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Pack Smarter with XLMOTO’s Range of Motorcycle Bags

Even if you own the biggest touring motorcycle, there is a limit to the amount of luggage you can carry. XLMOTO has an extensive range of motorcycle bags with luggage solutions for every eventuality. Don’t pack less; pack smarter.

Why you need a motorcycle bag fit for the job

In theory, you can store your kit in any bag and strap it to your motorcycle. The problem with this scenario is that bags not explicitly designed for the job may create issues. For instance, the bag may not be weather resistant and have insufficient securing points. It could also create an un-ergonomic shape creating added drag and turbulence. A suitable motorcycle bag will answer all of these problems and more. Motorcycle bags fall into two categories: those the rider can wear and others it’s possible to attach to a motorcycle. By whatever means the bag is secured, whether it’s a motorcycle leg bag or motorcycle tool bag, its location is a consideration. The bag will incorporate a design that makes the most ergonomic sense, offers a safe carrying capacity, and will be weather resistant.

Features to look for in a suitable motorcycle bag

Location/Fit: Motorcycle bags are often designed for a specific purpose. When considering a motorcycle leg bag, consider how it will sit when riding your bike. This same rule applies to side bags that may be too wide for your motorcycle or a tank bag that is too tall.

Material: Unless specified as 100% waterproof, most motorcycle bags are Polyester. This material is ideal as it is lightweight, wear, and weather resistant.

Fasteners: One of the top priorities for a good motorcycle bag is the way it closes. Zips should be chunky and easy to run, while fasteners should click together solidly.

Reflective Stripes: While this feature is not compulsory, it is a sensible idea. Reflective material is versatile and may be piped along a seam or incorporated into the bag’s design. Anything that increases visibility on the road is always a plus point.

Straps and Handles: Whether it’s a belt loop, a strap that attaches to your bike, or a handle for carrying the bag off the motorcycle, double-stitched and reinforced straps are a great option.

Volume: Volume refers to the amount a motorcycle bag can carry, with the value in litres.

Types of motorcycle bags

Motorcycle Leg Bag: This bag attaches to the waist and leg and is great for carrying documents and gas money when riding.

Motorcycle Waist Bag: Also known as a bum bag or fanny pack, this bag is another convenient way of carrying must-haves for the road.

Motorcycle Tool Bag: A convenient way of storing your emergency tool kit, motorcycle tool bags are either handlebar mounted, go inside, or attached to side bags.

Boot Bags: A boot bag is ideal for carrying dirty or wet boots. Ensure the bag has vents to circulate air to prevent ‘stink boot.’

Tank Bags: Some tank bags include a touch screen GPS/map pocket on the top. Meanwhile, others are expandable or quick detachable. Find one with all three features, and you’ll be in tank bag heaven.

Side Bags: Also called soft panniers, side bags can hold most road trip essentials. Always check to see if it is possible to throw them over the seat or if they are frame mounted. Unless described as a ‘dry bag’ which is 100% waterproof, outer covers should also be included as part of the deal.

XLMOTO’s extensive range of motorcycle bags makes packing smarter and struggle-free when commuting, off-roading, or on a cross-country road trip.

Convenient and Flexible; a Motorcycle Tank Bag is Hard to Beat

A motorcycle tank bag is a compact piece of luggage designed to fit on the top of a motorcycle's gas tank. Tank bags are a great piece of kit for touring but are a practical addition to any bike. Most tank bags are quick-detachable and if not waterproof, water-resistant. What's more, they often come with a rain hood. Fixing methods vary from universal to model specific, more on which later.

Why use a Tank Bag

Tank bags are associated with touring. An essential addition for any road trip, they help store anything you may need on a regular basis. These items can include travel documents, mobile devices or even a multi-tool. For an overnight ferry crossing, the motorcycle tank bag is invaluable. Most tank bags will hold all your valuables, plus a clean T-shirt and toothbrush. They are a lot more convenient than rummaging through your panniers or backpack. Medium-size tank bags are ideal for daily commutes as they can accommodate keys, valuables and waterproofs, canceling the need for a backpack. Tank Bags for adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular as they can increase luggage carrying capacity. They are also ideal for sportbike and custom riders as both motorcycle styles have little luggage capacity and tank bags are the perfect answer.

Motorcycle Tank Bag Fixing Methods

Motorcycle tank bags are either a universal fit or feature a mounting system specific to a motorcycle make or model.

Universal Fit: This type of fixing method will fit almost every size and shape of the gas tank. Fixing methods will consist of securing magnets sewn into pockets to protect paintwork while others attach via a series of straps. Strap-on tank bags attach directly to the tank and feature adjustable nylon belts. They can also use the same attachment method to fasten a base pad to the tank. This feature means the tank bag can be easily attached or removed.

Specific Fit: This fixing method sees a manufacturer offer a series of different size and specification tank bags. It is possible to attach this type of bag via specific brand docking hardware.

For instance, this hardware can consist of a flange bolted to the gas tank lid, whereby the tank bag is attached via a quick-release mechanism.

Materials

While some tank bags are leather-look vinyl, in most instances, they are a nylon-based material such as polyamide or polyester. These materials have high tensile strength making them hard wearing and ideal for waterproof tank bags. When looking at tank bag specifications, you will often see a number followed by a letter such as 600D or 10L. The former relates to the thickness of the material measured in Denier. The higher the number, the thicker the material. The latter letter L, relates to the tank bag's volume capacity, including the main compartment and any exterior pockets. The L refers to liters, while the number refers to the number of liters of space. Once again, the higher the number, the greater the carrying capacity.

Features to look for in a Motorcycle Tank Bag

The motorcycle model and reason for your journey will dictate the size and mounting method of the motorcycle tank bag you choose. When it comes to the attachment method, ensure magnets are well placed and covered by a protective covering. For strap mounting systems, make sure the straps are adjustable and long enough to accommodate the size of your tank. If you want to place your sat nav or cell phone in the tank bag's display pocket, ensure the pocket is waterproof and touch screen compatible. If not 100 percent waterproof, check if the bag comes with a rain hood. For ease of charging on the road, look for cable outlets, headphone ports and quick release bags. An integral carrying handle or strap is preferable. Some tank bags are expandable, allowing for more flexibility in carrying capacity. In addition, others will offer waterproof inner bags or detachable map pockets. Whatever style or size you choose, one thing is sure, once you've experienced the convenience and flexibility of a motorcycle tank bag, there's no going back.