A motorcycle tank bag is one of the most convenient pieces of luggage you can add to your bike. Your phone, wallet, documents, charging cables, snacks and other small essentials stay within easy reach without needing to stop and open a larger bag.
But choosing a tank bag isn't simply about picking the one with the biggest capacity. The right option depends on your motorcycle's tank design, how you ride, how much you need to carry, and if you need quick access or maximum storage.
A compact bag that works perfectly for a daily commute may feel restrictive on a long touring day. Similarly, a large touring tank bag may offer plenty of storage but get in the way when you're standing on the footpegs during off-road riding.
Here's how to choose the right one.
Why Choose a Motorcycle Tank Bag?
Tank bags are particularly useful because they occupy space that otherwise goes unused while keeping frequently needed items close to the rider.
They are ideal for carrying:
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Wallet and keys
-
Phone
-
Riding documents
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Power bank and charging cables
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Camera
-
Sunglasses
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Snacks
-
Gloves
-
Maps
-
Small personal essentials
They also reduce the need to keep small items in jacket pockets or carry a backpack during a ride.
For commuters, a compact tank bag can be enough for everyday essentials. For touring riders, it can act as an easily accessible secondary storage compartment alongside saddlebags or tail bags.
What Can You Carry in a Tank Bag?
The best way to choose capacity is to think about what you actually need to access during a ride.
|
What you want to carry |
Typical requirement |
|
Phone, wallet, keys |
Small tank bag |
|
Documents, power bank, sunglasses |
Small-medium |
|
Camera, snacks, gloves, and essentials |
Medium |
|
Extra electronics and touring essentials |
Medium- large |
|
Rain liner, maps and bulkier items |
Large |
A tank bag shouldn't necessarily be used to carry everything you need for a trip. Its biggest advantage is accessibility.
Things you may need during the ride should stay in the tank bag. Clothing, camping equipment and other bulky items are generally better suited to saddlebags or tail bags.
Choosing the Right Tank Bag Size
Small Tank Bags: Best for Commuting
If you're primarily riding around the city, a compact tank bag is usually the most practical option.
You can carry your phone, wallet, keys, documents and a few other essentials without creating a large obstruction between you and the motorcycle.
The ViaTerra Ace Tank Bag is an example of a compact tank-bag approach for riders who want accessible storage without adding a large footprint to the motorcycle.
Medium Tank Bags: The Touring Sweet Spot
For weekend rides and shorter touring trips, medium-capacity bags offer a useful balance between storage and accessibility.
They provide enough room for electronics, documents, snacks and other essentials while remaining relatively unobtrusive.
This is often the most versatile size for riders who use their motorcycle for both commuting and touring.
For this category, the ViaTerra OXUS and LFA XC Tank Bag are good options for riders looking for practical storage without adding too much bulk to the motorcycle. This makes medium tank bags a versatile choice for riders who use their motorcycle for both commuting and touring.
Large Tank Bags: For Longer Rides
Long-distance riders may prefer larger-capacity tank bags because they can accommodate more items that need to remain accessible throughout the day.
However, bigger isn't automatically better.
A large tank bag can occupy more space around the rider and may interfere with movement, particularly on motorcycles where riders frequently stand on the footpegs.
The ViaTerra Fly and Viper Pro Tank Bags are an example of a larger tank-bag format aimed at riders who need more accessible storage.
Tank Bag Mounting Systems Explained
The mounting system is just as important as capacity.
Magnetic Tank Bags
Magnetic tank bags are convenient because they can be positioned and removed quickly without complicated hardware.
However, magnetic mounting requires careful attention to the motorcycle's tank construction and the area between the magnets and tank.
This is particularly important on motorcycles with metal tanks.
Dust, sand or grit trapped between a magnetic bag and a painted tank can act like sandpaper as the bag moves during riding. Before mounting a magnetic tank bag, make sure both the tank and the contact area are clean.
Plastic or Shrouded Tanks
Many modern motorcycles use plastic fuel tanks, composite structures, or tanks with large shrouds. Even when the tank itself is made of metal, complex shapes can make magnetic tank bags unsuitable or limit how well they fit.
In these cases, a magnetic tank bag may not be suitable because the magnets cannot directly engage with a metal tank surface.
Many bikes have a tank design where riders need to consider the actual mounting surface rather than simply assuming that any magnetic tank bag will work.
Always check the mounting method and motorcycle compatibility before buying.
Strap or Bike-Specific Mounting
Other tank bags use straps. These can be useful when a motorcycle doesn't offer a suitable magnetic surface.
