Ever found yourself on a ride, wishing you had a handy spot for your phone, wallet, or a quick snack? That’s where a motorcycle tank bag shines. It’s like a trusty sidekick for your bike, keeping your essentials close and your hands free for the open road. But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. So many shapes, sizes, and attachment styles – it’s enough to make anyone scratch their head.
Choosing the wrong tank bag can mean it slides around, blocks your view, or just doesn’t hold enough. You want something that’s secure, easy to use, and fits your bike and your gear. This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great tank bag and help you figure out which one is the best fit for your adventures.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the key features, discuss different types, and offer tips to make your decision easy. Get ready to find the tank bag that will make your rides even better!
Top Motorcycle Tank Bags Recommendations
No. 1
TUSK Olympus Tank Bag Large – 8L Motorcycle Luggage, Black/Grey, Waterproof Zippers, Phone Map Pocket, Fits ADV, Dual Sport, Touring, and Dirt Bikes
- Spacious & Compact Storage (8L Capacity) – Dimensions: 8" W × 11" L (top) × 12" L (bottom) × 8" H. This 8-liter motorcycle tank bag fits essentials like gloves, sunglasses, tools, and snacks—perfect for day rides or long tours.
- Clear Touch-Friendly Top Pocket – Built-in transparent phone or map pocket on the lid lets you navigate on the go. Designed to fit most smartphones (including iPhone & Samsung Galaxy).
- Smart Charging Ready – Includes front-facing external USB cable port and internal routing to the phone pocket. Keeps your device powered while riding—ideal for GPS or music use.
- Organized Interior Storage – Features 1 exterior mesh pocket, 2 internal mesh pockets (1 zippered, 1 hoop and loop), and multiple elastic loops for secure storage of small tools, cords, pens, or emergency gear.
- Universal Mounting Kit Included – Comes with all adjustable straps and buckles needed for secure tank mounting. Quick to install on most motorcycles, including ADV, sport, cruiser, and touring bikes.
No. 2
Nelson-Rigg Trails End Lite Motorcycle Tank Bag
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: All Nelson-Rigg products are made to the highest standards of quality and finish. Our products are warrantied to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
- SUPER FABRIC: Made from our exclusive and industry leading UltraMax fabric that offers maximum sun protection to help prevent fading and breakdown from the natural elements.
- KEY FEATURES: The bag has clear map pocket, which is also touch screen device friendly, reflective piping, so you can be seen, and maintains its shape when empty.
- PERFECT SIZE: The Trails End Lite Tank Bag is the ideal size for enduro and dual-sport bikes, but it can also be used on the larger adventure bikes and doesn’t interfere with aggressive off-road riding.
- Included components: installation instructions
No. 3
TUSK Olympus Small Tank Bag – 4.5 L, YKK Zippers, Clear Map/Phone Pocket & Cable Port, Rain Cover, Reflective Logos – Universal Mount for Adventure & Dual Sport Bikes
- Compact 4.5 L Adventure‑Ready – Measures 6.5″ W ×10″ L ×7″ H, ideal for small–medium adventure/dual‑sport motorcycles
- Durable Build & YKK Zips – Made of 1680D nylon/polyester with heavy-duty YKK zippers and textured base to prevent slipping
- Clear Map/Phone Lid + Cable Port – Top pocket keeps maps or phones visible; front and internal cable ports allow charging on the go
- Rain Cover & Elastic Storage – Included rain cover stores neatly inside; elastic top cord and sunglass loop secure gear when parked
- Universal Mount & Reflective Safety – Comes with quick-release straps, TPU base for tank grip, and reflective Tusk logos for low-light visibility
No. 4
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Magnetic Tank Bag, EVA Hard Shell Thigh and Drop Leg Bag, Motorcycle Waist Pack for Men and Women, Ideal for Cycling, Hiking and Running, 12L, Black
- Multi-functional Use: This motorcycle bag can be used as a leg bag, thigh bag, waist bag, crossbody bag, shoulder bag, tail bag, and motorcycle tank bag. The bag comes with 5 straps, and by changing the position or adjusting the straps, it can be transformed into different types bags. The leg strap can be adjusted from 17.32 to 25.20", and the thigh strap has 3 levels of adjustment to accommodate different heights and body types. The waist belt can also be adjusted within a range of 44.5".
- Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag: By securely attaching with removable magnets to the motorcycle's tank, it enhances stability during rides. The weight of the tank bag helps balance the motorcycle's center of gravity, reducing wobbling and bumping while riding.
- Thoughtful Design: The shell of this motorcycle waist bag is made of EVA material, which enhances durability and reduces susceptibility to scratches. Its robust structure prevents deformation and lends it a stylish aesthetic.The headphone jack on the motorcycle tank bag enhances driving pleasure and convenience by allowing the rider to connect headphones while driving. Additionally, the key-shaped zipper design facilitates easy to access belongings
- Expandable Large Capacity and Compartmentalized Design: This leg bag has dimensions of L8.86" x W3.94" x 10.24", which can be further expanded to L8.86" x W5.9" x 10.24" using the hidden zipper. Additionally, the double-layer zipper pocket design allows for compartmentalized storage, accommodating everyday items such as a phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, flashlight, charger, gloves, and some small accessories. The interior compartments make it convenient to differentiate these items.
- Perfect for Outdoor Activities:This thigh bag is suitable for mountain climbing, hiking, motorcycle riding, cycling, camping, hunting, and tactical. Moreover, the drop leg bag is a best gift for your family or friends on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or Birthdays.
No. 5
Rhinowalk motorcycle tank bag backpack, separate water bag, duffel bag with molle system, fits most adventure and sport motorcycle frames
- The bag has abundant compartments inside, with five large compartments and multiple independent small compartments for convenient storage of items. It has molle system on the side and top, which can hang a variety of items
- Hidden shoulder strap storage compartment, the shoulder strap can be taken out and it can be used as backpack and hang a helmet
- Equipped with a 1.5L water bladder compartment and water water bladder to meet the water needs during cycling. Four water pipes fixed points
- The zipper compartment at the bottom of the bag has a rain cover separately
- Package included: Bag*1, water bladder*1, strap*3
No. 6
Nelson-Rigg Waterproof Hurricane Adventure Tank Bag, fits Most Honda Yamaha Kawasaki Adventure Bikes Black
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: All Nelson-Rigg products are made to the highest standards of quality and finish. Our products are warrantied to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
- KEEP DRY: Made from heavy duty TPU material with electronically heat welded seams that ensure your contents remain dry.
- KEY FEATURES: Adjustable divider helps keep your gear organized, and the map panel is touch screen friendly.
No. 7
Dracarys Motorcycle Tank Bag Oxford Saddle Black Motorbike Bag - Strong Magnetic Bag for Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Harley
- ATTENTION: Our motorbike bag adapts to most tanks except some specially shaped tanks. More over this tank bag is not compatible with Irregular shape，plastic or aluminum motorcycle tanks. When remove the tank bag, first take off the wings from the tank, and then slowly remove it, do not directly drag the tank bag to remove, as dragging may cause scratches on the surface of the tank
- STRONG MAGNETIC: Powerful magnetic to fasten the bag on motorcycle tank, and the included fixing strap can be fixed to the front of the motorcycle, providing a double guarantee for the bag to be stably fixed on the water tank
- WIDELY USED: The motorbike bag is suitable for most motorbike like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley, it's a perfect accessories
- POCKET: The bag has a special designed which is a transparent cell phone bag on the top, convenient to watch your phone or navigator
- MATERIAL: The motorcycle tank bag is made of strong oxford fabric, cell phone pouch cover is made of clear PVC. There is a rainproof cover inside the tank bag which could be helpful in rainy days
No. 8
Motorcycle Tank Bag, Water Resistant with Super Strong Magnetic Gas Oil Fuel Tank Bag Black bigger Window for Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Harley
- Durable Construction: Crafted from robust Polyester, ensuring long-lasting use and resistance to wear and tear
- Generous Capacity: Offers ample space with a 4-liter capacity to carry all your essentials on the go
- Secure Mounting: Equipped with strong magnetic mounts and a window-mount strap for a stable fit on your motorcycle tank
- Easy Access: Features a buckle closure for quick and convenient access to your belongings
- Sleek Design: Available in a stylish Black color with a Solid pattern, complementing your motorcycle's aesthetics
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Motorcycle Tank Bag Essentials
When you ride your motorcycle, you need a place to put your stuff. A motorcycle tank bag is a great solution. It attaches to the top of your gas tank. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
There are several important things to consider.
