Nelson-Rigg
Nelson-Rigg is a privately held Santa Ana, California manufacturer founded in 1972 that designs, makes, and distributes motorcycle and powersports soft luggage, covers, and raingear direct-to-consumer and through North American dealers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersSanta Ana, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Nelson-Rigg does
Nelson-Rigg USA, Inc., founded in 1972 and headquartered at 3518 West Lake Center Drive, Suite A, Santa Ana, California, is a privately held manufacturer of motorcycle and powersports accessories operating with 51–100 employees. The company produces three product categories: (1) soft luggage — tank bags, tail bags, saddlebags, and dry bags organized into Route 1 (cruiser/touring), Trails End (adventure/dual sport), Hurricane (waterproof extreme duty via electronically heat-welded seams), and Commuter (sport touring) lines; (2) motorcycle covers — Defender Extreme (UltraMax® fabric, lifetime warranty), Defender (mid-tier), and Nelson Rigg (entry-level) series spanning motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, trikes, and scooters; and (3) raingear — StormRider, WeatherPro, and Solo Storm jackets/pants/suits. The technical platform centers on proprietary UltraMax® fabric (UV-resistant, maximum durability), RIGG STRAPS™ and Quick Release Plate mounting systems, MOLLE modular accessory architecture, and electronic heat-welded seams for 100% waterproof products.
Nelson-Rigg's business model is omnichannel B2C with three revenue streams: direct e-commerce via nelsonrigg.com (with phone-order support at 714-850-1811), distributor sales through Parts Canada and Motovan supplying North American dealers, and dealer/reseller sales. Pricing is one-time unit purchase (luggage $24.95–$384.95, covers $9.95–$169.95, raingear $24.95–$89.95) with free UPS Ground shipping on orders $50+ within the contiguous U.S.; warranties range from one year on entry-level covers to lifetime on Defender Extreme covers and UltraMax luggage. Customer segments are horizontally distributed across cruiser/touring, sport touring, adventure, dual sport, and UTV owners — all consumer/end-rider rather than B2B/enterprise — with no disclosed logos and a 30-day return policy (10% restocking fee). Geographic reach is concentrated to USA (HQ market) and Canada; no public funding events, M&A, or institutional ownership structures are disclosed.
Recent strategic activity is product-led rather than capital-led: a 2025 release of the RG-QRP-FB Quick Release Saddlebag Plate, a broad 2026 new-products line spanning UTV covers, adventure tank/saddle bags, MOLLE accessories, and the NR-275 Highway Roller tour trunk, and ongoing partnerships with the American Motorcyclist Association and Motorcycle Industry Council. Tech infrastructure shows a single ecommerce-platform/UPS shipping integration with no AI/ML modalities, public API, or developer-facing services reported.
Nelson-Rigg firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nelson-Rigg
- Legal name
- Nelson-Rigg USA Inc.
- Website
- https://nelsonrigg.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Nelson-Rigg is a privately held Santa Ana, California manufacturer founded in 1972 that designs, makes, and distributes motorcycle and powersports soft luggage, covers, and raingear direct-to-consumer and through North American dealers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nelson-Rigg industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Motorcycle Accessories
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Backpacks, Bags & Load-Carriage Retail (CRAMAMAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Riding Jackets, Pants & Suits Retail (Leather/Textile) (CRAMANAF), Off-Road & MX Gear Retail (Dirt Bike/Motocross/Enduro) (CRAMANAG), Outdoor Travel Gear (Duffels, Packs, Dry Bags) Retail (CRAMAAAI)
Keywords
Where Nelson-Rigg is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Ana
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Nelson-Rigg business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Sales: Products sold directly to consumers through nelsonrigg.com website. Orders processed online with credit card acceptance. Free shipping on orders $50+ within USA.
- Phone Orders: Orders placed by phone at 714-850-1811 for customers preferring direct communication. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover accepted.
