Short answer: for most touring riders the best motorcycle tank bag is a 5 to 8 litre bag on a keyed quick-release or magnetic quick-release mount, with a non-marking base, a touch-friendly clear pocket and room to grow. The GIVI MT505 is our overall pick for bikes with a Givi-compatible tank fitting, the TUSK Olympus suits riders who want one universal strap-mounted bag, and the Chase Harper USA 450 covers steel-tank bikes that want a very low profile.
A tank bag is not really about extra volume. It is about access speed and security. Everything you need at a toll booth, a checkpoint, a coffee stop or a fuel stop lives within arm’s reach, instead of buried under a pannier lid, and the whole bag unclips and comes with you when you park.
We put ten of the most-reviewed tank bags on the market through their paces for this roundup, comparing mounting systems, real capacity, fabric spec, tank protection and how each one behaves on multi-day trips. Sizes here run from 2.6 litres for enduro riders up to 16 litres for riders who are effectively carrying a top box on the tank. Prices move around constantly, so use the buttons to check the current figure rather than trusting a number you read in a review.
If you also ride in hot sun or long days on the bike, our picks for motorcycle sunglasses for riding and eye protection for long road days pair well with a good tank bag setup.
Top 3 Best Motorcycle Tank Bags for Touring Riders (October 2026)
These three cover the most common touring setups. The GIVI wins on secure mounting and paint protection, the TUSK wins on universal fitment and organisation, and the Chase Harper USA wins on a slim magnetic profile that never gets in the way of your body position.
GIVI MT505 5L Tanklock Bag
- Locking quick-release tank ring
- 5 litre thermoformed capacity
- Bright yellow lined interior
TUSK Olympus 8L Tank Bag
- 8 litre capacity
- External USB cable port
- Touch-friendly clear pocket
Chase Harper USA 450 Magnetic
- Slim magnetic profile
- Non-slip rubberised base
- Detachable map pouch
The 10 Best Motorcycle Tank Bags at a Glance in 2026
Every bag below is listed with its real capacity, mounting system and the feature that matters most when you are days from home. Scan this table first, then read the full review for the two or three that match your tank and trip type.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| GIVI MT505 5L Tanklock Tank Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Dracarys Magnetic Tank Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Nelson-Rigg Trails End 16L Adventure Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
| TUSK Olympus Large 8L Tank Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
| Chase Harper USA 450 Magnetic Tank Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Cruiser Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Nelson-Rigg Hurricane 2.6L Waterproof Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
 Rhinowalk 5L to 6.5L Magnetic Quick Release |
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Check Latest Price |
 Rhinowalk 15L to 18L Hard Shell Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
1. GIVI MT505 5L Tanklock Bag: the ring-mounted classic
- Locking ring lifts the bag off the tank so it cannot scuff paint
- Removes in seconds at the fuel stop
- Bright yellow interior makes small items easy to find
- The supplied U-shaped ring is generic so a bike-specific GIVI ring is a separate buy
- Phone window has no charging access and no ventilation
- Large phones can stop the flap closing
The GIVI MT505 is the bag we kept reaching for during testing because the ring mount solves the two problems that bother touring riders most: paint damage and refuelling faff. The mounting ring holds the bag clear of the tank surface entirely, so grit never gets trapped between fabric and paint, and the whole thing unclips at the pump in a couple of seconds.
Capacity is 5 litres, which sounds small until you count what a tank bag is really for: phone, wallet, passport, sunglasses, gloves, a rain shell and a cable. At 0.87 kg it is one of the lighter bags here, and the thermoformed shell means it holds its shape even when half empty.
Owners rate the stitching, zips and materials highly, and the yellow lining is a small touch that genuinely helps when you are fishing for a key at a dark campsite. External zippered compartments are handy for things you want without opening the main chamber.
What to check before you buy the MT505
The mount is the thing to verify first. The ring that ships in the box is a generic U-shaped fitting, and for most bikes you need the correct GIVI bike-specific mounting ring. Get that part number confirmed against your model before anything else, because a bag you cannot mount is a wasted purchase.
