Best Motorcycle Tank Bags
On the scale between jacket pockets and a full blown kit with top box and panniers, motorcycle tank bags rest comfortably in the middle, as they do on your motorbike! Alongside motorcycle backpacks, they offer the happy medium, providing enough space to hold more than your mobile, without the weight of larger luggage.
Specialist brands such as Givi, Shad and SW Motech, have been dutifully developing intuitive motorcycle luggage for a range of models and manufacturers. BMW or Ducati, adventure, enduro or sports tourer, motorcycle tank bags have fixtures and features to suit all situations.
In this review, top picks and budget buys have been selected for the following categories:
Best Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bags
Best Motorcycle Tank Bags For Touring
Best Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tank Bags
Best Waterproof Motorcycle Tank Bags
Best Small Motorcycle Tank Bags
Weekend breakers in the UK might prefer a waterproof motorcycle tank bag with a glare-proof top pocket. That’ll allow a clear visual of your smartphone navigation, whatever the British weather throws at you. Just storing a few essentials? Limit the bulk with a small capacity, lightweight tank bag that you can treat as your grab-and-go.
Either way, right here you’ll find all the most popular and highly rated motorcycle tank bags for sale – for any purpose, and every ride!
Best Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bags
Top Picks
Givi MT505 Metro-T Tanklock Tank Bag
Presenting the most popular of all motorcycle tank bags, due to its versatility and storage space. Compact when travelling light, with the benefit of expandability when you bring more items along.
• PU and EVA thermoformed Guzy600D shell.
• Fitted shoulder strap, for ease of carrying off the bike.
• Waterproof rain cover included.
SW Motech Legend Gear LT1 Tank Bag
Strong magnets and an anti-slip base keep this stylish carrier securely in place on almost any steel tank. Don’t worry if yours isn’t steel, because it also includes fastening straps for alternative mounting on non-steel tanks.
• Zip expandable, synthetic leather and waxed canvas exterior.
• Durable carry handle, long-lasting and reliable.
• Rain cover included, with PVC winder.
SW Motech Legend Gear LT1 Tank Bag
Budget Buy
QBag Tank Bag 14
Bag a bargain with this Qbag tank bag, which costs less than half a tank of fuel and keeps your personal items easily visible. Though limited in space, the protective pocket is ideally suited to storing your devices, or displaying your SatNav.
• Cable management openings, for decluttered organisation.
• Tough polyester construct.
• Anti-glare window, enhances clarity and reduces reflections.
Best Motorcycle Tank Bags For Touring
Top Picks
Oxford Lifetime S20R Adventure Tank Bag
Unlike the tiny QBag, this 20 litre expandable hold-all is designed specifically for longer rides and short tours. Talk about going from one extreme to the other!
• Specially crafted to be compatible with a wide range of adventure motorcycles.
• Neatly converts into a removable backpack.
• Sun blocking hood eliminates glare on top pocket window.
SW Motech Pro Daypack Tank Bag
Robust and easy on the eye, constructed of UV resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, and lined with a water-resistant coating. Attached via a fuel cap clamp, which adds sturdiness and stability.
• Expandable capacity from 5 litres to 8.
• Additional weather protection provided by included rain cover.
• Reflective elements to aid rider’s road presence.
Budget Buy
Held Carry II Expandable Magnetic Tank Bag
Large capacity, versatile storage constructed of water-resistant PVC coated polyester. With a rain cover included, your valuables are well sheltered from any adverse weather you may have to ride through.
• Three easily accessible outer pockets, plus a map holder.
• Shoulder straps and a well-made carry handle.
• Reflective details to boost low light visibility.
Best Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tank Bags
Top Picks
SW Motech Pro Yukon Waterproof Tank Bag
Lacking seams, and utilising a clever overlapping lid, the Pro Yukon’s body is impervious to knocks, and totally waterproof. One of the most impenetrable motorcycle tank bags available, largely down to its welded TPU plastic shell.
• Classed as hard luggage, offers more protection and security.
• Factory fitted top ring guide rail, allows adjustments to suit rider ergonomics.
• MOLLE attachment, elasticated compartments, and clear sleeve on inner lid.
Givi ST612B Sport-T Tanklock Tank Bag
This semi-rigid Givi tank bag is made of thermoformed EVA, much like the MT505 Metro-T. Covered with PU and Guzy600D, its exterior is both UV and water-resistant.
