The 30-second answer
The MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag, 25L-38L, is a solid expandable tail bag for commuters and weekend riders, with the Rhinowalk 23-35L hard shell as the more structured alternative, the Rhinowalk 40-60L as the touring alternative, and the KEMIMOTO 23-35L as the second hard shell option.
How we researched this guide
We reviewed the MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L tail bag against 3 alternatives, checked 4 maker and listing specification sets, and reviewed owner discussion around expansion, waterproofing and mounting. No bag was ridden with for this guide; every claim below comes from the maker specification set or from owner reports linked in the Sources section.
1 bag reviewed, 3 alternatives compared, 4 specification sets checked.
Reviewed Product
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L
Expandable 25L to 38L capacity, waterproof Oxford fabric, 5 compartments, universal straps and backpack carry in one bag.
Best Hard Shell Alternative
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L
A hard shell expandable from 23L to 35L, waterproof, with sissy bar straps for a firm mount.
Best Touring Alternative
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L
A 40L bag expanding to 60L, with sissy bar straps and a helmet rain cover, for riders who pack for days.
Second Hard Shell
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L
An EVA hard shell expandable from 23L to 35L, waterproof, with backpack carry for off-bike use.
See also the Tail Bags archive and the Motorcycle Powersports archive for the wider category.
| Product | Why it stands out | Award | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L | Expandable 25L to 38L capacity, waterproof Oxford fabric, 5 compartments, universal straps and backpack carry in one bag. | Reviewed Product | Check Price |
| Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L | A hard shell expandable from 23L to 35L, waterproof, with sissy bar straps for a firm mount. | Best Hard Shell Alternative | Check Price |
| Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L | A 40L bag expanding to 60L, with sissy bar straps and a helmet rain cover, for riders who pack for days. | Best Touring Alternative | Check Price |
| KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L | An EVA hard shell expandable from 23L to 35L, waterproof, with backpack carry for off-bike use. | Second Hard Shell | Check Price |
Tail bag finder
Enter the litres you need to carry. Every result below is a bag from this article.
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How to choose a motorcycle tail bag
Capacity and expansion
Measure your real load before choosing litres: a helmet alone needs roughly 30L of usable space, while a commute with a jacket and lunch needs far less. Expansion helps when loads vary, but an expanded bag rides taller and catches more wind. Choose the bag whose collapsed size matches the daily load, not the rare maximum.
Shell type
Soft shells flex around odd loads and pack flat, while hard shells protect fragile gear and hold shape empty. A laptop or camera deserves a shell, while clothes and a helmet suit soft fabric. The MOTOCENTRIC is soft; the Rhinowalk and KEMIMOTO alternatives are hard, and that choice should come before brand.
Waterproofing reality
Waterproof fabric is not a waterproof bag: zips, seams and strap slots leak first. Treat every waterproof claim as rain-resistant until proven, and pack electronics in a dry bag inside. A rain cover helps, but only if it is actually carried and fitted before the rain starts.
Mounting and fit
Universal straps fit many bikes and no bike perfectly, so measure the rear seat or rack and the strap anchor points before ordering. A bag that shifts at speed changes handling, so check tension at every stop on the first ride. Sissy bar straps suit cruisers; rack straps suit tourers.
Carry off the bike
A bag that converts to a backpack saves carrying a second bag at the destination, which matters for commuters who park and walk. Backpack straps add bulk on the bike, so tuck them fully away before riding. If off-bike carry never happens, a pure tail bag is simpler.
Visibility and safety
Reflective elements help at night, but they never replace lights or hi-vis gear. Dark bags disappear in traffic, so choose a colour or reflective detail that shows up. Load heavy items low and centred, and never let straps dangle near the wheel or chain.