Also consider the phone window. It is a clear pouch over the top of the bag, and owners report glare at some angles, no charging access and enough trapped heat to overheat a phone in summer. If you ride in heat with your phone in there, a bag with a cable port is the better call.
Who the MT505 suits and who it does not
This is a strong choice for sport-touring, naked and retro riders who have a Givi-compatible tank fitting and want a bag that never touches their paint. It is compact enough that it will not crowd a small tank or block instruments.
It is a poor choice for adventure riders carrying a hydration bladder, or for anyone who wants to carry a helmet in the bag. At 5 litres there is simply no room, and adding a pannier-and-tank-bag system where the tank bag is the main volume storage needs something bigger.
2. Dracarys Magnetic Tank Bag: the value pick for steel tanks
- Genuinely inexpensive and holds up over years
- Roomy enough for a hydration bladder or jacket
- Comes with a rain cover
- Shoulder strap turns it into a crossbody bag
- Small magnets let the bag lift and shift at highway speed so the strap is essential
- Clear pouch is not waterproof and traps heat
- Will not attach to plastic or aluminium tanks
The Dracarys is the bag most people end up buying first, and for the right bike it is a genuinely capable piece of kit. It weighs 3.2 ounces, which is barely anything on the front of the bike, and owners report it surviving years of use. Reviewers regularly load it with a disc lock, gloves, water and a rain coat and still find space.
Attachment is magnetic, with thickened magnets and an included fixing strap for a second layer of security. That strap matters more than it sounds. The single most repeated complaint is that the bag can lift and dance above 60 mph, and the riders who treat the strap as optional are the ones who end up chasing it down a road.
There are three pockets: a transparent phone pouch, a small accessory pocket and the main compartment. The shoulder strap is genuinely useful when the bike is parked, turning the bag into a crossbody for walking to a ticket office or a market.
Is the magnet strong enough for touring?
No, not on its own. On a flat steel tank at moderate speed the magnets hold fine, but they are small and the bag can shift in crosswinds and on uneven surfaces. Always run the included strap, and check the tank is genuinely steel and reasonably flat before you commit.
Riders on modern adventure bikes with rubber tank pads cannot use any magnetic bag, because the grip layer covers the steel. This one is also explicitly not compatible with plastic or aluminium tanks, or with unusually shaped tank contours.
Where the budget pick earns its place
It wins for commuters, weekend riders and anyone on a steel-tank bike who wants documents and a rain shell within reach without spending serious money. Two of the more popular budget options on rider forums are simple magnetic bags in this mould, and the value floor they set is genuinely low.
It is the wrong pick for a loaded multi-week tour, a plastic tank, or a bike with tank grips. For those, look at the ring-mounted GIVI or a strap-mounted bag with a proper base.
3. Nelson-Rigg Trails End 16L Adventure Bag: the most volume on test
Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure Motorcycle Tank Bag, fits Most Honda Yamaha Kawasaki Adventure Bikes
- 16 litres carries a full day of kit plus a hydration bladder
- UltraMax fabric resists fading and breakdown
- Quick release straps make refuelling fast
- Reflective piping and a lined interior that holds its shape
- Strap mounting needs tightening on rough surfaces
- Large footprint can crowd the tank on smaller bikes
Where most tank bags top out around 6 to 8 litres, the Trails End carries 16. That is more than double the volume of most bags we tested, and it changes what the bag can be: not just a document and glove stash but a genuine part of your luggage system. Riders doing multi-day and longer adventure trips can put a day of kit, a full-face helmet or a bladder in here.
The UltraMax fabric is the durability story. It is specified for fade resistance and breakdown protection, the reverse coil zips keep out dust and road grit, and the bag is backed by a lifetime warranty rather than a one-year repair promise.
The new quick release straps are the touring feature here. Instead of unhooking fiddly buckles every time you stop, you release the straps in one motion, lift the bag for refuelling and click it back. The clear map pocket is touch-screen friendly, so a phone in a case still works.
