I personally couldn’t live without my motorcycle tank bag.
It holds all of the little things I need frequently and spares me the hassle of having to open my top box (or panniers on long rides) and sorting through all of the random things which inevitably end up there (yeah, I should clean it out more often).
If you haven’t tried one yet, though, consider these pros and cons.
Pros
- Extra luggage space
- Don’t have to worry about items flying out of your pockets while riding
- GPS and map pockets make navigation less of a hassle
- Keeps essential items readily accessible
- Can double as a backpack
Cons
- May get in the way of fuelling and riding
- Bag or straps could rub against your thighs or stomach
- Large bags could interfere with steering
- Not suitable for bikes with tank-top instruments as the bag will block the speedometer and warning lights
- May interfere if you stand up when you ride
I’m a big fan of tank bags and think that the pros outweigh the cons. However, you must pay attention to these cons because many problems can be avoided by choosing the right bag for your bike.
Our Choice Best All Rounder
Givi ST602
The size is right for general, everyday use.
Well designed and functional with numerous pockets and compartments.
Convenient quick-release system and handles allow for hassle-free removal.
Top 4 Motorcycle Tank Bags Reviewed
I’ve included tank bags of various styles/functionality. One of these is sure to suit your riding style and needs.
Givi XS307 Xstream Expandable
This Givi mounts on your fuel ring to be incredibly secure but easy to remove with quick-release.
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All parts are included, but you’ll need to buy the mounting plate separately – and check which plate is compatible with your bike.
My favourite feature is that part of it comes with a shoulder strap so you can easily take valuables with you during pit stops.
Pros
Givi mounting system is very reliable- Shoulder strap for easy use off the bike
- Expandable capacity to 15l
- Water-resistant cover and zips work well
- Lots of extra features like tablet holder, GPS holder, reflective strips, and shoulder straps
Cons
- No anti-theft system
- Non-rigid material causes some sagging when bag is fully loaded
- Have to buy mounting plate separately
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Givi ST602 Sport Touring Tanklock Bag
The Givi ST602 is listed as a semi-rigid tank bag. It actually performs more like a rigid. The difference is that it has a slight give when you push on it (hence why it is “semi” rigid). This helps prevent cracking.
The 4 litre size seems to be just right to get in all of your essentials, plus a few impulse buys.
Like with the Givi tank lock rucksack above, you’ll need to buy the mounting plate separately.
Pros
- Givi mounting system is very reliable
- GPS holder
- Nice pockets and compartments inside
- Has handle plus removable carrying straps
- Quick-release removal
Cons
- No anti-theft system
- Not very waterproof (comes with a cover though)
- Have to buy mounting plate separately
- Not expandable
- A bit pricey
Oxford F1 Tank Bag
Oxford is a very well-known and respected name for motorcycle luggage.
The F1 bag has a generous 18 litre capacity while maintaining a small enough form size to sit tidily on your tank.
We like the inner liner which is showerproof and the extra side pocket, which allows you to organise your gear effectively.
Pros
- 18 litre capacity
- Side pocket
- Device\map holder with clear plastic cover
- Strong magnets give a solid feeling
- Thick zips can be used with gloves on
Cons
- Only showerproof so be careful with your electronics
Lions Magnetic Tank Bag
If you are looking for a cheap motorcycle tank bag, this is probably your best choice.
Despite its low price, the Lions is well made out of a 600 denier synthetic. The material even holds up well in light showers (though you’ll still want to use the rain cover or keep vulnerable items in bags).
The dimensions are 29x16x10cm. That would put it at approximately 4.5 litres, but I find it only really holds about 2.5 litres because of its shape.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Converts to shoulder or leg bag
- Comes with waterproof cover
- Small size won’t get in the way of handlebars
- Lots of pockets for small items, including exterior phone pocket
Cons
- It’s a cheap bag and this is reflected in the overall quality
- Won’t fit some larger phone
What to Put in it?
There are some massive tank bags out there, so they can be used for all types of gear. In general, though, they are used for carrying small items that you need quick access to.
Here are some of the things you could find in mine:
- GPS – see our guide to the Best Motorcycle Sat Nav
- Paper maps (nothing beats old-school maps!)
- Water bottle
- Motorcycle gloves – see our guides to winter and summer gloves
- Visor cloths
- Headlamp
- Pens and small notebook
- Earplugs – Best Earplugs For Your Motorbike
- Pocket knife
- Phone, wallet, keys, loose change
- Impulse purchases
When I first started going on longer rides, I found this article about how to pack a motorcycle helpful. It covers all aspects of motorcycle luggage, including balancing load and safety considerations.
