A tank bag is the most useful piece of motorcycle luggage you can own. It sits right in front of you, easy to reach at a stoplight, visible without turning your head, and accessible without getting off the bike. For touring, a good tank bag holds your phone, wallet, snacks, camera, and a map where you can actually see and grab them.
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Not all tank bags are equal, though. The mounting system, capacity, build quality, and weather protection vary wildly between brands and price points.
I have toured with several of these and here are the ones that actually deliver.
Types of Tank Bag Mounts
Magnetic Mount
Magnetic tank bags use strong magnets in the base to grip a steel fuel tank. They are the easiest to install since there is no hardware. Just set the bag on the tank and the magnets hold it in place. The downsides are that they do not work on aluminum or plastic tanks, they can scratch paint over time if dirt gets between the magnets and the tank, and in a tip-over they can shift or come off.
Strap Mount
Strap-mount bags use adjustable straps that wrap around the frame, steering head, or tank to hold the bag in place.
They work on any tank material and are more secure than magnets. The trade-off is that they are slower to install and remove, and the straps can be annoying to route cleanly on some bikes.
Ring Mount (Quick-Lock)
Ring-mount systems use a metal ring that bolts onto your fuel cap. The bag clicks onto the ring and releases with a button or lever. This is the most secure and convenient system, but it requires a bike-specific mounting ring and the initial installation.
SW-Motech, Givi, and other brands each have their own proprietary systems, so you are somewhat locked into one brand.
Best Magnetic Tank Bags
Nelson-Rigg CL-2015-MG Journey Sport
Nelson-Rigg has been making affordable motorcycle luggage for decades, and the CL-2015 is their mid-size magnetic tank bag. It holds 15 liters and expands to 18 with the zippered expansion panel.
The base has four strong magnets that grip steel tanks firmly, even at highway speed.
The clear map pocket on top holds a phone or GPS comfortably. Inside, the main compartment is deep enough for a water bottle, small camera, and road snacks. The exterior has two side pockets for items you need quick access to. A rain cover is included, which is essential because the bag itself is only water-resistant, not waterproof.
At around 70 dollars, this is hard to beat for budget-conscious touring.
The materials are not as refined as premium options, but the bag holds up well and the magnets are strong enough for confidence at speed.
Kriega US-5 Drypack
Kriega takes a different approach. The US-5 is a small, fully waterproof roll-top bag that can be used as a tank bag with their optional magnetic or strap-on tank adapter.
At 5 liters, it is much smaller than a traditional tank bag, but for riders who want just the essentials up front and carry the rest in saddlebags or a tail bag, it works perfectly.
The build quality is outstanding. The fabric is welded, not stitched, so there are no seam holes for water to enter. The Hypalon base is tough and scratch-resistant. You can throw this bag in a river and the contents stay dry.
For a minimalist touring setup, the US-5 on a tank adapter is clean, functional, and nearly indestructible.
The magnetic adapter runs about 40 dollars, and the US-5 itself is around 55 dollars. Not cheap for a 5-liter bag, but you are paying for waterproofing and build quality that will outlast several motorcycles.
Best Strap-Mount Tank Bags
Nelson-Rigg CL-2015-ST Journey Sport Strap-Mount
Same bag as the magnetic version but with straps instead of magnets.
This is the pick for riders with aluminum or plastic tanks. The strap system routes around the steering head and under the tank, holding the bag securely regardless of tank material. Everything else is identical to the magnetic version: 15 to 18 liter capacity, map pocket, rain cover included.
The strap system takes about 15 minutes to set up the first time, but once the straps are routed and adjusted, you can pop the bag on and off in seconds using quick-release buckles. Price is around 75 dollars.
Cortech Super 2.0 Strap-Mount Tank Bag
The Super 2.0 offers 18 liters of base capacity with expansion to 24 liters, making it one of the larger tank bags on this list.
It uses a universal strap system with a reinforced base that distributes weight evenly on the tank.
What sets the Cortech apart is the interior organization. There are multiple zippered pockets, an internal mesh organizer, and a padded electronics pocket. The clear top pocket is large enough for a tablet. The bag also has a built-in rain cover stored in a pocket on the bottom.
At around 100 dollars, the Super 2.0 sits in the mid-range price bracket but offers capacity and features that compete with bags costing twice as much.
The downside is that the expanded bag is tall and can interfere with your view of the instruments on some bikes.
Best Ring-Mount Tank Bags
SW-Motech PRO Trial Tank Bag
SW-Motech makes the best ring-mount system in the business. Their PRO line uses a stainless steel ring that bolts to your fuel cap location with bike-specific hardware.
The bag clicks onto the ring and locks with a satisfying snap. To remove it, squeeze the release lever and lift. It takes about two seconds.
The Trial bag holds 13 to 18 liters and is built from 600D polyester with a waterproof inner liner. The top features a clear pocket for your phone, and the base is shaped to follow the curve of most tanks without rocking or shifting. Build quality is excellent, with reinforced stitching and quality zippers throughout.
You will need to buy the bike-specific ring separately, which adds 30 to 50 dollars depending on the model.
The bag itself runs about 150 dollars. Total investment is higher than strap or magnetic options, but the convenience of the quick-lock system is worth it if you tour frequently.
Givi Tanklock ST611 Sport-T
Givi's Tanklock system is similar to SW-Motech's approach. A flange bolts around your fuel cap and the bag locks onto it. The ST611 holds 6 liters in a compact, sporty shape that works well on sportbikes and naked bikes where a larger tank bag would look out of place.
The bag has a thermoformed shell that holds its shape even when empty, which is nice because floppy bags can look sloppy on a sport bike.
Inside, there is a padded pocket sized for a phone and a main compartment for wallet, keys, and small items. A rain cover is included.
At around 100 dollars plus the bike-specific flange (25 to 40 dollars), the Givi system is affordable for a ring-mount. The downside is the small capacity. This is not a touring bag so much as a commuter or day-ride bag that happens to use a secure mounting system.
What to Look For
Capacity matters, but bigger is not always better.
A bag that is too tall blocks your instrument cluster. A bag that is too wide interferes with your arms when you turn the bars. For most touring, 12 to 18 liters is the sweet spot.
Weather protection is critical. If the bag is not waterproof, it needs a rain cover that you can deploy without stopping. Getting caught in a downpour while trying to wrestle a rain cover over your tank bag at highway speed is not a good time.
A clear pocket on top for your phone or GPS is almost mandatory for touring.
Being able to glance down and see your navigation without taking your eyes off the road for more than a second is a major safety advantage.
Finally, consider how the bag affects your riding position. On a sportbike, you lean forward and your chest may press against a tall tank bag. On a cruiser, the reach to the bag might be further than you expect. If possible, try the bag on your specific bike before committing to it.