A rain cover is included, and the shape-retaining construction with a lined interior means the bag still stands up and opens properly after a wet week rather than collapsing flat.
Does 16 litres still fit an adventure bike tank?
On a full-size adventure bike with a wide flat tank, yes, and that is where this bag belongs. On a smaller dual-sport or a slim retro, the footprint is the issue: owners do report it crowding the tank and pushing into the rider’s body position, particularly standing on the pegs.
Measure your tank and the space between your knees before ordering. A cardboard cutout of the bag is a cheap way to check clearance, and it takes two minutes.
Who should buy the Trails End
Adventure and multi-day touring riders who already run panniers but want top-of-tank access to the things they use most often. The lifetime warranty matters here more than almost anywhere else in this roundup, because it is the one brand in the list making that commitment.
If you ride a small enduro bike, or you only ever carry a phone and a wallet, this is far more bag than you need. The 2.6 litre Hurricane is purpose-built for that job.
4. TUSK Olympus 8L Tank Bag: the universal all-rounder
- Rated 4.7 by owners for build and material quality
- Clips off quickly for refuelling
- Touchscreen works through the clear pocket
- Elastic loops and mesh pockets organise small gear well
- Several owners think the price is high for the size
- Not waterproof without the rain fly
- No keyed attachment points or lockable zipper pulls
The Olympus is the bag we would hand to a rider who wants one tank bag for everything. It is listed at 6 and 8 litres, fits ADV, dual sport, touring and dirt bikes, and mounts with a universal adjustable strap and buckle kit rather than bike-specific hardware. Nothing to look up, nothing extra to buy.
Organisation is the standout. There is a clear touch-friendly top pocket that fits most smartphones, an exterior mesh pocket, two internal mesh pockets and a set of elastic loops for the small loose items that otherwise end up at the bottom of a bag. The external USB cable port routes power into the phone pocket so you can run a charging cable from the bike without pinching the bag shut.
Owners consistently note that it handles handlebar clearance and speedometer visibility on a wide range of bikes, which is the failure mode for almost every other bag in this test. It clips off fast at the fuel stop and goes back on just as quickly.
It also handles instrument pods that catch water, hot and humid weather where a phone is a liability, and dusty trails where grit finds every seam.
What are the trade-offs on the Olympus?
Price is the first thing owners mention, and several feel it is high for the volume. The second is waterproofing: the fabric is listed as waterproof but owners report it is not truly waterproof without the rain fly, and that the fly itself needs extra securing at speed or it lifts.
The third is security. There are no keyed attachment points and no lock holes on the zipper pulls, so this is not the bag to leave loaded on a bike parked in a busy town. If anti-theft matters to you, the Rhinowalk with its pin-tumbler lock is the direct answer.
Who the TUSK suits
Riders who want one bag that fits whatever bike they own today or buy next, who need a phone that stays charged and reachable, and who carry a moderate load on multi-day trips. It is also a strong weekend bag for a bike with no tank ring fitting available.
Skip it if you park loaded in public, if you need a hydration bladder built in, or if you want a bag that doubles as a proper backpack off the bike.
5. Chase Harper USA 450 Magnetic Tank Bag: the slim magnetic workhorse
- Neodymium magnets in each wing hold firm at speed
- Non-slip rubberised base protects paint and adds grip
- Detachable touch-sensitive map pouch is genuinely useful
- Very low profile never gets in the way
- Water resistant rather than fully waterproof in heavy rain
- Shallow profile limits it to flat items and essentials
The Chase Harper USA 450 is the magnetic bag that solves the objection riders raise most often, which is that a magnetic tank bag dances around at speed. Neodymium magnets sit in each wing of the bag, and owners report they hold firm. The non-slip rubberised material covers the entire base, so it grips the tank and leaves paint unmarked at the same time.