The key is to choose a mounting system that keeps the bag stable without interfering with steering, controls, fuel access or the rider's movement.
Does a Tank Bag Affect Motorcycle Handling?
It can - but primarily when it is excessively large, overloaded or poorly positioned.
A tank bag sits relatively close to the motorcycle's centre compared with luggage mounted far behind the rider, which can make it a useful location for smaller loads.
However, filling a tank bag with heavy items still adds weight to the top of the motorcycle.
Keep heavier objects low within the bag and avoid carrying unnecessary weight. A tank bag is better used for small, frequently accessed essentials than as a replacement for your entire luggage system.
Features That Actually Matter
A long list of features doesn't necessarily make a tank bag better. Look for features that solve problems you actually encounter while riding.
Waterproofing
If you regularly ride through monsoon conditions, waterproof construction or a reliable rain-protection system can be important.
The Oxus Tank Bag comes with a seam-sealed external raincover to withstand heavy rain and unpredictable weather.
Expandable Capacity
Expandable designs like the Fly Tank Bag are useful when the amount you carry changes between rides.
You can keep the bag compact during everyday use and increase its capacity when you need additional storage.
Phone, Map and Transparent Pockets
These can make navigation and quick access easier, especially during touring, such as in the ViaTerra Oxus and Fly tank bags.
However, make sure anything displayed through a transparent pocket remains visible without forcing you to take your attention away from the road.
Cable Routing
A cable-routing port can be useful when connecting a phone or other device to a power bank kept inside the bag.
Internal Organisation
Multiple compartments help prevent small essentials from disappearing into the bottom of the bag.
Carry Handles or Messenger Bag Slings
A useful detail if you regularly remove the tank bag when stopping at a hotel, café or fuel station.
Reflective Details
Reflective elements can improve the visibility of the luggage in low-light conditions.
Tank Bag vs Tail Bag: Which One Do You Need?
|
Feature |
Tank Bag |
Tailbag |
|
Accessibility |
Excellent |
Moderate |
|
Typical Capacity |
Small-medium |
Medium-large |
|
Best for |
Essentials |
Clothing and bulkier items |
|
Ideal Use |
Commuting, touring |
Touring, camping |
|
Rider access while seated |
Excellent |
Not recommended |
|
Can supplement other luggage |
Yes |
Yes |
The two aren't necessarily alternatives.
A tank bag can carry the things you want immediate access to, while a tail bag handles larger or less frequently accessed items.
For example, a rider heading out on a multi-day trip might keep documents, electronics and snacks in a tank bag while carrying clothing and other touring equipment in a larger tail bag or saddlebag setup.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Tank Bag
Buying Based Only on Capacity
More storage isn't always more useful.
A large bag can interfere with movement or become uncomfortable if the motorcycle's tank doesn't offer enough usable space.
Ignoring Motorcycle Compatibility
Tank shapes vary considerably.
Before purchasing, check whether the mounting system actually works with your motorcycle.
Overloading the Bag
A tank bag is convenient precisely because it keeps things close to you. Loading it with heavy objects can make it unnecessarily bulky and affect the riding experience.
Ignoring Standing Riding Position
This is particularly important for adventure riders.
Sit on the motorcycle, stand on the footpegs and move around before deciding how large a tank bag you want.
Forgetting the Tank Surface
With magnetic bags, always keep the contact surfaces clean. Fine grit trapped underneath the bag can move around during riding and potentially mark the paint.
Motorcycle Tank Bag Buying Checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
1. How much do I actually need to carry?
Choose capacity based on your regular load rather than maximum possible capacity.
2. What motorcycle am I using it on?
Check tank shape, available mounting surfaces and compatibility.
3. How do I ride?
Commuting, touring and off-road riding can require very different bag designs.
4. Do I need waterproofing?
If you frequently ride in heavy rain, prioritise appropriate weather protection.
5. Will it interfere with movement?
Check the riding position, steering and standing position before committing to a large bag.
6. How often will I remove it?
A bag that comes off easily can be more convenient for commuters and riders who regularly leave the motorcycle unattended.
7. What items need immediate access?
Those should determine your tank bag size and internal organisation.
Final Thoughts
The best motorcycle tank bag isn't necessarily the biggest or the one with the longest feature list. It's the one that fits your motorcycle, your riding position and the things you actually need to carry.
The important thing is to start with your riding needs, then work backwards to capacity, mounting system and features.
Your tank bag should make riding easier - not become another thing you have to work around.
