How to Choose a Motorcycle Tail Bag
Regardless of your favorite route or bike, there’s one thing that all adventure riders have in common: finding the right packing solution is a critical part of any pre-ride planning. One popular and practical option for many riders is the use of a motorcycle tail bag.
Designed to be mounted on the tail section of the motorcycle, a tail bag is typically secured to the pillion seat or the rear rack. These bags are favored for their aerodynamic design, ease of use, and ability to enhance storage capacity without requiring significant modifications or investments.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into tail bags and explore other storage solutions that provide the space, protection, and style you need for your next ride.
Key Topics Covered
- Terminology Check: Rear bags vs top bags vs tail bags
- Evaluating Tail Bag Options
- Top Features to Consider
- Tail Bag Drawbacks
- Moto Machines’ Top Choices
Let’s explore how the right tail bag can enhance your riding experience and provide the convenience you need for your adventures.
Terminology Check: Rear Bag vs. Top Bag vs. Tail Bag
If you are new to the adventure motorcycle world or are simply buying a gift for a rider in your life, you may have encountered a variety of storage options: rear bags, top bags, and tail bags. While people sometimes use these terms interchangeably, each has distinct characteristics based on design and placement. Below is a breakdown of each type and examples of popular choices.
Rear Bag
- General Definition: A broad term for any storage bag mounted at the back of a motorcycle, including top bags, tail bags, and panniers.
- Mounting: Usually attached to a rear rack, pillion seat, or saddlebags.
- Use Case: Ideal for riders needing flexible rear storage.
- Examples: Hepco & Becker Legacy Rear Bag, Hepco & Becker Royster Sport Rear Bag Tie Down Version.
If someone refers to a rear bag, ask for specifics to better understand which category they mean.
The Hepco & Becker Legacy Rear Bag
Top Bag
- Location: Mounted on top of a rear rack or top box, sometimes called a "top case" when made of hard plastic or metal.
- Design: Typically larger, sturdier, and often waterproof.
- Features: Can be lockable (if hard-shell) or have straps for easy detachment in soft versions.
- Use Case: Best for touring, long-distance rides, or carrying bulky items like helmets.
- Examples: Hepco & Becker Small Liberty Top Bag 25L, Hepco & Becker Rugged Top Bag, Hepco & Becker Xceed Top Case 45L Dark Black.
The Hepco & Becker Rugged Top Bag
Tail Bag
- Location: Mounted on the tail section of the motorcycle, usually on the pillion seat or rear fender.
- Design: Smaller and more compact than top bags, often soft-sided with straps or bungee cords for attachment.
- Use Case: Ideal for day trips, commuting, or carrying smaller items like tools or snacks.
- Example: Hepco & Becker Rear Tail Sport Star Bag.
The Hepco & Becker Rear Tail Sport Star Bag
Rear Dry Bag
- Location: Mounted on the rear of the motorcycle, usually on a luggage rack, pillion seat, or over side panniers.
- Design: Larger capacity compared to other dry bags, designed for long trips or carrying camping gear.
- Mounting: Secured with adjustable straps or bungee cords; often includes extra attachment points.
- Use Case: Perfect for touring riders carrying bulky items like sleeping bags, clothing, or food supplies.
- Examples: Hepco & Becker Drybird Rear Bag.
The Hepco & Becker Drybird Rear Bag
Evaluating Tail Bag Options
A motorcycle tail bag typically has a streamlined shape that aligns well with the contours of your bike. Many are made from weather-resistant materials, ensuring your belongings remain dry. Features can include reflective strips for visibility, external pockets for easy access, and adjustable straps for secure attachment. Some even have expandable compartments or hard-shell designs for added protection.
When choosing a tail bag, prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Opt for the most versatile option that meets your storage needs while being compatible with your bike.
Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Tail Bag
1. Capacity
- Size: Choose based on trip length and storage needs.
- Expandable Options: Some bags offer expandable compartments for flexibility.
- Fit: Ensure the bag’s size matches your bike’s tail section.
2. Mounting System
- Straps: Ensure they are durable, adjustable, and easy to use.
- Bungee Cords: Provide flexibility but may be less secure on rough terrain.
- Dedicated Mounting Points: Some bags have tailored mounting systems.
- Quick-Release: Allows for easy removal.
3. Materials and Durability
- Weather Resistance: Waterproof or water-resistant materials are ideal.
- Construction Quality: Look for double-stitched seams and strong zippers.