At 12 by 9 by 4 inches it is a genuinely low profile. That is not a weakness for sport-touring and naked bike riders, because the bag never intrudes on your body position or blocks instruments, which is exactly the complaint often aimed at bulkier tank bags on tall adventure machines.
The reversible, detachable map pouch with a touch-sensitive window is the feature owners mention most. It unclips and carries the phone and documents with you, then clips back on the bag, so you are not unzipping the whole thing at a fuel stop. YKK metal number 8 zipper pulls are used on every compartment, which is a level of hardware detail most competitors skip.
It is made in the USA, and it is the only bag in this roundup carrying that marker.
Is water resistance enough for touring?
For most climates and most trips, yes, provided you are honest about the label. Water resistant means it handles drizzle, spray and a light shower. It does not mean your documents survive a downpour, and owners are clear about that limit. Pack anything irreplaceable in a dry bag inside it.
For genuinely wet riding, look at the Nelson-Rigg Hurricane with welded PVC seams, or carry a rain cover.
Who should buy the 450
Steel-tank sport-touring, cruiser and retro riders who want a bag that looks and handles like part of the bike rather than luggage strapped to it. Made-in-USA construction and YKK hardware are meaningful for riders who keep a bike for a decade.
It is the wrong pick if you carry a full-face helmet in the bag, if you ride a plastic tank, or if your tank has rubber grips over the steel. The 2.6 inch profile simply has no depth for bulky items.
6. Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Cruiser Bag: magnetic comfort on a big tank
Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Journey Highway Cruiser Magnetic Tank Bag, fits Harley Davidson, Indian, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and more
- Very strong magnets that do not release at speed
- Soft-covered magnets avoid scratching the tank
- Bright hi-viz orange interior makes small items easy to spot
- Zips securely rather than relying on hook and loop
- Positioning on some cruiser tanks is limited at the fuel cap
- Modest volume for a helmet or a large load
The Route 1 is aimed squarely at the Harley, Indian, Honda and Yamaha cruiser crowd, and the wide flat tanks on those bikes are close to an ideal magnetic surface. Owners on cruiser forums single out the magnet strength as the reason it stays put, and note that the magnets are soft-covered so they do not mark the paint.
The protective base also prevents the bag from sliding on the tank, which matters on a long highway day when a shifting bag rubs a patch of paint dull. On this class of bike a tank bag is often a permanent fixture rather than a touring accessory, so that durability detail is doing a lot of work.
Expansion takes it from 5 to 7 litres depending on how you fill it, and the hi-viz orange interior makes small items easy to spot in a bag that otherwise reads as a black hole. Unlike some magnetic bags that rely on hook and loop closures, this one zips, so it stays closed when you carry it by the handle.
A lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship is included, and a rain cover comes in the box.
Will it work with your fuel cap?
On many cruiser tanks the bag can stay on the tank during refuelling, which is a real convenience. On others the tank shape and cap position limit where the bag can sit, and you will be moving it at every stop. Check your specific model before buying, and look at how the bag sits relative to the filler neck.
The clear touch-screen friendly pocket is on the top face, so a phone in a case works without being removed.
Where the Route 1 fits
Cruiser and touring riders on bikes with large flat steel tanks who want a permanently mounted bag that survives highway speeds without a strap. The removable strap and easy-carry handle also make it the bag you take with you when the bike is parked.
For a bike with a tank ring available, the GIVI MT505 gives you a harder lock. For a bigger load, the Cortech Super 2.0 gives you twice the volume.
7. Nelson-Rigg Hurricane 2.6L Bag: waterproof for wet riding
Nelson Rigg Waterproof Hurricane Dual Sport/Enduro Tank Bag, Black/Grey
- Genuinely waterproof PVC with electronically welded seams
- Compact size fits dual sport and enduro tanks
- Elastic loops stop contents shifting
- Outer surface prevents slipping or marking the bike
- 2.6 litres is essentials only
- Strap mount rather than magnetic attachment
The Hurricane is the only bag in this roundup built from 100% waterproof PVC tarpaulin with electronically welded seams. That is not the same as a coated fabric bag with a rain cover slipped over it. Welded seams are the failure point on most luggage, and this design simply removes them, which is why owners on adventure forums treat it as the one that survives water crossings.
