I want to get some luggage for my Ninja 500 so I can story my helmet and gear instead of dragging it all around. Is a hard case the only viable option? Curious how risky a soft case would be. With a lock it might be just enough to keep honset people honest. Any suggestions or options I haven't considered?

 

-----signature-----

It doesn't really matter. If someone wants to steal your stuff, hard vs soft case isn't a deterrent. Most people won't mess with a biker's gear, though. Just buy whatever you like that looks good on your bike and enjoy. I have hard cases plus a hard trunk on my touring bike but when going cross country, I also carry a large soft bag on the back seat as well as a soft trunk bag.

Silver

 

-----signature-----

I would never trust soft cases to be there when i got back. While there are some decent looking soft luggage options, hard cases is the way to go. They might be pretty expensive but at least your gear is there there when you got back. Assuming they didnt just take the whole bike. lol. Most modern hard luggage has mounting hardware that is pretty unobtrusive these days.

I have hard luggage on my Sprint, but a large soft tail bag. I have long been fond of Cortech gear. Decent looking stuff at a good price.

 

-----signature-----

If you're worried about people stealing your stuff, lockable hard luggage is more difficult to get into or walk away with, but of course not foolproof. I have a couple of soft bags that literally zip right off. If someone wanted my things they could just walk up, zip off the bags and walk away. But I only use them for carrying stuff that I don't want on my person while I'm on the bike, or drinks and snacks. If I put my wallet or jacket in the bag it comes out when I stop. I haven't had the need yet for anything more than that.

 

-----signature-----

It seems you have misunderstood the whole Motorcycle thing.

Rho

 

-----signature-----