Size and Capacity
- Small bags: Good for your phone, wallet, and keys. They don’t get in the way.
- Medium bags: Fit a bit more, like a small water bottle or a lightweight jacket.
- Large bags: Can hold a lot, maybe a lunch or extra gear for a day trip.
- Consider your needs: Think about what you usually carry. Don’t buy a huge bag if you only need to carry a phone.
Mounting System
- Magnetic: These bags stick to metal tanks. They are easy to put on and take off. Make sure your tank is metal!
- Strap-on: These use straps that go around your tank. They work on almost any tank, even plastic or carbon fiber.
- Quick-release: Some bags have a special mount. You can attach or remove the bag in seconds. This is very handy.
Expandability
- Some bags can get bigger. They often have zippers that let you expand the space. This is useful if you sometimes need more room.
Water Resistance
- Many bags are water-resistant. This means they can handle light rain.
- Some come with a rain cover for heavier downpours. A waterproof bag is best if you ride in all kinds of weather.
Visibility and Reflectivity
- Look for bags with reflective strips. These help other drivers see you at night.
- Some bags have clear tops. You can see your phone screen through them.
Ease of Use
- Can you open and close the bag easily while riding?
- Are the zippers smooth?
- Is it simple to attach and detach?
Important Materials
The materials used make a big difference.
- Nylon: This is a strong and popular choice. It’s tough and resists tearing. Many bags use different types of nylon, like Cordura.
- Polyester: Another good option. It’s durable and can be water-resistant.
- PVC or Vinyl: These materials offer excellent waterproofing. They are often used for the outer shell.
- Zipper Quality: Good zippers are strong and easy to use. YKK zippers are known for their durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good construction makes a bag last longer and work better.
What Makes a Bag Better:
- Strong stitching: Look for neat, double stitching. This shows it’s built to last.
- Reinforced corners: These areas get a lot of wear. Extra reinforcement helps.
- Quality zippers: Smooth, strong zippers are a must.
- Good padding: Protects your gear inside.
- Secure mounting: The bag should stay put, even at high speeds.
What Makes a Bag Worse:
- Cheap plastic buckles: These can break easily.
- Flimsy zippers: They can stick or break.
- Poor stitching: Loose threads or weak seams won’t last.
- Bag that shifts: If the bag moves around while you ride, it’s annoying and unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your tank bag matters.
- Everyday Commuting: A small to medium bag is perfect for your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and maybe a snack.
- Day Trips: A larger or expandable bag can hold a water bottle, a light jacket, a map, and some snacks.
- Navigation: Many tank bags have a clear top pocket for your phone or GPS. This makes it easy to see your route.
- Convenience: You can quickly grab what you need without stopping your motorcycle.
- Storage: It keeps your essentials close and secure.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a motorcycle tank bag?
A: The main purpose is to provide convenient and secure storage for your belongings while you ride your motorcycle.
Q: How do magnetic tank bags attach?
A: Magnetic tank bags attach by sticking to the metal surface of your motorcycle’s gas tank using strong magnets.
Q: Are strap-on tank bags secure?
A: Yes, strap-on tank bags are very secure when attached properly. They use adjustable straps that go around your tank.
Q: Can I use a tank bag on a plastic gas tank?
A: You cannot use a magnetic tank bag on a plastic tank. You will need to use a strap-on or quick-release system.
Q: How do I clean my motorcycle tank bag?
A: Most tank bags can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are tank bags waterproof?
A: Many tank bags are water-resistant, meaning they can handle light rain. Some come with a rain cover for better protection.
Q: Will a tank bag interfere with my riding?
A: A well-sized and properly mounted tank bag should not interfere with your riding. It’s important to choose a size that fits your bike and your needs.
Q: What kind of things can I store in a tank bag?
A: You can store everyday items like your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, snacks, a small water bottle, or a light jacket.
Q: How much gear can a typical tank bag hold?
A: The amount of gear varies by size. Small bags might hold 2-5 liters, while larger ones can hold 15-25 liters or more.
Q: Are expensive tank bags always better?
A: Not always. While higher prices can mean better materials and features, you can find great quality tank bags at various price points. Focus on the features and materials that matter to you.