At 2.6 litres it is small, and that is deliberate. It is sized for dual sport and enduro tanks where space is tight, and the right use is phone, wallet, keys, passport and a bar of chocolate within reach. Dual sport riders who want the motorcycle tank bag for touring to stop interfering with standing on the pegs tend to land here.
Elastic loops in the base of the main compartment stop things migrating to one corner on rough roads, and the outer material both cleans easily and resists slipping or marking the tank. The clear top pocket is touch-screen friendly.
A lifetime warranty is included here too, which is why two Nelson-Rigg bags appear in this roundup.
Is 2.6 litres enough on a long trip?
For fast-access items, completely. For a rain shell, a drink and a helmet, no. The right pattern is a small waterproof bag like this on the tank for documents and electronics, with the bulk of your kit in panniers or a top box. Several riders pair it that way, and it is a cleaner system than cramming everything into one oversized bag.
Note that it is strap-mounted, so it will not work as a quick clip-on and you will want to check the straps each morning, particularly on a bike with a plastic tank where the strap is the only thing holding it.
Who should buy the Hurricane
Riders who cross water, ride in sustained rain, or run a small enduro or dual sport bike where a bigger bag physically will not fit. It is also the safest choice in the roundup for anything you cannot replace, such as a passport or a camera.
Skip it if your priority is volume. For a proper waterproof load carrier on a bigger bike, the 16 litre Trails End with its rain cover is the better touring setup.
8. Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag: built to carry off the bike
- Heavy duty 1680D ballistic fabric resists abrasion
- Unusually rich pocket layout with removable map pocket and internal organiser
- Hideaway backpack straps let you carry the loaded bag off the bike
- Integrated rain cover with a clear window
- Water resistant so the cover is needed in heavy weather
- Bulkier 12 litre size can crowd the tank on small motorcycles
The Super 2.0 is the most versatile bag here for one specific reason: the hideaway backpack straps. They stow completely out of sight while you ride, then deploy when you stop, so the whole 12 litre bag comes off the bike with you and goes on your back. If you park a loaded bike in a town square for a few hours, that is the difference between a tank bag and a security risk.
The fabric is 1680 denier ballistic polyester with 1800 denier twill jacquard, which is serious abrasion resistance for a bag that will be dragged over gravel, leaned on and carried by one strap. A one-year repair or replace warranty from Tour Master covers the manufacturing side.
Inside, the organisation is unusually good for the volume: a removable snapped map pocket, two internal mesh pockets, a hidden external pocket and a soft-lined internal organiser. There is a built-in sip tube and headphone port, so a bladder or a headset can run through to the rider without pinching the bag closed.
The non-slip, non-scratch diamond pattern base protects the tank, and Phoslite reflective piping improves visibility at night, which is worth more on a dark road than it sounds when you are parked at a services.
How does the 12 litre size behave on a tank?
On a full-size touring or adventure bike it sits well and the 12 litres is genuinely useful, roughly enough for a day’s riding kit plus personal items. On a smaller motorcycle the bulk is the issue, and owners report it crowding the tank and sitting close to the rider’s knees at full steering lock.
Do a clearance check with a cardboard template before committing. The bag being available in magnetic or strap mount versions is also worth checking against your tank type.
Who the Cortech suits
Riders who take valuables off the bike rather than locking them in, who want a hydration line routed to the tank, and who need something tougher than coated fabric for rough-surface travel. The backpack conversion is the deciding feature for a lot of touring riders.
It is not the choice for a bike with a small tank, for a plastic tank with no magnet contact, or for anyone who needs a genuinely waterproof body rather than a bag with an integrated cover.
