dry inside.
Capacity
The next thing you need to think about is what you are going to be using the bag for, therefore, how big it needs to be and how much weight it needs to be able to hold.
If you are just planning on throwing in everyday carry kit from your pockets, such as keys, wallet, motorcycle glasses, phone then a small bag will do the job perfectly and keep your stash safe.
However, if you are touring and plan to use your handlebar bag for your basic tool kit, you may need it to be bigger, have several pockets, and carry more weight.
Style
There are bags to suit all bikes and riders, and let’s face it, we pick our motorcycles based on our own style, so we want to accessorize to match that unique style, right?
You can opt for a minimalist all-black small stealth bag, which would be quite at home on your Harley or MT-10 naked bike.
Or you can go for something more practical that puts purpose over style, which may suit the adventure riders among us.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our favorite motorcycle handlebar bags and what you need to look out for when buying one.
I love the Biltwell EXFIL 7; it can be configured to go wherever you need it, is easy to use with gloves, and can be removed easily to carry your gear with you.
The Hide and Drink leather bag is that classic style that would look awesome on something like an Indian Scout or modern retro Triumph Bonneville.