Motorcycle Tail Bags
Best Motorcycle Tail Bags for Storage on Any Bike
7 picks compared
10 min read
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The short answerThe best motorcycle tail bag overall is the Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2, a well-built commuter bag with secure straps, expandable space, and an included rain cover. For value the waterproof KEMIMOTO dual-use bag is the pick, and the Rhinowalk hard shell is best for carrying fragile items.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 Commuter Sport
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best overall
A proven commuter tail bag from a respected luggage brand, with secure straps, an expandable main compartment, and a rain cover. Its build quality and dependable mounting make it the best all-round choice.
Type Strap-mount tail bagRain cover IncludedCapacity ExpandableBest for Commuting and touring
- Trusted Nelson-Rigg quality
- Secure universal straps
- Rain cover included
- Not the cheapest
- Straps take setup
Best for: Everyday commuting
KEMIMOTO Waterproof Dual-Use Tail Bag
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best value
A waterproof tail bag that doubles as a backpack, so you can carry it off the bike. It covers the essentials with weather protection at a keen price, which is why it is the value pick.
Type Tail bag / backpackWaterproof YesMount StrapsBest for Value buyers
- Fully waterproof
- Converts to a backpack
- Affordable
- Medium capacity
- Fashion-grade straps
Best for: Weatherproofing on a budget
Rhinowalk Hard Shell Expandable 23-35L
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best hard shell
A hard-shell tail bag that expands from 23 to 35 litres and protects contents from crushing and rain. The rigid shell suits riders carrying a helmet, laptop, or anything fragile.
Type Hard-shell tail bagCapacity 23 to 35 LProtection Rigid shellBest for Fragile loads
- Protective hard shell
- Expandable capacity
- Weather resistant
- Bulkier than soft bags
- Heavier
Best for: Carrying fragile items
Nelson-Rigg Trails End Dual Sport
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best for adventure
A rugged tail bag built for dual-sport and enduro riding, with tough fabric and a secure mounting system for rough terrain. When the ride leaves the pavement, this bag stays put.
Type Dual-sport tail bagBuild Rugged fabricMount Secure strapsBest for Off-road and enduro
- Built for rough terrain
- Very secure mounting
- Durable materials
- Utilitarian look
- Premium price
Best for: Dual-sport and enduro
MOSISO Waterproof Tail Bag
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best budget
A low-cost waterproof polyester tail bag for riders who just need secure, weatherproof storage. A simple, honest bag that gets the job done without extras.
Type Strap-mount tail bagWaterproof YesMaterial PolyesterBest for Simple needs
- Lowest price
- Waterproof
- Easy to fit
- Basic features
- Smaller capacity
Best for: Cheap weatherproof storage
Rhinowalk Expandable Travel Bag
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best expandable soft
A soft expandable tail bag that grows for longer trips and packs down for daily use. The flexibility suits riders whose load changes from commute to weekend tour.
Type Soft expandableCapacity ExpandableMount StrapsBest for Variable loads
- Expands for trips
- Lighter than hard shell
- Good value
- Less crush protection
- Rain cover check needed
Best for: Commute-to-tour flexibility
KEMIMOTO Dual-Use Rear Seat Bag
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best convertible
A convertible rear seat bag that switches between tail-bag and carry modes, aimed at riders who want one bag for on and off the bike. Practical flexibility at a fair price.
Type Convertible seat bagModes Tail bag / carryMount StrapsBest for On-and-off use
- Converts for carrying
- Reasonable price
- Secure on the seat
- Jack-of-all-trades
- Medium capacity
Best for: One bag for everything
A motorcycle tail bag adds quick, removable storage to the back of your bike without permanent mounts. The best one depends on how much you carry, the weather you ride in, and whether you want a rugged hard shell or a flexible soft bag. Below, picks for commuting, touring, and off-road.
