SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 Review

The SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 line was specifically designed to complement retro-style motorcycles and sits alongside a range of luggage options such as tank bags, backpacks, saddlebags and more, so you can get the whole look before you take on a tour.

A benefit of such a large range is that you’re bound to find the perfect bag your bike, and even then the bag itself can be tailored according to bike model. I tested this with a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail while touring America, a bike for which the bag was tailored for, but I also used it on an Aprilia Tuareg back in the UK.

Is the SW-Motech Legend Gear tailbag easy to use?

Soft luggage is one of those things that can make your long ride worth it if it works well at the end of your time in the saddle, and this SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 bag is a great example of such. If you don’t mind leaving the straps on the bike, then it’s just a case of pushing the buckles to release the bag from the bike and you’re away with its easy-to-use grab handles.

The bag is covered with small latching points which can hold other bags in the Legend Gear series (of which the backpack attaches beautifully) but is also ideal for a couple of bungee cords which I use to tuck extra layers under as the ride gets warmer.

The only niggle I had was with the waterproof cover. The SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 bag itself is dubbed as splashproof and comes with a waterproof cover. While on the road with the bag as a new addition, I pulled over to put on the cover only to discover it is designed to sit inside the bag – so you need to ensure you pack inside the cover if you think you’re going to get caught out in the rain. But saying that, the splashproof was more than effective in a light shower, so you needn’t worry too much.

Is the SW-Motech Legend Gear tailbag good quality?

Like with other SW-Motech kit I’ve tested, I found this tailbag to be high quality and extremely durable. Despite the bag being labelled as splashproof rather than waterproof, it holds up well in light rain showers and the little additions such as the bit of elastic to keep the straps tidy and chunky zips make a world of difference.

The SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 bag was hoisted on and off my bike almost every day for three weeks, but showed no strain, even when packed to the brim. While talking about packing, the shape stayed put even when stuffing far too much in, and was hard to distort while packing.

Does the SW Motech Legend Gear tailbag look good?

Marketed towards owners of retro bikes, I think the Legend Gear range will appeal to those who fancy something a little less mainstream-looking to pop on their two wheels for a weekend away. I think the design is understated, but is effective as well as practical.

And somehow even with its 48-litre capacity, it doesn’t have the imposing and bulky appearance of some others chunky tailbags I’ve seen. It sits cleverly over the rear seat and settles in with the line of the bike that bit more, and the design tone for a retro bike is spot on. I can see why the extra fastenings might put some off who prefer more of a streamlined or modern look, but when you weigh it up with the practicality of the tailbag, I think it can be forgiven.

Is the SW Motech Legend Gear tailbag good value?

Not sure if I’m the only one, but I have luggage systems in the cupboard under my stairs that have been sitting there for years, some for better, some for worse. But I fully expect to see this tailbag emerge from under there for at least the next decade and not have a mark on it.

I agree, the price tag of £257.95 initially provokes a sharp intake of breath, but if you’re looking for luggage that’ll last, then it’s well worth the outlay, especially as you get the waterproof liner bag, 4 loop straps, licence plate straps, protective foil, and mounting instructions with the bag itself.

The verdict

The SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag LR2 is a practical, spacious, and high-quality bit of kit that is ideal for almost any luggage need on your bike. Tailored to certain models (and an option for a generic size if your bike isn’t listed) it takes the small things into account that really matter when you’re using it all day every day.

Compared to others on the market, it can be a little pricey, but I think it’ll be a hard-working bike-kit staple for years, so it may just be worth the investment for daily rides, as well as those longer trips.

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