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Being called the “Carry-On-Queen” means I’m known for packing efficiently while traveling. So it comes as no surprise that when riding a motorbike, I’d be looking for the same features. The Viking Bags Survival Series Tank Bag has been the perfect gear addition.
While I’m happy to pack out the back of a bike for longer trips, it’s nice to have a generous tank-mounted bag option, with the versatility of a backpack, for day trips. After searching out numerous options, and in fact, owning other bags, I came across the Viking Bags Survival Series tank bag suitable for a street or sports bike. This bag works perfectly on my Yamaha V-Star.
Viking Bags Survival Series Tank Bag Features
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Durable
- Easy to mount
- The perfect size
First off, the bag looks good. It has slim angular lines that fit the profile of a teardrop tank. With magnets on the bottom and four side flaps, it’s easy to mount and remove, but super secure while riding. The bag measures 15” x 9” x 5.5” making it generous enough to accommodate rain gear, insurance, wallet, sunglasses, gloves, water bottle, granola bars, and cell phone. There is one large zippered compartment and one smaller one to the side, in addition to a separate place for a phone or GPS, so it’s easy to keep items organized and easily accessible. The top compartment for your phone or GPS is also touch-screen sensitive, which is a handy feature. The bottom of the bag is well padded so it won’t scratch your tank, and the magnetic flaps fold away once the removable backpack straps are put on, turning it into a very versatile and stylish bag to keep valuables with you. The bag is made of 1600D ballistic fabric, with double-stitched seams, so it seems really durable. There’s even a fold-away waterproof cover to protect your stuff, if you happen to get caught in the rain.
The hidden bonus that I love
I actually used the bag several times before I realized that the straps included could convert it into a backpack – which is kind of embarrassing in hindsight! I thought they were some sort of mounting strap setup. Up until that point, I was lamenting that it was a perfect bag, but needed a shoulder strap, or some method to carry it easily with you, since being mounted with only magnets could make it an easy snag for theft if left unattended. Once I discovered the slick system for converting it to a backpack, I was smitten! The only thing I would love to see added would be a small handle at the top of the bag if you didn’t want to wear it as a backpack.
The Viking Bags Survival Series tank bag is one of those items that you may not have thought you needed, but once you’ve got it, you’ll wonder how you survived without it. Check out this video review which will also tease you with a day trip ride from Vancouver to Whistler, BC where I put the bag through its paces.
Viking Bags Survival Series Tank Bag Review
The Sea to Sky Highway is an amazing piece of road to ride on a bike. It twists and turns, at times clinging to the cliffs, with ocean fjords and vistas below, before culminating in the snow-capped ranges of world-renowned Whistler Ski resort. If you every get a chance to ride it – do it!
Check out the Survivor Series tank bags and other motorbike luggage options at Viking Bags.
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If you want to know where this crazy infatuation with riding a motorbike began, be sure to check out this epic post about Route 66, the Grand Canyon & Zion National Park by Motorbike. And although the scooters in these posts weren’t nearly as powerful, it was sill a heck of a blast exploring Kona’s Big Island Beaches by Scooter in this post, as well as discovering the best way to tour Barcelona, Spain – you guessed it, by scooter! Check out Tour Barcelona by Scooter.