• Well-built for longevity, and includes a preservative rain cover.
• See-through window located on top, for storing a smartphone.
• Convenient to carry with adjustable shoulder straps, or integral anatomic handle.
Budget Buy
Oxford F1 Tank Bag Small
The Oxford F1 may be soft luggage, but its reliable Ripstop nylon exterior is both durable and enduring. Hassle-free straps make an easy job of attaching it to most motorcycle tanks.
• Houses a removable showerproof inner liner.
• Light reflecting print, for added night riding visibility.
• Roomy 18 litre capacity, yet remains unburdening.
Also available in larger 35l, smaller 7l, and magnetic versions.
Best Waterproof Motorcycle Tank Bags
Top Picks
Enduristan Sandstorm 4A Tank Bag
Truly 100% waterproof, with a three layer construction and windowed map pocket that guarantee to keep your items dry. A grippy foam base prevents the bag from sliding around, and it is fitted in place simply with straps and buckles.
• Patented Expandable Volume Technology, allows precise adjustments according to needs between 13 – 20 litres.
• Removable document sleeve inside, for quick access.
• Velcro pouch with belt loops, can be detached and used as walk away storage.
SW Motech Pro City Tank Bag
A laminated exterior and water-resistant inner lining combine to stop water ingress through wet riding conditions on the Pro City. If you’re caught in downpour, remove the elasticated rain cover and shelter your belongings even more effectively.
• Up to 14 litres of expandable storage, without getting in the way of your handlebars.
• Thoughtfully shaped for steep sloping fuel tanks.
• Reflective details to aid rider’s visibility when light levels are low.
Budget Buy
Shad SW22 Tank Bag
The SW22 is intended to be versatile, and make life easy for its owner. As it’s convertible into a backpack with a comfy shoulder strap and padded EVA foam back, it can be smoothly removed from the tank and transported when off the bike.
• Main compartment is 100% IPX5 waterproof, under the three layer tarpaulin and mesh build.
• Water-resistant zips make for effortless opening, even in gloves.
• Includes a chest and waist strap, so doubles up as a weight distributing backpack.
Best Small Motorcycle Tank Bags
Top Picks
Oxford Lifetime Q4R Quick Release Tank Bag
The Oxford Lifetime is the answer when bigger, bulkier motorcycle tank bags just aren’t necessary. It may seem miniature in size, but it still offers respectable storage options within its 5 litre max capacity.
• Slanted anti-glare device pocket, perfect for smartphones or GPS navigation.
• Filled with multiple separate compartments for stowing away your essentials.
• Comes in a range of colours to match your bike or preference.
SW Motech Pro Micro Tank Bag
The Pro Micro is another from the series that unquestionably makes the best motorcycle tank bags list. It’s a best-seller amongst other riders who review it themselves as a ‘great product for days out’ that is created with ‘exceptional quality.’
• Water-resistant inner coating, beneath the UV resistant 1680D ballistic nylon body.
• Includes a rain cover and reflective details, for dreary riding conditions.
• Hypalon MOLLE attachment, for secure packing of smart devices.
Budget Buy
Givi EA138 Tank Bag
Not only is this Givi and attractive little tank bag, but it has the price tag to match! Encompassing everything you need from a day pack, it oozes versatility both in user terms and which models of motorbikes it’s compatible with.
• Polyester 600D construct, with fluo yellow reflective piping.
• Transparent pocket for stowing a smartphone.
• Can be attached with magnets or straps, has shoulder straps and a soft carry handle!
There’s clearly one brand that dominates the space when it comes to motorcycle tank bags, and they go by the name of SW Motech. The German manufacturer can trace its heritage back to one man’s desire to have quality built motorcycle luggage, in 1994. As he was unable find any that was up to his standard, he created his own, which then grew popular amongst his friends. Three decades later, engineer Jurgen Swora employs over 200 craftsman, and his motorcycle tank bags are market leading products.
All the products in this review, whichever the brand, are competitive offerings, and they make up the best motorcycle tank bags available for sale in the UK.
For alternative solutions to convenient motorcycle luggage check out these related reviews:
Motorcycle Backpacks Review
Motorcycle Tail Bags Review
Questions or queries? Contact Rider UK for more guidelines on How To Choose Your Riding Gear.