Motorcycle tank bags automatically set themselves apart as the most convenient form of motorbike luggage on the market courtesy of their accessible positioning.

By that logic, you could simply choose the first tank bag you come across and call it a job well done. However, there is much more to a tank bag than its placement and here is what to look out for:

Capacity

The reason why the easy-to-reach location of a motorbike tank bag is such a selling point is because it allows quick access to essential items without having to get off the bike to retrieve them. That is ideal for storing anything that may be needed at short notice, such as cards, wallets and toll passes.

However, it is vital to ensure the chosen tank bag has enough of a storage capacity to support such items without being too large or getting in the way. Luckily, SHAD tank bags are available in a variety of capacities ranging from 3 to 13 litres.

Mounting

Despite the level of convenience already brought about by tank bags, there are different methods of fitting them to the motorcycle’s tank and some are simply more convenient than others.

The vast majority of tank bags on the market are mounted with the use of magnets or straps and while they are secure, they are also frustratingly time-consuming. Good news though, there is no longer any need to pull your hair out faffing around with these methods.

Certain luggage manufacturers have gone back to the drawing board to create new, innovative tank bag fitting kits, revolutionising tank bag mounting in the process. Take SHAD for instance, their game-changing click system kits allow their bags to be effortlessly clicked in and out of place in a flash.

Locking Type

The type of locking system used is normally relative to the type of tank bag that is under discussion. Most of all, it is worth being mindful of tank bags that do not have any form of locking system and therefore, are not going to offer any security for your belongings.

Again, it is SHAD who offer the best example here with their three levels of locking. Their ‘standard’ tank bags are not lockable and both their ‘premium’ and ‘pro’ options lock directly to the tank while it is just the pro version that comes with a combination lock for a second layer of security.

Waterproof

In all honesty, waterproof protection is probably not the first thing anyone looks for in a tank bag, however, the items that tend to be stored in them could be valuables or essentials you want to avoid getting wet.

Most tank bags are not waterproof and the issue with that is it could mean they are left to face the full wrath of the rain. Fear not though, SHAD’s tank bags are the exception. Their TR10 is the first fully waterproof tank bag in their range while their E02, E03, E09 and TR15 find a way around their lack of a waterproof structure with the inclusion of a rain cover.

Organisation

As discussed, tank bags allow for quick and easy access to any essential items that may be needed in a pinch and in order for that to happen, it is important to ensure said items are organised. Thankfully, some tank bags offer ways of doing just that.

Keep an eye out for tank bags that incorporate the likes of external storage pockets or internal separators that allow you to compartmentalise your belongings.