Tank Bags

Convenient and Flexible; a Motorcycle Tank Bag is Hard to Beat

A motorcycle tank bag is a compact piece of luggage designed to fit on the top of a motorcycle's gas tank. Tank bags are a great piece of kit for touring but are a practical addition to any bike. Most tank bags are quick-detachable and if not waterproof, water-resistant. What's more, they often come with a rain hood. Fixing methods vary from universal to model specific, more on which later.

Why use a Tank Bag

Tank bags are associated with touring. An essential addition for any road trip, they help store anything you may need on a regular basis. These items can include travel documents, mobile devices or even a multi-tool. For an overnight ferry crossing, the motorcycle tank bag is invaluable. Most tank bags will hold all your valuables, plus a clean T-shirt and toothbrush. They are a lot more convenient than rummaging through your panniers or backpack. Medium-size tank bags are ideal for daily commutes as they can accommodate keys, valuables and waterproofs, canceling the need for a backpack. Tank Bags for adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular as they can increase luggage carrying capacity. They are also ideal for sportbike and custom riders as both motorcycle styles have little luggage capacity and tank bags are the perfect answer.

Motorcycle Tank Bag Fixing Methods

Motorcycle tank bags are either a universal fit or feature a mounting system specific to a motorcycle make or model.

Universal Fit: This type of fixing method will fit almost every size and shape of the gas tank. Fixing methods will consist of securing magnets sewn into pockets to protect paintwork while others attach via a series of straps. Strap-on tank bags attach directly to the tank and feature adjustable nylon belts. They can also use the same attachment method to fasten a base pad to the tank. This feature means the tank bag can be easily attached or removed.

Specific Fit: This fixing method sees a manufacturer offer a series of different size and specification tank bags. It is possible to attach this type of bag via specific brand docking hardware.

For instance, this hardware can consist of a flange bolted to the gas tank lid, whereby the tank bag is attached via a quick-release mechanism.

Materials

While some tank bags are leather-look vinyl, in most instances, they are a nylon-based material such as polyamide or polyester. These materials have high tensile strength making them hard wearing and ideal for waterproof tank bags. When looking at tank bag specifications, you will often see a number followed by a letter such as 600D or 10L. The former relates to the thickness of the material measured in Denier. The higher the number, the thicker the material. The latter letter L, relates to the tank bag's volume capacity, including the main compartment and any exterior pockets. The L refers to liters, while the number refers to the number of liters of space. Once again, the higher the number, the greater the carrying capacity.

Features to look for in a Motorcycle Tank Bag

The motorcycle model and reason for your journey will dictate the size and mounting method of the motorcycle tank bag you choose. When it comes to the attachment method, ensure magnets are well placed and covered by a protective covering. For strap mounting systems, make sure the straps are adjustable and long enough to accommodate the size of your tank. If you want to place your sat nav or cell phone in the tank bag's display pocket, ensure the pocket is waterproof and touch screen compatible. If not 100 percent waterproof, check if the bag comes with a rain hood. For ease of charging on the road, look for cable outlets, headphone ports and quick release bags. An integral carrying handle or strap is preferable. Some tank bags are expandable, allowing for more flexibility in carrying capacity. In addition, others will offer waterproof inner bags or detachable map pockets. Whatever style or size you choose, one thing is sure, once you've experienced the convenience and flexibility of a motorcycle tank bag, there's no going back.