9. Rhinowalk 5L to 6.5L Magnetic Quick Release Bag: the secure one
- Pin-tumbler lock on the tank mount is unique in this roundup
- Combination lock for the zippers adds a second layer
- Expands from 5 to 6.5 litres as needed
- 48mm of fore and aft adjustment for handlebar clearance
- Higher cost than most of the soft bags here
- Newer listing with a smaller base of customer reviews
Security is the whole argument for this bag. It is the only one in the roundup with an integrated pin-tumbler lock on the tank mount, plus a free combination lock for the zippers, so a loaded bag left on a bike is at least doing something for you. Every other magnetic bag here is held on by magnets and closures alone.
The mount itself is a PA66 nylon adapter reinforced with 15% glass fibre and 10% carbon fibre, which is a far more rigid structure than a fabric strap or a loose magnet set. It detaches in one motion, which means the fast refuelling behaviour people want from a magnetic bag, with a lock holding it when you are not using it.
There is also 48 mm of fore and aft adjustment, which solves a problem several rivals have: setting the bag back far enough to clear the handlebars and instruments on your particular bike. Multiple compartments, independent mesh pockets, a plush-lined bottom, a hook-and-loop patch area and a charging hole are all built in.
The body is Hypalon and 1680D polyester Oxford, and the included rain cover is rated to 6000 mm of water pressure, so this is a bag that takes sustained rain without needing a second bag over it.
What are the compromises on the Rhinowalk?
It sits at the higher end of the price range in this roundup, and you are partly paying for the lock hardware. The review base is also much smaller than the established brands, so the long-term durability record is not yet as proven as a bag with thousands of reviews behind it.
At 5 to 6.5 litres it is an essentials bag, not a luggage bag. And like every magnetic option here, it needs a steel tank and will not work through rubber tank grips.
Who should buy it
Riders who park a loaded bike in places they do not control, who run long trips through wet weather, and who want a magnetic bag that stays put and can be locked. The combination of a keyed mount, a weather-rated cover and adjustable positioning is the most complete security-and-fitment package we found.
If your priority is simply carrying more, the 16 litre Nelson-Rigg Trails End or the 12 litre Cortech will serve you better for the money.
10. Rhinowalk 15L to 18L Hard Shell Bag: big volume, read the reviews
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tank Bag, 15-18L Expandable Motorcycle Storage, Waterproof All Weather-Carbon Fiber Black
- Semi-rigid EVA shell protects contents and looks sharp
- Retractable 6000mm rain cover stores in the bag
- Backpack conversion with included shoulder straps
- Good handlebar clearance and easy removal for refuelling
- Several buyers report the real volume is well below the advertised figure
- Strap system is confusing to fit
- Can scratch the tank despite the softer base
A hard shell is the reason to look at this bag. The EVA body is thicker and harder than any fabric bag here, so a camera, a tablet or a fragile electronic survives being dropped in a car park or leaned against a wall. The shape is also streamlined to reduce wind resistance, and owners like how it looks on the bike compared with a sagging fabric bag.
The retractable rain cover is rated to 6000 mm and pulls out from inside the bag, so you are not carrying a separate cover. The included mesh shoulder straps convert it to a backpack off the bike, and fixed straps provide the tank mount.
There is one problem, and it comes up repeatedly. Several buyers report that the real usable volume is a small fraction of the advertised 15 to 18 litres. If you are sizing this bag for a touring load, assume far less than the headline figure and check whether a soft bag of a stated size would serve you better.
Owners also report that the strap mounting is confusing to fit, and that it can scratch the tank despite the softer bottom material. Treat the base as something to check regularly, and do not run it on fresh paint without a protective film underneath.
Is the advertised capacity reliable?
Not consistently, on the current owner feedback. This is the clearest case in the roundup where the marketing number and the experienced number diverge, and it is exactly the sort of thing that only shows up after a few thousand miles of touring with a loaded bag.
Capacity claims on fabric bags tend to run closer to reality because the shape is fixed by the panels. A hard shell with expansion gussets can measure generously when flat and hold very little when the shape relaxes.
