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 important items easily 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 obviously a big fan of tank bags and think that the pros outweigh the cons. However, it is really important that you 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.
Very handy quick release system and handles allow for hassle free removal.
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What to Put in it?
There are some really 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 really 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 just have the wrong one. The wrong choice of bag could cause all sorts of problems – including some serious safety issues – so it is important that you take the choice seriously.
There’s three main things you need to look at 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 incredibly easy 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 when 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 thing that is annoying 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.
In the video below, you can see 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 just get an expandable tank bag. Small enough to remain unobtrusive but with flex room in case 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 cheap 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, waterproofness, and against theft. Downsides are their higher price and because they usually 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
Top 4 Motorcycle Tank Bags Reviewed
I’ve tried to include 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, so is incredibly secure but is 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 easu use off 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.
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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 pricy
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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 how it is shaped.
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
Oxford M4R Tank N Tailer Magnetic Bag
Oxford is a very well-known and respected name for motorcycle luggage.
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What’s great about their M4R bag is that it can be used as a tank or a tail bag, which gives you some more flexibility on how to use it.
As a tank bag, the design is really clever – like how it has a visor over the large map/GPS pocket and electrical outlets for use with your device. This model is 4 litres.
Pros
Can be used as tank or tail bag
Anti-glare visor over map pocket
Touchscreen friendly
Lightweight but sturdy
Good water resistance
Cons
Doesn’t double as a rucksack
Not expandable
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The Winner?
My favourite of these best tank bags is the Givi ST602. The size is right for everyday use and it is designed really 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 bum bag.
The choice really depends on your style of riding though and how it fits your bike.