How to Choose
I’m convinced that the riders who don’t like tank bags have the wrong one. The wrong choice of bag could cause all sorts of problems – including some serious safety issues – so you must take the choice seriously.
You need to look at three main things when choosing: attachment method, capacity, and material.
1. Attachment Method
The first thing to look at is the attachment method. A tank bag might not even be compatible with your bike, depending on how it mounts.
a) Magnets
These bags have 4-6 strong magnets. It is straightforward to mount and then remove it. You’ll find tons of options for magnetic tank bags.
Just be warned that the cheap magnetic ones are likely to blow away when riding off-road or loaded up with gear.
Pros
- Easiest and fastest attachment method.
- Can be quickly removed: Perfect for dodgy areas where you want to take your tank bag and its contents with you and for fuelling
- Affordable
- Lots of options and variety
Cons
- Magnets are heavy: When you are already carrying your tank bag with contents, jacket, and helmet, you don’t want the extra weight of magnets!
- Weak magnets are unreliable: Cheap bags use small, weak magnets, which could cause your bag to blow away. You’ll want to use tethering straps just in case
- Might scratch your tank: If the magnets get dirty, scratching the finish is almost inevitable
- Easy removal = easy to steal
- Doesn’t work on aluminium, plastic, or fiberglass tanks
b) Strap
Strap mounts are very secure without being pricey. The only annoying thing is when they don’t have a quick release. Then you have to take every valuable item out of the bag and put it into your pockets when making a pit stop.
Pros
- More secure than magnets
- Less likely to scratch your tank
- Takes a bit more time to steal
Cons
- Not all have a quick-release option.
c) Fuel Ring
This is hands-down the best way to mount a tank bag. You get a special fuel ring for your tank and then attach the bag to this.
The issue with them is that they are only compatible with certain bags. Plus, they are pricier because you have to buy the bag plus the tank ring.
If you are new to tank bags, I’d recommend starting with a more affordable option and seeing how you like it.
Pros
- Very secure.
- Won’t scratch your tank.
- Quick-release makes it very convenient.
Cons
- Only works with specific models of motorcycles and bags.
- Not all brands have anti-theft devices.
- Are expensive.
The video below shows how easy it is to mount using the fuel ring method.
2. Capacity
There are two camps when it comes to capacity. One is adamant that only small tank bags are worthwhile because large ones can get in the way. They think that you shouldn’t use a tank bag for anything but small essential items.
The others will say that large is the way to go because of the extra storage space needs. These tend to be people who tour a lot or need the extra space for a pillion.
One solution to this dilemma is to get an expandable tank bag. Small enough to remain unobtrusive but with flex room if you ever need to shove a 4 pack of beer inside.
Whatever size you get, measure first to make sure it will not obstruct your handlebars. Safety first!
3. Material
They usually come in three types of materials: leather, canvas, or rigid materials.
- Leather: Great durability and natural waterproofness. Not so good when large leather bags soften and start to droop.
- Canvas/Nylon: Great because of its low price and because they usually have lots of pockets. Not so good against water.
- Rigid Materials: These are usually used with fuel ring adapters. They are great for staying in place, waterproofing, and against theft. Downsides are their higher price and because they typically aren’t expandable.
Note about Waterproofness:
Even the best bag isn’t going to be 100% waterproof. If not the material itself, but the zips which are likely to leak. So always put your vulnerable items in plastic bags or get your waterproof cover on ASAP when it starts to rain.
As for rain covers, be warned that wind always seems to get under the rain cover. It will flap around annoyingly until it blows away or you take it off.
4. Other Features
These features are not essential, but some nice extras never hurt.
- Can be used as a rucksack
- GPS or map pockets
- Reflective strips for enhanced visibility
- Inner pockets (speaking from experience, opening your tank bag, and having all the contents spill out onto the road is not a good look!)
- Light colour interior for finding contents easier
- Cable ports for charging devices while you ride
- Removable device pockets
The Winner?
My favourite of these best tank bags is the Givi ST602. The size is suitable for everyday use, and it is designed well, so it doesn’t interfere with riding.
For longer trips, though, I’d use the Givi Xstream Expandable because of the expandable storage and how it converts into a bum bag.
The choice depends on your style of riding, though, and how it fits your bike.