- Rigid vs. Soft: Rigid bags retain shape but may be heavier; soft bags are lighter and more flexible.
4. Compatibility with Your Bike
- Tail Shape: Ensure the bag fits well on your tail section.
- Exhaust Clearance: Prevent heat damage by checking placement.
- Passenger Use: Confirm space for a pillion rider if needed.
Tail Bag Drawbacks
While tail bags are generally known for being extremely convenient, there are some potential drawbacks that you should keep in mind.
One of the most common issues associated with a tail bag is limited storage capacity. Because they are often small and light, you may have to spend extra time finding options that will fit all of your most crucial belongings. Be sure to check if any bags you are considering are expandable, as this can significantly increase your storage capabilities. While tail bags are generally known for being extremely convenient, there are some potential drawbacks that you should keep in mind.
Another common issue is not with the bag itself, but rather how you mount it. Not all tail bags fit every motorcycle, so if your bike has a smaller or unusual tail section, you might run into compatibility issues. Additionally, an improperly mounted bag can shift or even come loose during a ride, particularly on rough terrain.
Take the time to find an option that fits your bike, and carefully follow the mounting instructions to ensure everything stays securely in place. This is especially important if you plan to ride two-up, as the placement of the bag may interfere with your passenger’s seating. Additionally, a heavily loaded tail bag can affect your bike’s balance and handling.
Finally, accessibility can be a concern. Unlike tank bags or top boxes, tail bags are not easily accessible without getting off the bike. While you shouldn’t be reaching into your bag while riding, it can become frustrating to repeatedly dismount to retrieve small items—especially if your tail bag requires unfastening multiple straps.
Moto Machines’ Top Choices for Tail Bags and other Rear Bags from Hepco & Becker
Though a lot of what goes into choosing a tail bag depends on your riding style and preferences, we do have a few that stick out from the crowd. some of our top selling options include:
Hepco & Becker Xtravel Top Bag
About this bag: Hello, capacity. You can unzip the expandable portion to give you a whopping 30 liters of space. It also comes in at just 6.6 pounds, so you get a ton of extra space without extra weight from the bag itself.
Why we love it: If you are looking for a truly versatile motorcycle bag, this is it. It features a waterproof roll top and clip enclosures. It’s another option that can act as a backpack, making it even more useful.
Compatibility: Universal using their 4-point strap system.
Hepco & Becker Legacy Rear Bag
About this bag: One of their more “vintage” options, this rear bag is made from sturdy waxed canvas. It also features an inner bag made of waterproof polyester. Don’t forget to take it on-the-go thanks to an included shoulder strap.
Why we love it: Aside from being super hardy, this bag definitely fits the bill in terms of that more classic aesthetic. It's also great how it comes with a handle and can be asily carried around once you're off the bike. Prefer a darker aesthetic? It's also available in black.
Compatibility: Universal
Hepco & Becker Rear Motorcycle Duffle Bag 50L
About this bag: Who needs a 50L bag? You do. And if you don’t, that’s not a problem either because G-hook straps allow for extra room and slack on the inside of the bag to be taken down in size if the bag is not fully packed.
Why we love it: Part of the semi-infamous X-Travel line from Hepco & Becker, this bag is tough. And it looks great. And it’s versatile. What more could you really want?
Compatibility: Universal using their 4-point strap system.
Hepco & Becker Legacy Rear Leather Bag - Brown
About this bag: Another edition to their legacy lineup, this rear leather bag comes in both brown and black and is made from premium 3mm leather. It has a form-proof inner lining and two outside straps that make mounting a breeze.
Why we love it: This reminds us of the type of bag that our grandparents would use. It’s classy, simple, and effective. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Compatibility: Universal fit using sissybars and soloracks.
Hepco & Becker Rear Tail Sport Star Bag
About this bag: It may not be the biggest bag in the lineup, but if you don’t need a ton of space, this might just be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s made from cordura fabric, which makes it one of the more waterproof options out there.
Why we love it: Not unlike several other bags in this list, this one comes with its own straps - making it extra easy to take on the go.
Compatibility: For the BMW R1200GS & R1250GS. However, this model fits most bikes.
Your Ride, Your Bag
No matter what your luggage needs are, Moto Machines is here to fulfill them. We offer a wide selection of brands and options to fit every style and bike.
Got questions about which one you should choose? Feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to put our experience to work for you. Did you like this post? You might also enjoy:
- The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Packing
- How to Pick the Best Motorcycle Campsite
- What are BDR Routes? Your Introduction to Backcountry Discovery Routes
