SW-Motech Pro and Blaze Sportbike Luggage | Gear Review

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Ninja 400

Whether commuting to work, picking something up from the store, or bringing essentials on a trip, there are plenty of good reasons for having sportbike luggage. SW-Motech offers tankbags and saddlebags that can fit almost any motorcycle, including my Kawasaki Ninja 400. 

Related: 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS | First Ride Review

The Pro City tankbag ($299.95) is made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon with a water-resistant interior coating. The molded, laminated EVA top includes a MOLLE attachment panel, which can be used to secure an optional smartphone drybag ($31.95).

A model-specific Pro tank ring ($37.95), which replaces the OEM ring around the fuel filler, is required. As a novice mechanic, I thought installing the ring was straightforward, requiring about 45 minutes. The tankbag snaps onto the tank ring effortlessly, and a pull-latch releases it (an optional anti-theft lock is $24.95).

SW-Motech sportbike luggage pro tank rings
Pro tank ring parts

The tankbag’s zippers open and close smoothly, and the pull tabs have a thick, rubbery feel. The outside pockets are convenient for holding small items like keys and a wallet. The tankbag is deep and holds a great deal, and it is expandable from 11 to 14 liters.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Pro City tankbag

While the Pro City tankbag is high-quality luggage that fits cleanly and securely thanks to the Pro tank ring, it is a little too tall and long for my Ninja 400’s riding position, pressing into my chest when I lean over the tank to reach the grips. The smaller Pro Micro tankbag (3-5 liters, $184.95) is a better option for the Ninja, while the Pro City is ideal for the more upright seating position of my Kawasaki Versys-X 300. 

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SW-Motech’s Blaze saddlebags ($499.95) solve the problem of saggy luggage on sportbikes. They use an innovative mounting system with easily detachable support arms that slide into pockets on the soft saddlebags. The saddlebags are clipped in with a buckle on a nylon strap and then fastened together over the pillion seat using a heavy-duty strap secured by Velcro.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Blaze saddlebags

It took about 45 minutes to install the mounts, and the bags are easy to put on. SW-Motech recommends installing the bags while empty and ensuring that the Velcro strap is in place before attaching the bags to the mounting arms to avoid bending or breaking the arms.

The semi-rigid saddlebags are made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon and include waterproof inner bags. They open lengthwise on the top, are easy to fill, and have the same luxurious zippers as the tankbag. Each bag is expandable to hold 15-20 liters and has a zippered outer pocket.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Ninja 400

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of both the Pro City tankbag and the Blaze saddlebags. From the innovative design to the sturdy materials, zippers, and seams, these bags seem like they will last a lifetime. They add useful carrying capacity to a sportbike in a way that doesn’t clash with the styling. Now my bike carries nicer bags than I do!

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Nice review. Have you tried fitting a tailbag with the Blaze saddlebags? I’m wondering whether the velcro straps leave enough space for a tailbag’s underseat straps.

    • I just ordered a set of Pro Blaze panniers for my Yamaha Tracer 900. I’m looking forward to receiving them and mounting the ‘bags on the bike. They seem to be built with the best materials and I really like the idea of the easily removed brackets. Sure, there are less expensive options, but with them, you’d have an obtrusive support on the motorcycle. When these panniers are not needed, one can’t tell they’ve ever been installed.

  2. I have had a pair sitting in the cupboard for a couple of years, and finally looking to fit them. One thing that surprises me – there is nothing to prevent someone from quickly removing them from the bike ! Most soft luggage panniers have one strap UNDER the pillion seat to prevent this (Okay a knife would make short work of it) Seems strange.

    Since they are not waterproof, I suppose two holes in each and a security cable through the frame would help. Has anyone come up with any solutions to ‘opportunist theft’?

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