Best Motorcycle Tank Bags In 2021 Review

When touring on our motorcycle, we all know how important storage is. Taking a long trip? We need a top box, panniers; you name it!

But where do we put those little essentials? We don’t want to mix them with the rest of our luggage, they’ll get lost. Phones, wallets, maps; these things need to be easily accessible.

The solution? A tank bag, course!

Therefore, we’ve decided to compile a list of the best motorcycle tank bags that are currently available. So, let’s take a look and find the perfect one for you!

Top 10 Motorcycle Tank Bags Worth Buying On The Market Reviews

1 Coleman Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag – Best Motorcycle Tank Bag for Traveling Light

Tiny but mighty!

First up, is a compact item from Coleman. At just 9 by 8 by 5.1 inches, this is not for people who like to pack everything but the kitchen sink! It’s more suitable for those who travel light.

Constructed from 1680D polyester, this tank bag is robust and durable. It does offer some protection from the rain, but beware! It is not waterproof. In heavy downpours, we may find some dampness creeping in.

Map or phone…

On the top, we find a transparent map pocket. We know, we know! Who uses maps in this day and age? But when using a phone for GPS, this compartment is the perfect place to put it. However, you won’t be able to use the touch screen. The plastic is too thick for that.

How does it stay attached?

Magnets take care of that. Just pop it on the tank, and it will cling on tightly! Or rather, it should cling on tightly. Unfortunately, these aren’t as strong as we’d like them to be. We’d probably reinforce them with a couple of bungee cords too.

Does your bike have a USB charger?

If so, this bag is compatible! A rubber-covered slot allows you to sneak a cable in, without the risk of your phone getting wet in the rain.

A great way to kick off our list!

2 Nelson-Riggs Trail End Adventure Motorcycle Tank Bag RG-1045 – Best Expandable Motorcycle Tank Bag

A reputation to uphold

OK, full disclosure: we love Nelson-Rigg products! Since 1972, they’ve been making awesome motorcycle accessories. But can this bag live up to their reputation?

Well, the answer is yes, and no!

When flat, this holds up to 12.39 liters. But when expanded, it can hold an impressive 16.52 liters! There’s room for all the essentials and more! On the top, we get a plastic map slot. But what’s so good about that?

It is touch-sensitive! We can place a phone in there and still use it. And of course, if you’re old-school, you could pop a map inside instead if you prefer.

This is a bag that takes safety seriously. Reflective piping ensures we’ll be seen, even in low light. This feature is a real bonus.

That all sounds great so far? What’s the catch?

Well, it has some issues in bad weather. Though the polyester is strong, it does not completely keep out water. Luckily, it includes a rain cover, and it’s easily accessible in a downpour!

Plus, when extended, it can be bulky. For bikes such as the CBR models, where the rider hugs the gas tanks, it might get in the way. We don’t want to restrict our movement!

So, there are ups and downs. But we think there are far more ups!

3 Givi ST602 Sport-T Range Tank Lock Quick Release Tank bag 4 Liters – Best Hardshell Motorcycle Tank Bag

Built for the road

With its modern look and solid structure, this is a sleek and stylish Givi tank bag.

But is it as good as it looks?

This is the first bag on our list that has joined the 2021s! Instead of a map pocket, it has a dedicated phone slot. And even better, the plastic window is touch-sensitive!

It’s also our first hard case bag. We love having that little extra peace of mind. If the bag falls off, or we have an accident, we know our belongings will be well protected.

Is it likely to fall off?

No, absolutely not! Thanks to a mounting kit, this tank bag is sure to stay attached. And when we want to remove the bag, the quick release system takes care of that! But, there’s a downside. That mounting kit does not come included with the bag. It’s sold separately, meaning more expense for us.

At just 4 liters, it doesn’t have much capacity. But, then again, it’s so compact that we know it won’t get in the way.

Better for smaller bikes…

Due to its size, we’d recommend this for a thinner, bike. This isn’t a tank bag for cruisers! But on a skinny bike, such as a D-Tracker, we think it would look pretty great!

4 Motorcycle Tank Bag Waterproof with Strong Magnetic Motorbike Bag for Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawsaki Harley Large – Most Spacious Motorcycle Tank Bag

Seriously roomy

With a 28 liter capacity, this is one of the biggest tank bags on our list! In fact, we could even fit a full-face helmet in!

To hold it on, we find four powerful magnets in the lining of the flaps. These magnets are backed up by D-ring straps. They clip discretely and tightly onto the motorcycle frame, and safely out of the way.

Plenty of storage…

In addition to that main compartment, we get three extra pockets too. On top, we find our old friend, the plastic map pocket. And then, we get a large side pocket, and small top pocket as well.

No, it is not waterproof! But 1680D Oxford fabric offers a decent level of water resistance. And that is supported by a built-in rain cover, for all-over protection.

