So what's the big deal about tank bags? Does it really make any difference which one you have as long as it holds the stuff you need it to hold? Years ago my answer probably would have been, "No, it doesn't make any difference. They all serve the same purpose; just get one the right size for what you need."
But that answer would have come from a rider who hadn't done several 4000-5000 mile trips, a rider who wasn't riding distances that required multiple gas stops per day, a rider who didn't need to charge his cell phone, helmet comms, or Go-Pro during the ride, a rider who had only ridden sportbikes with metal gas tanks, a rider who simply didn't understand the difference between a 200 mile day ride and a long distance ride with days approaching 1000 miles.
As your riding style, motorcycle, and needs change so does much of your gear and accessories. With the exception of my motorcycle GPS, my tank bag is my most used accessory on the bike. That said, my GPS is pretty much "set it and forget it;" meaning once I load the route I really don't touch the GPS again for the entire trip. The tank bag; however, is something that I'm in and out of multiple times a day, is removed and put back on the bike every time I stop for gas, and comes into the tent or hotel with me every night. That said, it's a fair statement that my tank bag is the most touched accessory on my motorcycle.
So what's important when choosing a tank bag these days? Well, some things never change. You obviously still need one that is the right size for what you need it to hold. That in itself requires a little bit of planning, making a list, and trial and error to figure out what it is that you truly want or need to carry up front with you. But once you determine you capacity needs you have basically three types of tank bags to choose from and at least one of these types will work on any motorcycle, and may two or all three depending.
Magnetic Tank bag
Tank bag with straps and quick-disconnect clips
Tank bag with bike-specific mount.
Magnetic Tank Bags
Many motorcycles these days no longer have metal gas tanks so that removes the magnetic tank bag as an option for those bikes, but if you have a metal gas tank and opt for a magnetic tank bag be aware that dust and dirt between the magnetic base of the bag and your tank can do some pretty serious damage to the paint on your tank over time.
I used a magnetic tank bag exclusively when I was riding sportbikes and was very pleased with both Nelson-Rigg and Chase Harper bags. They were very easy to take on and off the bike, I could move it from bike to bike depending on what I was riding that day, making it very convenient to have all of my same "stuff" with me and not having to move it from one bag to another. It was cost effective, not having to buy separate tank bags for each bike (at one point I had 4 bikes that I rotated between). But the one thing I did on all of them was apply a clear protective film on the gas tank where the magnetic base of the bag would be in contact with the paint otherwise. This protected the paint without affecting the magnetism of the tank bag. I would highly recommend this to anyone thinking of going with a magnetic tank bag.
To see all Nelson-Rigg magnetic tank bag options from Amazon, click here.
To see all Nelson-Rigg magnetic tank bag options from JP Cycles, click here.
To see all Chase Harper magnetic tank bag options from Amazon, click here.
Strap Style Tank Bags
In my opinion, strap style tank bags are the last option. They are without a doubt the most cumbersome to take on and off the motorcycle. Like the magnetic bags, they are in direct contact with the motorcycle's paint so it's best to apply clear film to the motorcycle paint before using one. Also, the straps loosen and stretch over time or when they get wet, requiring regular tightening.
That said, I currently own a strap style tank bag for my KTM 690 Enduro R. As I mentioned above, it's what I consider to be the last resort, but it's sure beats not having one if it is the only style that will work for your particular bike. Such is the case for my KTM, since there is no metal bodywork and the gas cap ring (which is often what is used for bike-specific mounts) is behind the seat as the gas tank is actually the rear subframe of the bike. The bag I have works fine, but if there were any other option I would replace it. Yes, I could eliminate the tank bag and just have a tail bag, but I prefer to have some things accessible while I'm in motion. Also, I've ridden a few enduros where they have handed out routes on sheets of paper instead of using a roll chart, so without a tank bag with a clear pocket on the top it would be extremely challenging.
To view all of the strap style Nelson-Rigg tank bags from Amazon, click here.
To view all of the strap style Nelson-Rigg tank bags from JP Cycles, click here.
Bike-Specific Tank Bag Mounts
The blog post was titled "The Best Tank Bag I've Ever Had!" and as most stories go, you save the best for last. And the best tank bags I've ever had have all been bike-specific mount style tank bags, where there is a mount made specifically to fit your year, make and model motorcycle and then a one or a selection of tank bags that are made to fit that mount.
My first experience with a tank bag like this was on a 2012 BMW R1200RT that I bought barely used from a friend. It had a tank bag rail frame that fit over the entire gas tank area with two notches towards the front of the bike and two at the back of the tank near the seat. It was the sleekest design I had ever seen; without the tank bag on you didn't even notice the mount, it just looked like part of the bike. Taking the tank bag on and off the bike was ridiculously easy, with a release handle at the front of the tank bag to simply squeeze and lift the bag off the bike. Putting it back on was even easier. Insert the two rear clips on the bottom of the bag into the frame notches at the rear of the tank and set the bag down. The front clipped in securely and that was it. A slight modification to the release handle (documented on numerous BMW and RT forums) provided the ability to lock the release handle with a small padlock, securing it to the bike when unattended. Another small suitcase padlock through the two entry zippers and only the most determined thief was going to take anything. The other significant benefit was that the mount from kept the tank bag from touching the body (and paint!) of the motorcycle. No need for clear film anymore!
When I sold the RT and bought my R1200GS there wasn't a similar tank bag option from BMW, but I knew I wanted to find something like it if there was any such thing on the market. After a great deal of research, reading reviews, posts on different groups and forums, etc. I found two solutions that would provide all the same great benefits that I had with the RT tank bag.
Givi Tanklock Series
The first was made by one of the biggest names in motorcycle luggage, Givi. Givi had just released a series of tank bags called the Tanklock Series and had custom flange rings to fit the gas cap ring for many of the more common motorcycles on the market, and they had one for the GS. I had at least found a reasonable replacement for the tank bag I loved so much on my RT, but at the time the bag options were very limited in size and style. As well, many reviews and comments suggested that the bags sat up way too high off the tank and, while secure, seemed to shake around a lot and be somewhat distracting. But, it was still a viable option, and with the GS having a plastic tank would be WAY better than a strap style bag.
To see all of the Givi Tanklock Series tank bag options from Amazon, click here.
To see all of the Givi Tanklock Series tank bag options from JP Cycles, click here.
SW-Motech Quick-Lock Series
Just as I was about to pull the trigger on one of the Givi Tanklock bags and mount flange I found SW-Motech and their Quick-Lock Series of tank bags. I started looking at bag options, reading reviews of their Quick-Lock system, and everything was extremely positive! As a one-up to the Givi Tanklock system, they offer an electric flange mount! Even better!! No more running charging cables through a grommet in the tank bag, pulling them out before you remove the tank bag, just clip the tank bag onto the permanently mounted and wired ring and the connector inside the bag has power, ready to charge any USB device you want! I've been using this bag since I bought my GS new in 2015 and it has worked flawlessly! The bag itself, after almost 40K miles of use and abuse looks as good as new and I couldn't be happier with it. And the Quick-Lock mount with their tank bags provide about a 1/2" gap between the bag and the tank, so no worries of scratching the paint.This is without question the best tank bag I've ever had!
If you're looking for a new tank bag for your ride I would highly recommend checking out SW-Motech to see if they offer a mount ring for your motorcycle before looking at anything else.
To see all SW-Motech Quick-Lock tank bag options from Amazon, click here.
To see all SW-Motech Quick-Lock tank ring mounts available from Amazon, click here.
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