- Distributor Sales: Products sold in bulk to major distributors (Parts Canada, Motovan) who then supply dealers across North America. Company does not drop ship to individual dealers or online stores.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Motorcycle Luggage - Tank Bags, Tail Bags, Saddlebags |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Motorcycle Covers - Multiple Series |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Motorcycle Raingear - Suits and Accessories |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free Shipping Threshold |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Nelson-Rigg product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nelson-Rigg designs and manufactures soft motorcycle luggage (saddlebags, tank bags, tail bags, dry bags, backrest rack bags), all-weather motorcycle covers (for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, trikes), and motorcycle raingear (rain suits, jackets, pants, boot covers). Products are built using proprietary UltraMax fabric and 1680 Trimax Ballistic nylon with universal mounting systems, and are organized into sub-brands including Route 1 (cruiser/touring), Trails End (adventure/dual sport), Hurricane (waterproof extreme duty), and Commuter (sport touring).
Product overview
Nelson-Rigg is a manufacturer of motorcycle accessories producing soft luggage, motorcycle covers, and raingear since 1972. The product portfolio includes three main categories: (1) Motorcycle Luggage comprising tank bags, tail bags, saddlebags, and dry bags across multiple sub-brands including Route 1 (premium cruiser touring), Trails End (adventure/dual sport), Hurricane (waterproof extreme duty), and Commuter (sport touring); (2) Motorcycle Covers organized in three series tiers—Defender Extreme (top-tier, lifetime warranty, UltraMax fabric), Defender (mid-range, multiple warranty options), and Nelson Rigg (entry-level, 1-year warranty)—covering motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, and trikes; and (3) Raingear including StormRider, WeatherPro, and Solo Storm product lines with jackets, pants, suits, and accessories. Products share common materials including 1680 Trimax Ballistic nylon and UltraMax fabric, feature waterproof construction with rain covers, and are backed by warranties ranging from 1-year to lifetime depending on product line. Accessories include mounting straps, replacement parts, MOLLE modular systems, and UTV storage solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Route 1 Highway Roller Tour Trunk & Backrest Bag (NR-275) Premium tour trunk and backrest bag for cruiser motorcycles with smooth-glide wheels and retractable handle for off-bike travel. Expandable from 42L to 52L (60L total with front pockets), made from UltraMax fabric with lifetime warranty.
- Road Trip Saddlebags (NR-400) Premium cruiser saddlebags featuring UltraMax fabric, custom fender strut mounting brackets, and lifetime warranty. Universal fit across 40+ motorcycle models including Harley-Davidson Softail, Dyna, and metric cruisers.
- Trails End Grand Adventure Tank Bag (RG-2045) Large-capacity adventure tank bag with MOLLE modular webbing system for attaching map panels, pods, and pockets from the Grand Adventure accessory line. Designed for adventure motorcycles.
- Trails End Adventure Saddlebags (RG-2050) Adventure saddlebags with 25L storage per side plus integrated lower pockets. UltraMax fabric, universal RIGG STRAP mounting, internal removable waterproof liners, and MOLLE panels.
- Trails End RiggPak Crash Bar/Tail Bag (RG-2005) Versatile crash bar and tail bag with universal mounting system designed for dual sport and adventure motorcycles with secure strap-based attachment.
- Trails End Lite Tank Bag (RG-1040) Compact 3L enduro tank bag with quick release straps and contoured base. Features reflective piping, waterproof rain cover, and touch-screen-friendly map pocket.
- Trails End Lite Tail Bag (RG-1050-L) Small 5.5L tail bag for dual sport and enduro motorcycles with rigid construction, MOLLE panel on lid, reflective piping, and lockable zippers.
- Hurricane 2.0 Waterproof Backpack/Tail Pack (SE-4030) 100% waterproof backpack with roll-top closure and electronically heat-welded seams. Usable as both a backpack and a tail pack with multiple mounting configurations.
- Hurricane Dual Sport Waterproof Saddlebags (SE-4014) Pair of waterproof saddlebags for dual sport motorcycles with electronically heat-welded seams and roll-top closure for complete waterproofing.
- Hurricane Dry Duffle Bags (25L / 40L / 60L) 100% waterproof roll-top duffle bags in three sizes with electronically heat-welded seams, purge valve, and RIGG STRAP mounting system. Suitable for motorcycles, UTVs, PWCs, and snowmobiles.