As we’re sure you can tell, we like this bag a lot! Is there a downside?

Its enormous bulk can be annoying. It feels a little like having a basketball on our stomach when the bag is filled to capacity!

But, for large touring bike riders, this could be one of the best motorbike tank bags around!

5 Cortech 8230-0505-18 Black Super 2.0 Magnetic Mount Tank Bag – Best Motorcycle Tank Bag with Backpack Straps

Back me up

Pen holders, phone compartment, map window; is there anything this tank bag doesn’t have?

At 18 liters, we get a good capacity here. And with a wide range of pockets, this bag fulfills almost every need! It’s awesome to have such a great variety of compartments.

Magnets keep this tightly attached to the bike. Unlike some bags, though, it uses strips, rather than discs. This allows it to grip to a larger surface area, adding an extra layer of security.

What’s the best thing about this bag?

It has backpack straps!

The most frustrating thing we find about tank bags is carrying them off the bike. They’re just not designed for it. How many times have we stopped to check out a cool spot, only to have the bag swinging awkwardly at our side?

Well, now, there’s no problem! Simply uncover the hidden straps, and throw it onto your back!

A nice drink of water…

And we’re also impressed by the water sack hole. If you ride with a hydration pack, there’s a convenient, rubber-covered gap for the tube.

We love it!

6 Motorcycle Tank Bank Water Resistant with Super Strong Magnetic Gas Oil Fuel Tank Bag Black

Water, water, everywhere (but please stay out of my bag!)

Another small bag next. Measuring 13. 17 by 7. 87 by 3. 94 inches, this is a long, thin, bag. It’s great for items like water bottles!

Is this tank bag waterproof?

No, but thanks to 1680D Oxford fabric, it is water-resistant. It will protect against moderate rainfall. Plus, a handy rain cover is included. And that fabric is strong. No risk of tearing here! We feel confident that this bag won’t be damaged, even if it falls off the bike.

But unfortunately, falling off the bike is a possibility. Why?

The magnets just aren’t strong enough. Luckily, it does include an additional strap for extra security. But, we’d recommend paying an extra couple of bucks and getting a stronger set of magnets, just to be on the safe side.

This is another more modern bag, in that it has a phone, rather than a map holder. However, it can be quite a snug fit.

Why does this matter?

Well, on the plus side, it means there is no risk of losing the phone. It also means that the plastic sits tightly against the screen, reducing visibility problems from sun glare. But, those with larger phones won’t be able to use it. And we definitely couldn’t fit a tablet in there!

So, this is a fairly mixed bag. But overall, we think it’s pretty decent for the price!

7 Cortech 8230-0505 Black Super 2.0 Magnetic Mount Tank Bag – Best Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag

Big and bold

Another Cortech product here! Will we love this as much as the previous one?

Yes, this is fantastic! For a start, it’s massive! At 14 by 11 by 5 inches, we have room for everything, and more! Not only is there a sizable inner compartment, but pockets also give us a place for everything. It even has separate card slots, if we need to whip out our license in a hurry.

The map pocket covers most of the front of the bag, and would easily accept a tablet. The rain cover features a transparent window to view the map in inclement weather. And there’s a hole a for hydration tube or phone charger.

There’s a lot to like here!

Basically, it’s pretty comparable to the other Cortech tank bag we looked at. The only real difference is that it doesn’t have backpack straps. But, that is reflected in the cost.

This is robust, durable, and well crafted. The stitching backs up the tough material, making it extra hardy. We’d have no concerns about any damage coming to this bag!

And the magnets are superb. If we didn’t know any better, we’d think the bag had been welded on!

8 Nelson-Rigg NR-150 Journey Highway Cruiser Magnetic Tank bag, Black – Best Cruiser Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag

Cruising with style

One of the best motorcycle tank bags for cruisers now! Here, we have another Nelson-Rigg item, the second in our list.

Thanks to foam padding, this bag holds its shape really well. Not only that, but it also gives us added protection against falling. It is certain to keep your possessions safe from breakages!

Then again, there’s not much chance of it falling off. Why?

Those magnets are totally unyielding! In fact, they’re some of the strongest we’ve seen. They cling like limpets to a rock, refusing to budge under any circumstances.

Not too big, not too small; this one is 12. 1 by 12. 9 by 5. 5 inches. Obviously, this means it’s more of a square-type shape. We need to consider that when deciding what to carry.

‘But wait!’ I hear you cry! Won’t that be too small for a cruiser?

Actually, no! It looks great, whether on a Royal Enfield Bullet or Harley Roadster.

There is a downside, though. That padding we mentioned? It makes it smaller on the inside than out. We can’t fit quite as much in as we might expect.

Aside from all that…

It has the various features we’ve come to expect from a high-quality tank bag. Map pocket, transparent cover, headphone jack; there’s not much else we need!