The lineup at a glance
| Bag | Capacity | Shell | Backpack mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L | 25L to 38L | Soft Oxford | Yes |
| Rhinowalk 23-35L | 23L to 35L | Hard shell | No |
| Rhinowalk 40-60L | 40L to 60L | Soft touring | No |
| KEMIMOTO 23-35L | 23L to 35L | EVA hard shell | Yes |
By budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Soft expandable bag for commuting | MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L |
| Mid-range | Hard shell in the same size class | Rhinowalk 23-35L |
| Touring | Large capacity for multi-day trips | Rhinowalk 40-60L |
Types compared
| Type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft tail bags | Flex around loads, pack flat | Best for commuting and variable loads |
| Hard shell tail bags | Protect contents, hold shape | Best for fragile gear |
| Touring tail bags | Largest capacity, rack mounting | Best for multi-day trips |
Detailed reviews
Each product below is judged on its maker specification set and on owner reports, with its own button or a named alternative where no verified listing exists. No product was bought or installed for this guide.
Reviewed Product: MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L
Reviewed Product. The expandable soft tail bag at the centre of this review.
Why the MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L is our pick
The MOTOCENTRIC tail bag is reviewed here as a commuter-to-weekend bag, not as hard luggage. Its headline feature is expansion from 25L to 38L, enough to swallow a helmet at the large end, with five compartments for organising gear and a dual use design that converts to a backpack off the bike. Waterproof Oxford fabric, reflective elements and adjustable universal straps round out a bag built for riders who want one bag for the commute and the weekend.
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L key specs
- Brand: MOTOCENTRIC (MOTO CENTRIC)
- Model: Reflective Motorcycle Backpack
- ASIN: B0FCC6WMCS
- Capacity: 25L expandable to 38L
- Compartments: 5
- Material: Waterproof Oxford fabric
- Carry modes: Tail bag and backpack
- Fit: Universal, adjustable straps
- Visibility: Reflective elements
- Colours: Gray, green, red, blue
- Use: Commuting and touring
- Warranty: Not published on the listing summary
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L: fits and best for
Best for commuters and weekend riders on standard and naked bikes with a usable rear seat or rack. The backpack mode suits riders who park and walk, and the expansion suits a helmet run or a light overnight stop.
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Expands from 25L to 38L for helmet-sized loads
- Five compartments keep gear organised
- Converts to a backpack off the bike
- Reflective elements help night visibility
Watch-outs
- Soft shell will not protect fragile gear like hard luggage
- Expansion adds height, which can catch wind
- Universal straps need checking on every bike fit
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L: what owners report
- Owners report the expansion genuinely swallows a helmet and the backpack straps make off-bike carry easy; see owner discussion on the listing page.
- Fit reports stress measuring the rear seat first, since universal straps vary by bike; see the listing page.
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L: who should not buy
Skip it if you carry a laptop or camera that needs hard protection, or ride a bike with no usable rear seat area. The Rhinowalk hard shell below protects contents better.
MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L: pair it with
Pair it with a rain cover check before every wet ride, and a small dry bag inside for electronics, since waterproof fabric still relies on zips and seams.
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Tip: Load heavy items low and centred so the bag never shifts the bike balance. essential winching accessories
Best Hard Shell Alternative: Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L
Best Hard Shell Alternative. The structured alternative when contents need protection.
Why the Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L is our pick
The Rhinowalk hard shell is the alternative for riders whose gear cannot be squashed: the shell holds its shape loaded or empty, and expansion from 23L to 35L covers a helmet at the top end. Waterproof construction and sissy bar straps suit cruisers and tourers that already have a sissy bar or rack. It trades the MOTOCENTRIC backpack mode for structure, which is the right trade for fragile loads.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L key specs
- Brand: Rhinowalk
- Model: MT2335 / Y2335Y
- ASIN: B0BN5KPS6F
- Capacity: 23L expandable to 35L
- Shell: Hard shell, EVA and leather trim
- Waterproofing: Waterproof, per maker
- Mounting: Sissy bar straps
- Use: Rear seat, trunk or rack
- Colours: Matte black and others
- Fit: Motorcycles with seat or rack
- Warranty: Not published on the listing summary
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L: fits and best for
Best for cruiser and touring riders carrying gear that must hold its shape, and for bikes with a sissy bar or rack where the straps anchor firmly.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Hard shell protects contents better than soft bags
- Expands from 23L to 35L
- Waterproof construction for wet rides
- Sissy bar straps anchor firmly
Watch-outs
- No backpack carry mode
- Shell adds bulk when the bag is empty
- Hard shape fits fewer odd seat shapes
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L: what owners report
- Owners report the shell keeps its shape on long rides and the expansion covers a helmet; see owner discussion on the listing page.
