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Why You Should Consider Getting a Motorcycle Tank Bag

Riding a motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom and adventure. Perhaps one of the most useful accessories you can add to your bike is a motorcycle tank bag. Although some prefer to keep their bikes stripped down to the bare minimum there are quite a few advantages to bikes equipped with a tank bag. If you've ever been on a long ride and realized that you could have really used a few personal items you didn't have room to carry, you understand how this useful add-on can make riding more enjoyable. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a tank bank and how to choose the right model for your bike.

Why should you get a motorcycle tank bag?

A motorcycle bag doesn't take up a lot of space, nor does it add an excessive amount of weight to your bike. It's a useful accessory that gives you room to store personal items so they are handy when you need to get to them quickly. The items in the bag are within arm's reach for convenience. When you're riding, the bag can be used to store your phone, to keep it protected from damage, and it can keep it secure so you don't lose it when you're on the road. You can also use the bag to store your headset when you're taking a break from the road to grab a bite to eat. If you're making an overnight trip, the bag is useful for stowing a change of clothes and a few toiletries. There is just enough room to pack essentials that you'll be glad to have when you're away from home.

Which motorcycle tank bag is right for you?

Motorcycle Intelligence staff point out that there are hundreds of different motorcycle tank bags to choose from. Once you've decided that you need the extra storage space, where do you start in narrowing down your options? The reason there are so many different tank bags out there is that every rider has their own needs and preferences. There's truly something for everyone. The best motorcycle tank bag is the one that comes closest to perfection in fulfilling its purpose while looking good on the bike. Here are a few tips from MI about what to look for.

Size/capacity

Consider what size will fit best on your bike, and also how much extra space you need. They come in all sizes. If you take multi-day road trips gauge the size/capacity on how much you'll take along with you. If you're riding with a partner, you might want to double that. Another consideration for getting the right size is how well the model fits on your bike. Measure the width of the tank and make sure that the tank bag you buy isn't too large or too small to properly fit the tank.

Attachment style

Some tank bags require more complicated installation and others are easy to put on and take off. If you stay in hotel rooms much you might want to consider buying a model that goes on and comes off quickly and easily. It's usually best to take the bags in the room so you don't get ripped off when you're away from the bike. There are three main attachment types. These are magnetic, clamp ring, and strap. If your tank is made of steel then you're a good candidate for the magnetic fastening type. If it's made of aluminum, the strap on type or clamp rings are your only other options.

Features

Twisted Throttle gives us a few pointers about the importance of the features. Since the selection of models is so large, pay attention to the unique features of the bags you're browsing through and think about which features would be most useful for your situation. Some tank bags come with expansion zippers, carry handles, rain covers, cable ports for your headset or power cords, or pockets of varying sizes for keeping your items organized. Some come with removable pockets for grab and go items. One of the more useful features is a map pocket that keeps road maps within reach if you need to consult them on a long road trip. Some of the more intricate tank bags even come with removable exterior pockets and some that convert o a fanny pack.

Materials

A huge consideration is the durability of the materials. The stronger, the better. If you go with a nylon type, the range is between 600 and 1680 denier. The higher the denier, the more dense and strong the fabric. You will usually pay more for higher denier, but in the long run, it's probably worth the extra cost. It's also wise to make sure that the bag is water-resistant. You never know when you'll run into a rainstorm on the road. Some tank bags are semi-rigid, made of thermoformed laminated polyester. This type is more secure for keeping valuables and fragile items protected from damage. These bags also hold their shape better.

Final thoughts

There are a few compelling reasons to get a motorcycle tank bag. A good bag can keep the items you're likely to need within reach for easy access. These bags are useful for storing personal items as well as accessories you might need on longer road trips. Once you've ridden with a tank bag, you'll wonder why you didn't add one sooner. The key to getting the most out of this useful accessory is to take the time to think about what you can use it for and which features will be the handiest for your situation. Jot down a few features you'd like to narrow down your search, then find the best possible quality tank bag in the right size for your bike, for the best price.

Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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