- Hurricane Adventure Tank Bag (SE-4008) Large adventure tank bag designed for BMW GS and similar adventure motorcycles. Waterproof construction with MOLLE mounting system.
- Commuter Series Tank Bags (CL-1100) Sport touring tank bags available in magnetic mount or strap mount versions. Reflective piping and compact design for daily commuter use on sport motorcycles.
- Commuter Series Tail Bags Universal fit tail bags for sport motorcycles in multiple sizes with reflective piping, secure mounting system, and waterproof rain cover.
- CL-890 Mini Commuter Expandable Saddlebags Compact expandable saddlebags for sport motorcycles with expandable design for additional capacity when needed.
- Journey Highway Cruiser Magnetic Tank Bag (NR-150) Magnetic mounting tank bag for cruiser motorcycles with touch-screen-friendly map pocket and 100% waterproof rain cover.
- Traveler Tour Trunk Rack Bag (NR-300) Tour trunk rack bag with rigid construction and universal mounting system designed for long-distance touring with spacious interior.
- Weekender Backrest Rack Bag (NR-215) Mid-sized backrest rack bag for weekend touring with universal mounting and secure storage for cruiser motorcycles.
- Day Trip Backrest Rack Bag (NR-210) Compact rack bag for daily use and short trips. Universal fit design with quick-attach mounting system.
- Magnetic Phone Holder (NR-50) Magnetic phone mount for motorcycle fuel tanks, compatible with Harley-Davidson and other motorcycles with metal tanks.
- RIGG STRAPS Kit Adjustable mounting straps for securing motorcycle luggage. Universal design fits various luggage types and mounting points.
- SR-6000 StormRider Motorcycle Rain Suit Premium 2-piece waterproof rain suit with ventilation system, soft polyester outer shell with PVC backing, reflective striping, concealed hood, corduroy collar, and oversized zipper gussets.
- WP-8000 WeatherPro Motorcycle Rain Suit Professional-grade 2-piece rain suit with corduroy collar and waterproof construction, designed for all-weather motorcycle riding.
- Solo Storm Jacket (SSJ) Single-piece waterproof motorcycle rain jacket with ventilation and reflective elements.
- Solo Storm Pants (SSP) Waterproof rain pants with elasticized waist and cuffs, reinforced seat panel, and self-fastening attachment points for suspenders.
- WPRB-100 Waterproof Motorcycle Rain Boot Covers 100% waterproof boot covers made from polyester with PVC backing, featuring rubberized 1/2 sole for durability and designed to be worn over shoes or boots.
- CL-SHIFT Motorcycle Boot Shift Protector Protective gear for motorcycle boots to prevent wear from gear shift operation.
- Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover Top-of-line motorcycle cover with UltraMax material, 100% waterproof construction, and lifetime warranty. Packed in compression bag for compact storage.
- Defender Extreme Sport Bike Cover Sport bike specific cover with water droplet beading technology and lifetime warranty.
- Defender Extreme Adventure Motorcycle Cover Adventure motorcycle cover with extended coverage for tall bikes, featuring UltraMax material and lifetime warranty.
- Defender Extreme Pro UTV Cover Premium UTV cover for 2-seat and 4-seat vehicles with 100% waterproof construction and lifetime warranty.
- Defender Extreme ATV Cover All-terrain vehicle cover with waterproof construction and lifetime warranty.
- Defender Extreme Trike All-Weather Cover (TRK-350) Trike-specific all-weather cover with waterproof construction and compression bag, fitting Can-Am Spyder and other trike vehicles.
- Defender Extreme Route 1 Half Cover Half coverage motorcycle cover protecting the front portion of the motorcycle from weather and UV damage.
- Defender All Weather Cover Mid-range all-weather motorcycle cover with 5-year warranty. Waterproof construction suitable for outdoor storage.
- Defender Deluxe Motorcycle Cover Deluxe motorcycle cover with superior weather protection and mid-range warranty period.
- Defender Half Cover Half-cover design for front-end protection against weather and debris.
- Econo Motorcycle Cover Budget-friendly waterproof motorcycle cover suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Motorcycle & Trike Dust Covers Indoor dust covers for motorcycle and trike storage, protecting against dust, scratches, and light debris.