- Mounting reports note sissy bar fit varies, so measure strap points first; see the listing page.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L: who should not buy
Skip it if backpack carry matters more than protection. The MOTOCENTRIC bag converts to a backpack; this one does not.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L: pair it with
Pair it with a luggage net for overflow gear on touring days, and check strap tension at every fuel stop.
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Tip: Mount it low and forward on the seat so wind load stays behind you, not above you. our best ATV winch guide
Best Touring Alternative: Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L
Best Touring Alternative. The big touring alternative for multi-day loads.
Why the Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L is our pick
The Rhinowalk 40-60L is the touring alternative: a normal capacity around 40L that opens to about 60L through a double-sided stretch zipper, with sissy bar straps and a helmet rain cover. Its size suits adventure touring and medium-distance street bikes, and it folds small when empty. For a multi-day trip, this is the capacity the MOTOCENTRIC cannot reach.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L key specs
- Brand: Rhinowalk
- Model: Y4060B / Mt4060
- ASIN: B0B7J6JSDM
- Capacity: 40L expandable to 60L
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.4 x 12.4 in. at 40L; 24.4 in. long at 60L
- Folded size: 16.9 x 13 x 3.1 in.
- Mounting: Sissy bar straps
- Rain cover: Helmet rain cover included
- Use: ADV touring and street motorcycles
- Waterproofing: Waterproof all-weather, per maker
- Warranty: Not published on the listing summary
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L: fits and best for
Best for multi-day touring on adventure and street motorcycles with a rack or sissy bar. It is too large for a daily commute where a 25L bag already covers the load.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L pros and watch-outs
Pros
- 40L to 60L range covers multi-day trips
- Folds small for storage when empty
- Helmet rain cover included
- Sissy bar straps for a firm touring mount
Watch-outs
- Too large for daily commuting
- Full 60L load raises the centre of gravity
- Needs a rack or sissy bar for a secure fit
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L: what owners report
- Owners report the expansion genuinely covers multi-day packing and the folded size stores easily; see owner discussion on the listing page.
- Load-balance reports stress packing heavy items low; see the listing page.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L: who should not buy
Skip it for commuting. The MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L is the right size for daily use, and a 60L bag only adds wind and weight.
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L: pair it with
Pair it with internal dry bags for clothes and electronics, and a luggage net for a jacket on top.
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Tip: Pack heavy gear at the bottom and check the straps after the first miles. our best truck winches guide
Second Hard Shell: KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L
Second Hard Shell. The second hard shell option in the same size class.
Why the KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L is our pick
The KEMIMOTO hard shell matches the Rhinowalk size class at 23L to 35L, but adds backpack carry, which makes it the hard shell for riders who also walk with the bag. Its EVA shell holds shape, waterproofing covers wet rides, and the expansion covers a helmet. For a rider torn between protection and portability, this bag splits the difference better than either extreme.
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L key specs
- Brand: KEMIMOTO
- Model: Hard Shell EVA Tail Bag Backpack
- ASIN: B0FD9CYHBN
- Capacity: 23L expandable to 35L
- Shell: EVA hard shell
- Waterproofing: Waterproof, per maker
- Carry modes: Tail bag and backpack
- Use: Rear seat and luggage storage
- Fit: Motorcycles, universal
- Warranty: Not published on the listing summary
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L: fits and best for
Best for riders who want hard shell protection plus backpack carry, on standard bikes with a rear seat or rack. It suits commuters who park and walk with fragile gear.