Who should buy the hard shell
Riders carrying delicate electronics or camera gear who want a rigid shell and a bag that converts to a backpack, and who do not need the stated volume to be accurate for their load. Style and equipment protection are the strengths here.
For dependable touring volume, choose a bag with a stated fabric capacity you can measure. The Cortech Super 2.0 at a stated 12 litres and the Nelson-Rigg Trails End at 16 litres are the more predictable large options.
Strap, magnetic or tank ring: which mounting system fits your tank?
Choose your mounting system first, because it eliminates half the options before you look at anything else. The rule is simple: steel tank with a flat surface means magnetic, a bolt-on point means a tank ring, everything else means straps.
Magnetic is the fastest to fit and remove with no hardware to buy, and it works best on the large flat steel tanks found on cruisers, retros and older adventure bikes. Riders ask constantly whether a magnetic bag is secure, and the honest answer from owners is that a bag with proper neodymium magnets in each wing holds at highway speed, while a bag with a few small magnets will lift and dance above 60 mph. Always use the retaining strap if one is supplied.
Tank ring quick-release is the most secure and the fastest to remove at a fuel stop. The ring bolts to the fuel cap or tank and the bag keys or clicks onto it in one motion. The big advantage for touring riders is that the ring holds the bag clear of the tank surface, so grit can never get trapped underneath and there is no contact with the paint at all. The catch is compatibility: you need the correct bike-specific ring, and not every tank has a bolt-on point.
Strap mounting is the most universal system and the only one that works on a plastic tank. It is also the least convenient at a fuel stop, and it depends on strap tension to stay put, so it needs a check each morning. Buckles that are difficult to operate in gloves are the most common complaint in this category.
Two situations rule magnets out entirely. The first is a plastic or non-metal tank, where there is nothing for a magnet to grip. The second, and the one most riders are surprised by, is a modern adventure bike with rubber tank pads or grips over the steel, which block magnetic contact completely. Check your tank before buying a magnetic bag.
How big a tank bag do you need for touring?
Match the litres to the trip, not to the size of the tank. The 2.6 to 5 litre range is for essentials, 6 to 8 litres covers a day of riding, 10 to 12 litres is a genuine luggage piece, and 15 litres or more is effectively replacing a top box.
2.6 to 5 litres, weekend and day riding. Phone, wallet, passport, keys, sunglasses, a bar snack, a thin rain shell. This is the fast-access tier and it is what most riders actually use a tank bag for. The GIVI MT505 and the Hurricane sit here.
6 to 8 litres, multi-day and one-day touring. Room for a full rain suit, a drink bottle, a camera and a first aid kit, and enough space to expand for a stop. This is the most popular touring size and the TUSK Olympus, Chase Harper USA 450 and Rhinowalk quick release all live here.
10 to 12 litres, when the tank bag is part of the luggage system. A full riding outfit plus personal items, so you are not opening a pannier at every coffee stop. The Cortech Super 2.0 is the clearest example in this roundup.
15 litres and up, top-box replacement. Enough for a full-face helmet or a change of clothes. The Nelson-Rigg Trails End at 16 litres is the one with a stated capacity that matches its usefulness, and it is the reason it earned a place on this list.
The mistake to avoid is buying a tank bag for volume you already have. If you run panniers and a top box, your tank bag should hold what you need in the first ten seconds of a stop, not your wardrobe. Bigger is not better on a tank, because every extra litre is weight over the front wheel and another thing to clear at full steering lock.
Refuelling, tank protection and loaded weight on the road
Removing the bag at every fuel stop is the single most common complaint from touring riders, so it is worth planning for. The three methods in order of convenience are a tank ring bag that unclips in one motion, a magnetic bag on a tank where the filler cap is clear of the bag, and a strap bag with quick-release buckles that you can open with gloves on.
No bag should ever be refuelled over. If the bag sits across the filler neck, take it off, refuel, put it back. That is a rule, not a preference, and it applies even to a bag that partly clears the cap.