Oh, and one more thing; though we really like it, this isn’t the cheapest bag on our list!

9 KTM Adventure Bag – Best Dirt Bike Tank Bag

We’re going on an adventure!

One for intrepid explorers here! This is a great tank bag for dirt riders.

With an 18 liter capacity, we get ample room for all we need. It features an array of differently sized pockets (yes, including our trusty map holder). And we can rely on their sturdy zip fastenings.

We love to ride some seriously muddy trails! Is this bag suitable?

Regarding size, shape, and durability, yes! Tough nylon, enforced by an abrasion-resistant edging, gives us complete confidence in this bag. But, nylon is not waterproof. It will let moisture in. If we drop the bike in deep mud, this could spell disaster!

This product does not come with magnets. They wouldn’t be much use on a KTM 690 with plastic fairings, would they? Instead, we have several soft yet hardy straps. They adhere unobtrusively to the bike and do not restrict the rider’s freedom of movement.

So, we have great straps, solid construction, and plenty of space. Anything else?

Reflective strips give us an extra layer of visibility. We all know that safety is paramount when riding, and these strips make us that little bit safer.

10 AmazonBasics Motorcycle Tank Bag – Best Budget Motorcycle Tank Bag

Simple yet durable

We won’t find any flashy designs here! But does basic mean poor quality?

The short answer is: no!

OK, we don’t get lots of pockets, it’s just one main compartment. But it’s big! And it features a zippered extension for when we need that extra space.

Safe and sound…

The heavy-duty fabric may not be waterproof, but it is water-resistant. It has a protective cover to assist in keeping moisture out. And even better; that cover is high-vis, for added safety when night riding.

At 11 by 8.5 by 6.5 inches, it’s a practical size for most bikes. Inside, we find ample foam padding, great for cushioning fragile belongings.

How does it stay on the bike?

With four trustworthy magnets, of course. It also has straps for extra peace of mind. But unfortunately, these straps are where the bag lets itself down. They are a little obtrusive. Part of the strap is always dangling. It’s not the end of the world, but it is kind of annoying.

And the other downside is that it just doesn’t look as good as some of the other motorcycle tank bags we’ve reviewed. But maybe that’s reflected in the price! Our pocketbook heaved a sigh of relief when we looked at this product!

A great basic but practical option!

Best Motorcycle Tank Bags Buyers Guide

We think these bags are awesome! Not only for touring, but they can also be helpful when grocery shopping, or running errands too.

But what makes the very best motorcycle tank bag?

Capacity is probably the most important aspect. There’s not much point in having a bag with very little space! We want something with a roomy main compartment, preferably and some smaller pockets too.

Of course, the size you choose will partly depend on your bike. A huge bag would look ridiculous on a little Grom! And a small bag would look pretty dumb on a Harley, too.

Where are we riding?

If it’s somewhere with a lot of rainfall, we need water-resistant qualities. This may be a coating on the fabric or could be a protective cover. Either way, we need to make sure our belongings stay dry.

On the other hand, we could be riding somewhere hot. In Death Valley, with the sun is beating down relentlessly, UV protection is in order. Otherwise, the bag will start to look faded and worn.

How are we going to attach the bag to the tank?

Magnets are ideal here. But make sure they’re strong; we don’t want the bag flying off while speeding along the highway!

And, we shouldn’t need to say it, but magnets will only stick to metals such as steel! They’re no use on plastic panels! It might sound obvious, but hey, we’ve seen people make that mistake!

You may prefer to choose a tank bag with a mount. These can be fantastic! There’s almost no chance of the bag coming off when fitted with a frame. However, the mount has to stay on the bike even when we’re not using the bag. They’re quite fiddly to remove. Plus, they’re not usually included in the price.

Navigation…

We expect there to be a see-through pocket on the front. We all use GPS (or a paper map, if you’re a traditionalist!) It’s so important to be able to see it clearly. The rain pocket should have a transparent section for this reason too.

And then there are those little extras: a camel pack hole, a charging slot, backpack straps. If we can find a bag with any of these, well, that’s just the icing on the cake.

Looking for more great items for your bike?

If so, check out our comprehensive Best Motorcycle Covers review and our review of the Best Motorcycle Cleaners currently available.

So, what are the Best Motorcycle Tank Bags?

There can only be one winner! And we’ve chosen the…

Cortech 8230-0505-18 Black Super 2.0 Magnetic Mount Tank Bag

It has everything! Excellent capacity, a variety of pockets to keep everything organized, a rubber hydration pack slot; this is the tank bag that really does have it all!

And we have to mention those backpack straps again. They really are such a useful addition. We don’t understand why more tank bags don’t include them!

So, there you have it, folks. A comprehensive list of the best tank bags for motorcycles currently on the market!

Happy riding! We’ll see you out on the highway real soon!