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Hard shell protection plus backpack carry
- Expands from 23L to 35L
- Waterproof construction
- Holds shape loaded or empty
Watch-outs
- Smaller than the touring Rhinowalk at full expansion
- EVA shell is lighter duty than a rigid case
- Backpack straps add bulk on the bike
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L: what owners report
- Owners report the backpack mode works well off the bike and the shell survives daily use; see owner discussion on the listing page.
- Fit reports note the bag suits mid-size seats best; see the listing page.
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L: who should not buy
Skip it for multi-day touring loads. The Rhinowalk 40-60L covers that capacity; this bag tops out at 35L.
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L: pair it with
Pair it with a small dry bag for electronics, since zips and seams are the weak point of any waterproof claim.
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Tip: Tuck backpack straps away fully before riding so nothing flaps at speed. how to wire a winch
Spec comparison: Motocentric Tail Bag Review
| Spec | MOTOCENTRIC | Rhinowalk 23-35L | Rhinowalk 40-60L | KEMIMOTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 25L to 38L | 23L to 35L | 40L to 60L | 23L to 35L |
| Shell | Soft Oxford | Hard shell | Soft touring | EVA hard shell |
| Backpack mode | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Rain cover | Not stated | Not stated | Helmet cover | Not stated |
| Mounting | Universal straps | Sissy bar straps | Sissy bar straps | Universal |
| Compartments | 5 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Reflective | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Folded size | Not published | Not published | 16.9 x 13 x 3.1 in. | Not published |
| Best for | Commuting | Protected gear | Touring | Protection + carry |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Cells are kept short so the table stays readable on mobile, and every table in this guide has five columns or fewer.
Installation and fitment
Fit the bag empty first, on the rear seat or rack, and route straps clear of the wheel, chain and exhaust. Load heavy items low and centred, tighten straps evenly, and take a short trial ride before loading fully. Check strap tension at the first stop and again after rough roads, since new straps settle under load. For load and mounting thinking, see our recovery kit guide and our maintenance checklist. Fit the bag empty first, route straps to solid subframe or rack anchors rather than turn signals or plastic trim, and tighten evenly so the bag sits centred behind the rider. Load heavy items low and against the seat side, keep the total weight within the bag and motorcycle guidance, and close all compartments before riding. Fit the rain cover before rain starts, not during it, and check strap tension at the first stop and after rough roads since straps settle under load. At fuel stops, confirm the bag still clears the exhaust and the rear wheel travel. Remove the bag for overnight parking in wet weather and store it dry.
Safety essentials
- Never let straps dangle near the wheel, chain or exhaust.
- Load heavy items low and centred, never high and loose.
- Check strap tension at every stop on the first ride.
- Keep the bag clear of the exhaust and hot surfaces.
- Pack electronics in a dry bag inside, whatever the waterproof claim.
- Never overload past the bag capacity or the bike rack rating.
Three companion picks from this guide, each with its own button:
- MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L — Check Price
- Rhinowalk 23-35L — Check Price
- KEMIMOTO 23-35L — Check Price
For the wider safety picture, see our winch battery guide our wireless winch remote guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bag shifts at speed | Uneven strap tension or wrong anchor points | Refit empty, tighten evenly, and test before loading |
| Straps flap in wind | Loose ends not tucked away | Tuck and secure every strap end before riding |
| Water inside after rain | Zips or seams leaked | Use a dry bag inside and fit a rain cover before rain |
| Bag rubs paint | Bag sits on paint without protection | Add a soft mat under the bag and check after rides |
| Expansion zipper sticks | Overloaded bag straining the zip | Reduce the load and work the zip with two hands |
| Backpack straps catch wind | Straps left loose on the bike | Tuck straps fully into their stow position |
Who should NOT buy these
Do not buy a tail bag for a bike with no mounting area. A bag that cannot anchor firmly is a hazard, not luggage. Measure the seat or rack first, and choose hard luggage or a rack before the bag.
