There are plenty of large motorcycle tank bags. But extra capacity can come with a bulky shape, one big space to search through, and awkward access to the things you need during a long ride.
That was the gap we set out to address with Recon, our new motorcycle tank bag for touring and adventure rides. The brief was to offer useful capacity without making the bag feel cumbersome, and to make organisation and access part of the design from the start.
Start with the Ride, Then Design the Storage
On a short ride, a compact bag can carry the basics. On a longer trip, the list grows: documents, a power bank, a rain layer, snacks and the small items you want close at hand. We wanted room for that longer list, while keeping the bag practical for the stops and quick decisions that happen along the way.
Recon begins at 20L and expands to 25L when the ride calls for more room. Its structured body helps it retain its shape as you pack and unpack, so the space stays usable even when the bag is not full. The extra capacity is there when you need it, without requiring you to ride with the bag expanded every day.
A Place for the Things You Reach for First
Capacity solves only half the problem. Opening one large compartment to find a small item gets old quickly. Recon's top quick-access organiser has mesh pockets and elastic loops for the essentials you want to keep in place. A repositionable quick-access pouch can be moved between its internal and front mounting positions to suit how you pack.
The details outside matter too. A side mesh pocket keeps a small item close by, while the glove holder gives your gloves a dedicated spot during a stop. The rain cover has its own rear pocket, so it is ready when the weather changes.
We deliberately avoided bulky side pockets. Recon's storage is arranged to keep its sides clear, helping reduce interference with the handlebars during turns. It gives you useful organisation without adding unnecessary width where the bag meets your riding space.
This is the idea behind Recon's smart organisation: the space you gain should still be easy to use.
Designed Around the Stops as Well as the Miles
A touring tank bag has to work when the motorcycle is parked, too. Recon uses a universal quick-release strap mounting system, with retainers that help keep the mounting straps in place when the bag is removed. Its front buckles sit at the sides of the bag, making access to the fuel cap easier at refuelling stops.
When you walk away from the motorcycle, Recon converts into a backpack using integrated backpack straps. There is no separate set of straps to carry, store inside the bag or attach after every ride. Unclip the bag, use the built-in straps and take your gear with you without repacking.
Ready for Changing Conditions
Touring rarely comes with a perfect forecast. Recon is designed to be highly weather resistant, and an included rain cover provides additional protection in heavy rain. The cover stores in a dedicated pocket, separate from the items inside the bag.
Meet Recon
Recon brings together 20L to 25L expandable capacity, a shape-retaining body, accessible organisation, universal strap mounting and off-bike carry. It is our answer to the gap that started this project: a larger tank bag should make a long ride easier, not make your essentials harder to reach.
If your rides stretch from highways to unplanned detours, take a closer look at the Rahgear Recon Tank Bag and see how it fits your setup.
