Which Rackless System Should You Buy: 50L or 80L?

Which Rackless System Should You Buy: 50L or 80L?

One of the most common questions riders ask when looking at adventure motorcycle luggage is simple:

Should I buy a 50L system or an 80L system?

The answer depends on how you ride, how long you travel, and how much gear you carry. The good news is both setups have their place — and understanding the difference will help you choose the right system for your style of adventure.

Let’s break it down.

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The 50L System – Lightweight and Minimal

A 50L rackless luggage system is perfect for riders who want to keep things light and simple.

Many experienced riders actually prefer smaller luggage because it forces you to pack only what you truly need. In fact, many adventure riders consider around 50 litres the sweet spot for motorcycle travel, giving enough room for essentials without loading the bike down with unnecessary gear.

Best for:

• Weekend adventures

• Lightweight adventure riding

• Day rides with camping gear

• Smaller bikes (CRF300, DRZ400, KTM 390, etc.)

• Riders who prefer minimalist packing

Advantages of a 50L system

Lighter bike
Less weight means better control in sand, mud and technical terrain.

Narrower profile
Great for single track and tight trails.

Forces smarter packing
You take what you need, not everything you own.

Perfect for aggressive riding
Less weight hanging off the rear of the bike.

Typical packing example

A 50L setup can easily carry:

• Lightweight tent or swag

• Sleeping bag

• Basic tools

• Clothes for a few days

• Cooking kit

• Small food supply

For riders doing 2–4 day trips, this is often more than enough.

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The 80L System – The Do-Everything Setup

An 80L rackless system is the ultimate all-rounder.

This is the setup many adventure riders choose because it gives you the flexibility to pack more gear when needed, while still riding light when you want to.

For longer trips or remote riding, the extra capacity makes life easier.

Best for:

• Multi-day adventure trips

• Remote travel

• Riders carrying camera gear or tools

• Camping setups with more comfort

• Bigger ADV bikes (T7, GS, Africa Twin, 890 etc.)

Advantages of an 80L system

More flexibility
You don’t have to play luggage Tetris every morning.

Better for longer trips
More space for food, water and spare layers.

Room for cold-weather gear
Bulky jackets and winter gear take up space.

Ideal for mixed riding styles
Weekend rides, camping trips, and longer expeditions.

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A Simple Way to Decide

If you're unsure which system to choose, use this rule:

50L = Lightweight adventure riding

80L = Do-everything adventure travel

Another way to think about it:

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What Most Adventure Riders End Up Doing

Many experienced riders eventually own both sizes.

• The 50L system for lightweight weekend missions.

• The 80L system for longer adventures and bigger trips.

It gives you flexibility depending on the ride.

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The Real Secret to Better Adventure Riding

The real key isn’t just how much luggage you carry.

It’s how the luggage carries the weight.

A good rackless system keeps the weight:

• Low

• Forward of the rear axle

• Tight to the bike

That’s what keeps your bike stable when the terrain gets rough.

When luggage is bulky, heavy, or hanging too far off the back, the bike becomes harder to control — especially off road.

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Final Thoughts

Both systems have their place.

If you like to travel light and aggressive, a 50L system is perfect.

If you want maximum versatility for any adventure, the 80L system is hard to beat.

Either way, the goal is the same:

Less bulk. Less weight. More riding.