How tail bags mount and stay put
Tail bags attach to the passenger seat or rear rack with adjustable straps, and the good ones use several straps plus a non-slip base to stay stable at speed. Most are universal, fitting a wide range of bikes, though very sporty tails can be fussier. Whatever you choose, checking the straps before every ride is essential, because a bag that shifts or works loose is a real hazard.
Hard shell versus soft
Hard-shell tail bags protect fragile contents like a laptop or helmet from crushing and shed rain well, but they are bulkier and heavier. Soft bags are lighter and more flexible, often expandable so they pack down for daily use and grow for a tour, though they offer less protection. Pick a hard shell when you carry fragile or valuable items, and a soft bag for general everyday loads.
Weather protection and size
Riding is a wet-weather activity, so favour a bag that is fully waterproof or ships with a rain cover, as our top pick does. On size, match capacity to your real load: a small bag for a commute, an expandable or larger bag for weekends and helmets. Expandable designs are the most versatile, adjusting to whatever the day requires without buying two bags.
One bag for on and off the bike
If you want to take your belongings with you once parked, look for a convertible tail bag that turns into a backpack or carry bag. Models built for this save you transferring items into a separate bag at your destination. For riders who value flexibility over maximum capacity, a convertible tail bag is often more practical than fixed saddlebags or a top box.
Questions people ask
How does a motorcycle tail bag attach?
Most tail bags mount to the passenger seat or rear rack with adjustable straps that loop around the seat or clip to anchor points. Quality bags include multiple straps and non-slip bases to stay put at speed. Always check the straps before riding, since a bag that shifts or comes loose is a safety hazard.
Are motorcycle tail bags waterproof?
Many are made from waterproof fabric or include a rain cover, but not all, so check the listing. For year-round riding, choose a bag that is either fully waterproof or comes with a cover, like the Nelson-Rigg. Even water-resistant bags benefit from a cover in heavy rain to keep contents dry.
What size tail bag do I need?
Match capacity to your typical load. A smaller bag suits a commute with a wallet, phone, and lunch, while an expandable or 30-litre-plus bag handles a weekend trip or a helmet. Expandable bags are useful if your needs change, letting you pack down for daily use and grow for tours.
Hard shell or soft tail bag?
Hard-shell bags protect fragile items like a laptop or helmet from crushing and shed rain well, at the cost of extra bulk and weight. Soft bags are lighter, more flexible, and often expandable, but offer less protection. Choose a hard shell for fragile or valuable loads and a soft bag for general everyday carry.
Will a tail bag fit my motorcycle?
Most strap-mount tail bags are universal and fit a wide range of seats and racks, but very sporty or unusual tails can be trickier. Check the bag's base dimensions against your seat, and look for a design with adjustable straps. Dual-sport bags like the Trails End are made to mount securely on adventure bikes.
Can I use a tail bag as regular luggage?
Some are designed to, converting into a backpack or carry bag so you can take your belongings with you once parked. Convertible models from KEMIMOTO are built for this. If carrying the bag off the bike matters, look for one that explicitly offers a backpack or carry mode.
Is a tail bag better than saddlebags or a top box?
They serve different needs. A tail bag is quick to fit, universal, and easy to remove, which suits riders who do not want permanent luggage. Saddlebags and top boxes offer more capacity and security but are bike-specific and often need mounts. For flexible, occasional storage, a tail bag is the simplest option.
How do I keep a tail bag secure while riding?
Use all the straps provided, tighten them so the bag cannot shift, and position it against the seat hump or a backrest where possible. Do not overload it beyond its shape, and re-check the straps at stops. A snug, evenly packed bag with tight straps stays stable even at highway speed.
The bottom lineSo which one?
Buy the Nelson-Rigg CL-1060-S2 for the best all-round commuter tail bag. Choose the waterproof KEMIMOTO for value, the Rhinowalk hard shell for fragile loads, or the Nelson-Rigg Trails End for dual-sport and off-road riding.