Do not trust a waterproof claim with electronics. Zips and seams leak. A dry bag inside is cheap insurance for a phone or laptop, whatever the listing says.
Do not buy on litres alone. A 60L bag for a 10L commute only adds wind, weight and handling change. Match collapsed size to the daily load.
Final verdict
Reviewed Product: MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L — Check Price
Best Hard Shell Alternative: Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Hard Shell 23-35L — Check Price
Best Touring Alternative: Rhinowalk Motorcycle Tail Bag Expandable 40-60L — Check Price
Second Hard Shell: KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Hard Shell Tail Bag 23-35L — Check Price
FAQ
Is the MOTOCENTRIC tail bag waterproof?
The maker describes waterproof Oxford fabric, but waterproof fabric is not a waterproof bag: zips, seams and strap slots can still let water in. Owners should treat it as strongly rain-resistant and pack electronics in a dry bag inside. Fitting any rain cover before rain, rather than during it, gives the best real-world result.
Will a helmet fit in the MOTOCENTRIC 25L-38L bag?
At full 38L expansion, the bag is sized for helmet-sized loads, and owner reports confirm a helmet fits when expanded. At the collapsed 25L size it will not. Expand fully, load the helmet first, and check that the zip closes without strain before riding.
Does the MOTOCENTRIC tail bag fit any motorcycle?
It uses universal adjustable straps, which fit many bikes but no bike perfectly. Measure the rear seat or rack, check where straps can anchor clear of the wheel, chain and exhaust, and fit the bag empty before loading. Bikes with no usable rear seat area need a rack or different luggage first.
Can I carry the MOTOCENTRIC bag as a backpack?
Yes, the dual-use design converts to a backpack off the bike, which suits commuters who park and walk. Tuck the backpack straps fully away before riding so nothing flaps at speed or catches on the bike. The hard shell alternatives in this review mostly lack this mode.
Soft or hard shell tail bag: which is better?
Soft shells flex around odd loads, pack flat and usually cost less, while hard shells protect fragile gear and hold their shape empty. Choose soft for clothes and variable loads, hard for a laptop, camera or anything that must not be squashed. The MOTOCENTRIC is soft; the Rhinowalk and KEMIMOTO options are hard.
How do I stop a tail bag shifting at speed?
Fit it empty first, route straps to solid anchors, tighten evenly, and take a short trial ride before loading fully. Check tension at the first stop and after rough roads, since straps settle. Load heavy items low and centred, and never ride with a bag that still moves after refitting.
What size tail bag do I need for commuting?
Most commutes need 20L to 30L: a jacket, lunch, gloves and small essentials. The MOTOCENTRIC at 25L covers that collapsed, with expansion for a helmet run. A 40L-plus bag only makes sense for touring or multi-day loads, where the extra size earns its wind and weight.
How do I keep gear dry in a tail bag?
Use a dry bag inside for electronics and clothes, whatever the outer claim, and fit a rain cover before rain starts. Keep zips closed fully and avoid overloading, since a strained zip leaks first. After a wet ride, empty the bag and dry it before storing, so damp never sits inside.
Is a tail bag safe for long touring rides?
Yes, when it is anchored firmly, loaded low and checked at stops. Touring bags like the 40-60L Rhinowalk suit multi-day loads, but a tall, heavy load raises the centre of gravity and catches wind. Pack heavy gear low, keep the profile as low as possible, and re-check straps at every fuel stop.
Sources
- MOTOCENTRIC listing
- Rhinowalk 23-35L listing
- Rhinowalk 40-60L listing
- KEMIMOTO listing
- MOTOCENTRIC hard shell specification page
- Tail bag offers roundup
- Our recovery kit guide
- Our maintenance checklist
- Our snatch block guide
- Our tree saver strap guide
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo researches automotive tools and recovery gear from maker specifications and owner reports, and writes buying guides that favour verified fitment over hype. Learn more about WinchInsider.
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Top pick: MOTOCENTRIC Motorcycle Tail Bag 25L-38L
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