A tank bag is the fastest way to add accessible storage without loading up your panniers. Shad's click and pin mounting systems allow tool-free removal in seconds, Nelson-Rigg covers trails and tarmac, and Giant Loop handles serious adventure loads. Capacities span compact 5-litre city bags to full tour-ready volumes.
Oxford Tank Bag Quick-Release F1 Q18 - Black
Oxford Tank Bag Strap-On S20R - Black
Giant Loop Diablo Tank Bag - Grey
Oxford Tank Bag Aqua M8 - Black
Choosing the Right Tank Bag
Mount system is the first decision. Shad's Click System uses a Quick-Lock base plate bolted to the tank and releases one-handed without tools. The 2023-updated E091CL runs at 5L with a keyed lock included. The Terra X0TR15C expands to 13L for full touring loads. The Pin System suits bikes without a base plate and the Midi X0SE10P covers 5L in a compact footprint. Magnetic bases grip steel tanks directly but do not suit fibreglass, plastic or aluminium fuel tanks without a protective mat.
Capacity and Use Case
Capacity shapes how you ride. The Shad SR X0SR18 sits at 8L in a retro brown shell suited to café racers and naked bikes. The Nelson-Rigg RG-1040 Trails End Lite uses magnetic and strap attachment for dual-sport riding where tank shapes vary. Giant Loop's Fandango uses a soft construction that conforms to non-standard tanks where rigid bags cannot seal flat. Most bags expand 2-4L via zip gussets when you need the extra room.
| Brand | Mount Type | Capacity Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shad Click System | Quick-Lock base plate | 5L – 13L | Commute, touring |
| Shad Pin System | Pin mount (no base needed) | 5L – 8L | Retro, naked, café racer |
| Nelson-Rigg | Magnetic + strap | RG-1040 Trails End Lite | Dual-sport, trail |
| Giant Loop | Strap harness | Fandango range | Adventure, non-standard tanks |
| Oxford | Magnetic | Compact to mid-size | Road, commute |
| Motodry | Magnetic | Entry level | Commute, short tours |
Features Worth Checking
A lockable zipper matters if you leave the bag unattended. A clear map or phone pocket on the lid handles navigation without a separate GPS mount. Waterproof-rated bags or those with an included rain cover suit variable Australian conditions year-round. Check whether the base profile fits your specific tank before ordering, as low-profile sport tanks and contoured adventure tanks can vary by 20-30mm in curvature across models.
Frequently asked questions
Will a magnetic tank bag damage my fuel tank?
Magnetic bases grip steel tanks without scratching when fitted clean and dry. Fibreglass, plastic and aluminium tanks need a protective mat or a strap-mount system like Giant Loop instead.
What is the difference between Shad's Click System and Pin System?
The Click System requires a Shad Quick-Lock base plate bolted to the tank and allows one-handed removal. The Pin System mounts directly to any steel tank using pins and magnets, with no base plate required.
How do I keep my tank bag waterproof on a long tour?
Choose a bag with a waterproof-rated shell or one supplied with a rain cover. Seal zips before heavy rain and avoid overpacking past the gusset limit, which can stress zip seams and allow water ingress.