If you are into motorcycle riding, be it just the city commutes or touring, several challenges come along with it. Managing your luggage is certainly one of them as the real estate on a bike is limited and the stuff to be carried might be more. There are tank bags, tail bags, saddle bags and whatnot. You might alternate between tail and saddle but one that most of us need is the tank bag. This is because we need several things that are readily available at hand. I have been into motorcycle touring for quite some time now and have certainly tried and tested several of the options available in the market. One such bag is the GUARDIANGEARS Shark Universal Tank Bag.
Here is my honest take on it.
My likes:
- Capacity: The basic requirement of luggage is how much it can store. The GUARDIANGEARS Shark Universal Tank Bag can take in 21 litres when compressed. This can be further increased up to 28 litres while fully expanded. This is a lot for a tank bag but then we never understood the measurement. To give you some perspective of how much it can store, I have carried two sets of clothes (2 tees and 2 trousers), a set of rain gear, a small bag of toiletries, accessories like a power bank and a one-litre water bottle in the main compartment. Apart from this, there are multiple pockets to carry mobile phones etc.
- Durability: The bag is built like a tank (pun intended). It uses a high abrasion-resistant ballistic nylon fabric that is sure to last for a long time. I have used it on rugged terrains where it has gone through a lot but has come out unscathed. The zippers provided are YKK which are top-of-the-line and reliable.
- Internal management: There are several compartments provided inside, on the sides and on the top which really helps to segregate your luggage and makes it easier to manage. It is a big thing as the big purpose of a tank bag is to allow you to find things quickly and this thoughtful compartmentalization definitely helps.
- Quick Release Design: The bag comes with a two-piece design, one part which you have to secure on the fuel tank as a base with clips and the main bag can be secured to the base with the provided clips. The base has a cut out which reveals the fuel lid at the center. This is an innovative feature and helps us to take the bag on and off without any effort. Certainly, helps at fuel stations and other short stops where you just lift the bag and let the base remain in place.
- Extras: Now coming to the extra features which are nice to have. The bag can also be used as a tail bag with the provided extra straps. When you are not on your machine, you can carry it as a regular backpack with the nicely concealed mildly cushioned back straps. It has 3M Scotchlite reflective material on the sides so that you are visible to others on the road. There is another version of this bag with magnetic clasps for metallic tanks so you have an option there though this non-magnetic one can be used as well with straps. There is a small cutout at the front transparent pocket for pulling out any sort of cable. There is also a rain cover provided with the bag.
My dislikes
- Beware of off-roads: I did a ride to some of the deadliest roads one can think of in India and this bag fell way short of it. The front strap simply came off loose at frequent intervals sliding sideways thereby amplifying my misery. The amount of effort to keep the bag in place was simply way too much. So much that it became a hazard after a while. The bag does decently well on soft off-roads but if you are riding on non-existent terrain then look elsewhere.
- Not for all bikes: I own a Yamaha FZ 25 and if you are familiar with the design, there are lots of cuts and creases on the tank. The top of the tank is not uniform but slightly raised. If the tank on your bike is of such nature, then you may not achieve the perfect mount. The bag when secured keeps sliding towards the rider and sits on the lap of the rider. This does not hinder riding as such but becomes slightly awkward and impacts the ergonomics overall.
Final Verdict
One thing which I have not mentioned either in likes or dislikes is the price. At Rs.3,200 (Source: Amazon India Jan 2025), it is certainly not a low-cost product. However, if you compare it with other brands like Rynox, then you could save a few hundred with this one. So, I am neutral on this aspect. The bag is well-built, spacious and well-thought-out design so it scores very highly on these important aspects. However, it is certainly not made for riding on very rough terrains and the mount may not be perfect for all bikes. So, if you ride on good roads or even mild off-roading then I can easily recommend this one. However, if you are the one who thrives on adventure and loves to ride on non-existent roads then this product is not for you.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5