Hog Bikes

Best Motorcycle Tank Bag

The best motorcycle tank bag for most cruiser riders is the Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Journey. This magnetic motorcycle tank bag sets right onto a steel tank, a protective base keeps the tank bag from slipping or marking the paint, and a clear pocket on top holds your phone.

Plastic or aluminum tank? A magnetic tank bag won't stick, so use a strap-on bag like the Nelson-Rigg Trails End or a tank ring bag like the GIVI MT505.

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Quick picks

Magnetic, strap-on or tank ring: which mount do you need?

Magnetic tank bags only work on steel tanks. Hold a fridge magnet to your tank first; if it sticks, a magnetic bag will too. Strap-on bags work on any tank because the straps go around the tank or the steering head. Tank ring bags, like GIVI's Tanklock, click onto a ring that bolts to your gas cap, so you need the ring made for your bike.

Our picks

Best overall (cruisers)

Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Journey Highway Cruiser Magnetic Tank Bag

Good for: Harley, Indian and other cruisers with steel tanks.

  • About 10 x 8 x 4 inches (5 liters)
  • Protective base won't slip or mark your tank
  • Clear, touchscreen-friendly pocket for a phone, map or GPS
  • Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Check it on Amazon

Best made in the USA

Chase Harper 450 Magnetic Tank Bag

Good for: riders who want a tough bag made in the USA.

  • Made in the USA from ballistic nylon
  • Strong neodymium magnets in each wing
  • Rubberized bottom to protect the paint
  • Detachable map pouch with a touch-sensitive window
Check it on Amazon

Best budget magnetic

Dracarys Strong Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag

Good for: a simple magnetic bag at a low cost.

  • Strong magnets plus a front strap for extra hold
  • Clear phone pocket (not touchscreen) and a small accessory pocket
  • Rain cover tucked inside
  • Not for plastic, aluminum or odd-shaped tanks, per the listing
Check it on Amazon

Best for plastic tanks

GIVI MT505 Tanklock Tank Bag (5L)

Good for: bikes with plastic or aluminum tanks, and quick fuel stops.

  • Clicks onto a GIVI Tanklock ring
  • Needs the GIVI BF ring made for your bike, sold separately
  • 5 liter capacity
  • Thermoformed shell with UV-resistant materials
Check it on Amazon

Best strap-on for adventure bikes

Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure Tank Bag

Good for: adventure and dual sport bikes, on any tank.

  • Quick-release straps for fast mounting and refueling
  • Holds its shape; lined interior
  • Clear, touchscreen-friendly map pocket
  • Reverse coil zippers keep out dust
Check it on Amazon

Best large tank bag

Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag

Good for: long trips where you want more room up front.

  • 12 liters, made of 1680 denier ballistic polyester
  • Non-slip, non-scratch base
  • Built-in rain cover, hideaway backpack straps and a headphone port
  • Sold in magnetic or strap mount versions, so pick the one for your tank
Check it on Amazon

What is the best motorcycle tank bag?

For most cruiser riders, the Nelson-Rigg Route 1 Journey is the best pick. It's a magnetic tank bag with a protective base and a phone pocket. If your tank is plastic or aluminum, go with a strap-on bag like the Nelson-Rigg Trails End or a GIVI Tanklock bag.

Will a magnetic tank bag scratch my paint?

It can if dirt gets under it. Clean the tank before you set the bag down, and lift the bag off instead of dragging it. The bags here have soft or rubber bases to help protect the paint.

Do magnetic tank bags work on Harleys?

Many Harley tanks are steel, so a magnetic bag works. Not every model is, so hold a magnet to your tank before you buy.

Can I fill up with a tank bag on?

With most magnetic and strap-on bags, you lift or flip the bag forward to reach the gas cap. Tank ring bags like the GIVI come off with one click, which makes fuel stops quick.

What else can I add for storage?

For bigger loads, add saddlebags or a tail bag.

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.