Best Motorcycle Tail Bag
The best motorcycle tail bag for most riders is the Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 Commuter Sport. This motorcycle tail bag straps to the seat or tail with 4 quick-release straps, and its semi-rigid walls keep the tail bag in shape, even when it's empty.
Riding a cruiser with a sissy bar? The Kuryakyn Momentum Vagabond straps right on. Riding a touring bagger with a tour trunk? The Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Traveler sits on top and holds up to 73.5 liters.
Updated · By Ron the Web Guy
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Quick picks
- Best overall: Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 Commuter Sport Tail Bag (opens in a new tab)
- Best for touring baggers: Nelson-Rigg NR-300 Route 1 Traveler Tour Trunk Bag (opens in a new tab)
- Best sissy bar bag: Kuryakyn 5285 Momentum Vagabond Bag (opens in a new tab)
- Best expandable: KEMIMOTO Dual Use Motorcycle Tail Bag (22L to 34L) (opens in a new tab)
- Best for long trips: Rhinowalk Expandable Motorcycle Tail Bag (60L) (opens in a new tab)
- Best budget pick: MOSISO Waterproof Motorcycle Tail Bag (10L) (opens in a new tab)
Seat, rack or sissy bar: how tail bags mount
Most tail bags strap onto the passenger seat or a rear rack. Cruiser bags like the Kuryakyn add sissy bar straps that wrap around the backrest. Bigger bags need four solid strap points, and KEMIMOTO suggests a rear rack for its bag. Pack heavy things low and close to you so the bike handles normally.
Our picks
Best overall
Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 Commuter Sport Tail Bag
Good for: a day's worth of gear on almost any bike.
- Mounts to most tail sections and seats with 4 quick-release straps
- Semi-rigid walls hold their shape, even empty
- Reflective piping and a reflective handle
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Best for touring baggers
Nelson-Rigg NR-300 Route 1 Traveler Tour Trunk Bag
Good for: adding space on top of a Harley Ultra or similar tour trunk.
- 63 liters, expands to 73.5 liters
- Straps onto the tour trunk luggage rack
- Rain cover included
- Made for the Harley Ultra, Indian Roadmaster and Honda Gold Wing, per the listing
Best sissy bar bag
Kuryakyn 5285 Momentum Vagabond Bag
Good for: cruisers with a sissy bar or a luggage rack.
- Quick-mount sissy bar straps plus a full strap kit and D-rings
- About 18 x 12 x 15.5 inches, two main compartments
- Tethered rain cover and a removable shoulder strap
- Fits passenger seats with or without a sissy bar; needs 4 mounting points
Best expandable
KEMIMOTO Dual Use Motorcycle Tail Bag (22L to 34L)
Good for: a bag that grows for weekend trips and works as a backpack.
- Expands from 22 to 34 liters
- Rain cover included
- Carries as a handbag or backpack off the bike
- A rear rack is suggested for bikes without one, per the listing
Best for long trips
Rhinowalk Expandable Motorcycle Tail Bag (60L)
Good for: multi-day trips with camping gear.
- About 40 liters, expands to about 60 liters
- Sissy bar straps and a rain cover included
- Steel wire frame keeps the shape
- Shoulder strap so it works as a duffel
Best budget pick
MOSISO Waterproof Motorcycle Tail Bag (10L)
Good for: a small, low-cost bag for daily rides.
- 10 liter main compartment
- Waterproof PU leather
- 4 buckles and 2 seat straps with an anti-slip bottom
- Works as a shoulder bag or handbag too
What is the best motorcycle tail bag?
The Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 Commuter Sport is the best pick for most riders. It straps to almost any seat and holds its shape. Cruiser riders with a sissy bar should look at the Kuryakyn Momentum Vagabond.
What's the difference between a tail bag and a sissy bar bag?
A tail bag straps to the seat or tail section. A sissy bar bag is a tail bag with straps that also wrap around the backrest, which holds it upright on a cruiser. Many bags, like the Kuryakyn and Rhinowalk, work both ways.
How big a tail bag do I need?
For daily riding, 10 to 20 liters holds a jacket, lunch and tools. For a weekend, 30 to 40 liters. For camping or long trips, look at 60 liters or more, like the Rhinowalk.
Can I carry a passenger with a tail bag?
Not if the bag sits on the passenger seat. If you ride two-up, use a rack, a tour trunk bag or saddlebags instead.
How we picked
We looked at what riders actually buy on Amazon, kept the products lots of riders already use and like, and favored known motorcycle brands. We read each maker's listing and pulled the key details you see on the cards. We haven't lab-tested these products, so we don't give scores. Details come from the product listings as of November 9, 2026, so check the listing for current sizes and fit before you buy.