Five of the best… tank bags for plastic tanks

SW Motech's Pro range is particularly popular with Sportsbikeshop customers, and the Daypack is the pick for riders wanting something compact. Its five-litre capacity expands to eight litres, providing enough space for everyday essentials without dominating the tank. Tough ballistic nylon construction, internal mesh pockets and a raincover add practicality, while the magnetic-assisted Pro tank ring makes fitting and removal easy. Customers love the quality, secure mounting and clever adjustable positioning, although some feel it's expensive for its size. You'll also need a bike-specific Pro tank ring, costing around £30.

Sometimes you only need somewhere to stash your phone, wallet and keys, which is where Givi's little XS319Y comes in. Its three-litre capacity and semi-rigid construction make it especially suitable for sports and naked bikes, where larger tankbags can get in the way. The Tanklock system makes it quick to remove, while a raincover, carry handle and shoulder strap add convenience. Customers regularly praise its quality, neat fit and practicality, although a few would welcome more room. A bike-specific Tanklock flange is required, with Givi fittings costing £16–£67 depending on the bike. 

For touring riders who want more space and proper weather protection, SW Motech's Pro City Waterproof is a strong contender. Its nine-litre capacity accommodates plenty of essentials, while a welded construction, waterproof zips and a magnetic lid closure mean there's no raincover to fiddle with. Two exterior pockets and internal organisers help keep everything tidy. Customers praise the quality, secure attachment and waterproofing, with one reporting completely dry contents after riding through torrential thunderstorms. It's designed particularly for adventure bikes with strongly sloping tanks and requires a bike-specific Pro tank ring, adding around £30 to the cost.

Givi's ST610+ offers a little more carrying capacity than its smaller Tanklock sibling, with 10 litres of space and an expansion zip for bulkier items. Its semi-rigid construction keeps things tidy, while a raincover, shoulder strap and elastic lid straps add practicality. Customers praise the quality, convenient size and ease of fitting, although one owner felt it offered less space than expected. The clever part is its versatility - it can attach to a bike-specific Tanklock flange or Givi's universal S430 Seatlock mounting system, allowing it to sit on the pillion seat instead of the tank. 

Not every bike has a fuel filler cap that suits a quick-release tank ring, which makes Oxford's Aqua S8 a useful alternative. Its eight-litre capacity, welded waterproof construction and rolltop closure make it ideal for carrying essentials in all weathers. The supplied strap harness provides a secure fit, while a clear touchscreen-compatible phone pocket adds convenience. Customers praise its compact shape, waterproofing and easy removal, with one reporting excellent results on a week-long trip to Germany. Best of all, there's no separate mounting ring to buy, making this a particularly affordable option.