SW Motech Pro City Tank Bag | Not the cheapest but it's got a tick from Neevesy

This quick release, mid-size tank bag is from SW-Motech’s PRO tank bag range. The German company also produce a plethora of high quality luggage, including side bags, racks, top cases, back packs, drybags and accessories like stands, mirrors, spotlights, crash protection, footpegs, bars, levers, camera and phone mounts, power adapters and more.

I first noticed SW-Motech luggage when a friend of mine used one of their tail packs on our riding holidays a few years ago. It looked great and really wanted to try one. I’ve used this tank bag on my Kawasaki H2 SX long termer for commuting and big trips to the Alps and Spain and now for ’24 on my KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo, using the appropriate quick-release PRO Tank Ring, which you have to buy separately (£32.99).

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Does the SW Motech Pro City good looking?

SW-Motech have created a tank bag that’s ultra-neat and uses contrasting materials in grey, black and red to give it a premium look. Best of all, thanks to its stiff construction keeps its shape, so always looks good on the bike. Well thought out detailing, like the chunky, rubberised zip puller, rugged stitching, reflective panels and neat quick release strap.

How practical is the Pro City tank bag?

Fitting the tank bag to the tank ring couldn’t be easier. Magnets guide it in and it clicks softly, but firmly into place. You can almost throw it on, it’s so easy. To remove it, it’s just a case of pulling the red release strap and off it comes. The only thing to be careful of is not to accidentally trap the release strap when fitting, which can make it tricky to remove. The bag’s quick release mechanism is fixed to a rail that can easily be adjusted to position the bag fore and aft on the tank. I like the bag to be as close to me as possible so I can lean on it and see the dash properly.

It’s a good size bag, but slim enough not to be intrusive when riding. The main compartment in its compressed state is 11 litres and plenty big enough for what I need on a tour. I usually put my trainers and general nick nacks. The top unzips to extend to 14 litres for extras, which I use when I need to get a few bits from the supermarkets.

I keep keys, change, more nick naks and a supply of hot and cold running earplugs in the decent sized zipped side pockets, there’s another zipped compartment inside where I keep the supplied rain cover and paperwork and another two internal mesh pockets to keep small objects tidy. You can run a phone cable into the front of the bag and cables from the back for heated clothing.

It’s showerproof, but needs the rain cover to keep things dry when it’s hammering down and has a ‘MOLLE’ on top, which you can hook things like phone and sat nav holders to. I never actually knew what a MOLLE was for until I looked it up just now to write this review…It also has a handy carry handle and weighs just 1.3kg empty.

Is the SW Motech Pro City practical?

Everything from the way the tank ring is engineered and has fitted perfectly to my Kawasaki and KTM, to the tank bag’s quick release mechanism, zips, compartments and overall construction is top notch. Despite heavy use in all kind of weathers it still looks like new and there are no signs or wear, tear or fading.

How good value is the SW Motech Pro City for your money?

It retails at £200, which is reasonable for a tank bag that’s practical, looks great and will last a lifetime, but it would be nice if the tank ring was included in the price. That said, you can find this tank bag for around £50 less if you shop around and a tenner off a tank ring.

So what’s the verdict?

I wouldn’t normally get excited by a tank bag, but this one is a joy to own. The quality is superb, it’s practical, durable and easy to live with on a big trip. It isn’t cheap, especially when you add in the tank ring you need, but there are deals to be had if you shop around and in terms of what you get for your money, it’s very impressive.

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