- Scooter Cover Compact cover designed specifically for scooter dimensions and storage requirements.
- Route 1 Highway Handlebar Bag (NR-100) Handlebar-mounted storage bag for cruiser motorcycles with quick-access design.
- Rover Pet Carrier (NR-240) Pet carrier designed for transporting small dogs on motorcycle trips with secure mounting and ventilation.
- U S A Under Seat Attachment (NR-USA) Under-seat mounting system for securing luggage on motorcycles without traditional mounting points.
- Traveler Lite Trunk/Rack Bag (NR-250) Lightweight version of the Traveler trunk bag with streamlined design for compact touring needs.
- Destination and Getaway Backrest Rack Bags Backrest-mounted rack bags available in Destination and Getaway models for cruiser motorcycles.
- Dual Sport/Enduro Tank Bag (SE-3060) Compact tank bag designed for dual sport and enduro motorcycles with strap-based mounting.
- Hurricane Roll Bag (SE-4010) Compact 10L roll-top dry bag for minimal gear storage with waterproof construction.
- Hurricane Adventure Dry Saddlebags (SE-4050) Dry saddlebags with roll-top waterproof closure designed for adventure motorcycles, featuring fuel bottle holder integration.
- Hurricane Adventure Tail Bag (SE-4028) Large adventure tail bag with waterproof construction and roll-top closure, designed for extended touring and adventure riding.
- Hurricane Dual Sport Tail Bag (SE-4012) Waterproof tail bag optimized for dual sport motorcycles with compact design and secure mounting.
- Trails End Dual Sport Saddlebags (RG-020) Compact saddlebags designed for dual sport and enduro motorcycles with universal mounting system.
- Trails End Rear Fender Bag with Tool Roll (RG-025) Rear fender-mounted bag with integrated tool roll for organized storage of tools and small items.
- Trails End Front Fender Bag (RG-030) Front fender-mounted storage bag for dual sport motorcycles with compact profile.
- Getaway 2.0 Backrest Rack Bag (NR-225) Backrest rack bag with 2.0 upgraded design for enhanced touring capability and storage.
- Defender Extreme Pro XL UTV Cover Extended length UTV cover designed for larger side-by-side vehicles, featuring 100% waterproof construction and lifetime warranty.
- Trails End Grand Adventure MOLLE Map Panel (RG-ADV-MAP) MOLLE-compatible map pocket panel that attaches to Trails End Grand Adventure bags for quick access to maps and navigation devices.
- Trails End Grand Adventure MOLLE Pods (RG-ADV-POD) MOLLE-compatible storage pods for attaching to Grand Adventure bags, providing additional organized storage compartments.
- Trails End Grand Adventure MOLLE Pocket (RG-ADV-PKT) MOLLE-compatible utility pocket for additional storage organization on Grand Adventure luggage systems.
- Trails End Fuel Bottle Holder (RG-1060) MOLLE-compatible fuel bottle holder that mounts to adventure luggage and holds up to 30 oz bottles.
- Flat Oval Bar Quick Release Saddlebag Plate (RG-QRP-FB) Quick release mounting plate for flat oval handlebars, enabling easy installation and removal of saddlebags.
- Exhaust Heat Shield (RG-HS) Heat shield protecting luggage from exhaust heat on dual sport motorcycles.
- Antenna Grommet Kit Grommet kit for motorcycle covers to accommodate antenna installations without tearing the cover material.
- Trails End Tool Roll Roll-style tool organizer for storing and accessing tools during motorcycle trips.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products warranted for lifetime on luggage and Defender Extreme covers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Nelson-Rigg
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Nelson-Rigg technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature5 records
Nelson-Rigg partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Parts CanadacoreMajor Canadian distributor for Nelson-Rigg products. Riders can contact Parts Canada at (403) 250-6611 to find a dealer near them.
- MotovancoreMajor Canadian distributor for Nelson-Rigg products. Contact: (450) 449-7733. Dealers can order through Motovan for next-day delivery.
- American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)minorAMA logo displayed on Nelson-Rigg website indicating partnership or promotional relationship with the American Motorcyclist Association.
- Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC)minorMIC logo displayed on Nelson-Rigg website indicating membership or partnership with the Motorcycle Industry Council.
- Lifestyle CyclesminorAnaheim, California dealership featured as first online retailer and brick-and-mortar dealer to stock the NR-275 Highway Roller. Nationwide shipping available.
- GBD MarketingminorWebsite design and digital marketing partner based in Huntington Beach, California responsible for Nelson-Rigg website development.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Nelson-Rigg competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dowco: US manufacturer of motorcycle covers and Powersport accessories. Directly comparable to Nelson-Rigg's Defender Extreme and Defender Series motorcycle covers, with overlapping dealer relationships in the US powersports channel.
- Kriega: UK-based specialist in motorcycle luggage, particularly dry bags and ADV packs. Directly comparable in motorcycle backpacks, tail packs, and waterproof luggage where Nelson-Rigg's Hurricane line competes.
- Touratech: German premium adventure motorcycle accessories brand. Direct peer in ADV-focused tank bags, side carriers, and luggage systems targeted at long-distance adventure riders.
- Givi: Italian global leader in motorcycle hard and soft luggage, top cases, and accessories. Most direct peer to Nelson-Rigg in motorcycle tank bags, saddlebags, and tail bags, with significantly broader global distribution and OEM partnerships.
- FirstGear: US-based maker of motorcycle riding apparel including rain suits, jackets, and heated gear. Direct peer to Nelson-Rigg's StormRider and WeatherPro rain suit product lines in the motorcycle raingear category.
- Saddlemen: US-based manufacturer of motorcycle seats, luggage, and accessories. Direct peer in cruiser/touring luggage, saddlebags, and seats, competing in the same Harley-Davidson and metric cruiser segments as Nelson-Rigg's Route 1 line.
- Cortech: US-based maker of motorcycle luggage, sport riding gear, and rain apparel. Direct peer in saddlebags, tank bags, tail bags, and motorcycle raingear with overlapping product categories and similar distribution through US dealers.
- SW-MOTECH: German manufacturer of motorcycle luggage, protection, and accessories with strong focus on the adventure/ADV segment. Direct competitor in tank bags, saddlebags, and tail bags for BMW GS, KTM, and similar adventure bikes.
- Kuryakyn: US-based manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, particularly for cruiser and touring riders. Direct peer in luggage, covers, and accessories for Harley-Davidson and metric cruiser segments with similar North American dealer distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Covercraft: US-based broad manufacturer of vehicle covers for cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and more. Adjacent competitor to Nelson-Rigg's motorcycle covers, with a much larger product portfolio spanning automotive and powersports.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nelson-Rigg social profiles
Digital presenceNelson-Rigg financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nelson-Rigg leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Nelson-Rigg funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nelson-Rigg M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nelson-Rigg
What does Nelson-Rigg do?
Nelson-Rigg designs and manufactures soft motorcycle luggage (saddlebags, tank bags, tail bags, dry bags, backrest rack bags), all-weather motorcycle covers (for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, trikes), and motorcycle raingear (rain suits, jackets, pants, boot covers). Products are built using proprietary UltraMax fabric and 1680 Trimax Ballistic nylon with universal mounting systems, and are organized into sub-brands including Route 1 (cruiser/touring), Trails End (adventure/dual sport), Hurricane (waterproof extreme duty), and Commuter (sport touring).
Is Nelson-Rigg a public or private company?
Nelson-Rigg is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Nelson-Rigg founded?
Nelson-Rigg was founded in 1972. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Nelson-Rigg based?
Nelson-Rigg is headquartered in Santa Ana, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nelson-Rigg make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Sales are the primary driver. The others are phone Orders and distributor Sales.
Who are Nelson-Rigg's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dowco, Kriega, Touratech, Givi, FirstGear, Saddlemen, Cortech, SW-MOTECH and Kuryakyn. Covercraft is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Nelson-Rigg have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nelson-Rigg.
What industry is Nelson-Rigg in?
Nelson-Rigg's product category is Motorcycle Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAMAI, Backpacks, Bags & Load-Carriage Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMANAF, Riding Jackets, Pants & Suits Retail (Leather/Textile). Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3714.