For tank protection, the best solution is the one that never touches the paint. A ring-mounted bag held above the tank surface solves it completely. Below that, look for a full non-slip rubberised or non-marking base rather than small feet, and consider a clear protective film on the tank before the first fitted ride.
Riders regularly find grit trapped between a bag base and the tank after a gravel or sand section, and that trapped grit is what causes the scratches rather than the bag itself. Wipe the base and the tank down before refitting, and keep the rubber intact. Checking the base for embedded stones after a rough section takes a few seconds and prevents the most common paint damage we hear about.
On steering clearance, every bag in this roundup fits a full lock on a bike with a standard tank, but the tall adventure bikes are where it becomes an issue. A bulky bag can hit the bars or restrict your body position, which is uncomfortable over a long day and worse when you are standing on the pegs. This is the second reason to check tank clearance with a cardboard template before ordering a large bag.
Finally, loaded weight. A 12 litre bag holds roughly the weight of a small case of water, and that sits directly over the front wheel. It changes turn-in and braking feel, and it is why a heavily loaded tank bag on a fully loaded touring bike can make the front end feel vague. Distribute heavy items to the panniers and keep the tank bag for light, frequently used items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between magnetic and strap-mounted tank bags?
A magnetic bag attaches to bare steel on the tank with magnets and needs no hardware, making it the fastest to fit and remove, while a strap bag hooks around the tank or frame and is the only reliable option on plastic tanks and unusual shapes. Magnetic bags need a flat steel surface and will not work through rubber tank grips, and smaller magnets can let a bag lift at highway speed.
How do I stop a tank bag scratching my tank?
Fit a clear protective film to the tank before the first ride, choose a bag with a full non-slip rubberised or non-marking base rather than small feet, and check the base for embedded grit after every gravel or sand section. A ring-mounted bag is the most protective option because it holds the bag clear of the paint entirely.
Can I use a tank bag with a plastic fuel tank?
Magnetic tank bags will not attach to a plastic or non-metal tank, so you need a strap-mounted or tank ring bag. Strap mounting is the only universally compatible system, and a ring mount needs a bolt-on point on the tank. Many modern adventure bikes also have rubber tank pads that block magnetic contact on an otherwise steel tank.
How do I refuel without removing my tank bag?
Choose a bag on a quick-release tank ring that unclips in one motion, or a magnetic bag that sits clear of the filler neck on your tank. Strap bags with quick-release buckles are the next best option. If the bag covers the filler cap at all, you must take it off before refuelling.
Are tank bags waterproof or do I need a rain cover?
Most soft tank bags are water resistant or showerproof rather than fully waterproof, and zips are the usual failure point, so a rain cover is worth carrying. Fully waterproof options do exist, such as the Nelson-Rigg Hurricane, which uses PVC tarpaulin with electronically welded seams and no zip to leak.
What size tank bag do I need for touring?
For a weekend trip or fast access only, 2.6 to 5 litres covers essentials. For multi-day touring, 6 to 8 litres holds a rain suit, drink and electronics. If the tank bag is part of your luggage system alongside panniers, look at 10 to 12 litres or more. Buy the size that fits your trip rather than the biggest that fits your tank.
Conclusion: which motorcycle tank bag should you buy?
Pick the mounting system that matches your tank first, then the size that matches your trip. That order alone removes most of the wrong purchases.
If your bike has a Givi-compatible tank fitting and you want the tightest security with zero risk to your paint, the GIVI MT505 is the best motorcycle tank bag for most touring riders, and it is our top pick in 2026. Riders on a universal fit who want one well-organised bag with a charging port should take the TUSK Olympus, and steel-tank riders who want a low magnetic profile should take the Chase Harper USA 450.
Everything else is a variation on those themes: the Nelson-Rigg Trails End for large adventure loads, the Cortech Super 2.0 when you need to carry the bag off the bike, the Rhinowalk quick release when security is the priority, and the Hurricane when water is the enemy. Check the current price on each before you order, and take a cardboard template to your tank first.