Tank bags have always been one of those things that are a bit of a balancing act for me. I’ve always gravitated toward the compact 4- to 6-liter range designs because they stay out of the way when you’re shifting your weight around off‑road, yet still keep your bare-bones essentials at arm’s reach. The problem is, I’m constantly putting the storage capacity to the test, stuffing in as many items as I can until the zipper feels like it’s about to burst.

Eventually, I decided it was time to size up a bit, so I gave GIVI’s new 10‑liter GRT728 a try — big enough to offer some breathing room, but not so large that it turns into a bouncing bowling ball on your tank threatening your manhood in technical terrain.

While GRT728 isn’t the most memorable product name, it sits within GIVI’s Canyon ADV line of rugged, waterproof soft luggage. And on paper, it promises that sweet spot: more room, still fairly compact, and an off‑road-friendly design that keeps it from becoming a liability when the trail gets rough.

More recently, the GIVI Canyon soft luggage line has seen a noticeable bump in ruggedness with their latest designs. The all-new GRT728 follows in that trend, built from high-tenacity, abrasion‑resistant 840D TPU with a double coating of protective Hypalon material. The exterior materials are UV‑resistant, and reflective accents add a touch of extra visibility when the Sun drops.  

All the seams are high-frequency welded to keep water out in heavy rain, and a contoured top lid secured with a snap-in cam-buckle strap adds another layer of waterproofing protection. Lift the hinged lid and you’ll find a standard waterproof tank bag underneath with a zipper closure to keep things from flying out in bumpy terrain. GIVI also includes a removable, waterproof map (or phone) holder that mounts on top of the lid using a Molle‑style attachment for quick on‑and‑off access.

Inside, a removable EVA liner helps the bag hold its shape, while three elastic straps at the bottom of the bag keep contents from bouncing around in rough terrain. Additional organization comes from a zippered stash pocket under the lid and another on the backside of the map holder which could also act as a secret pocket. 

The 10‑liter size makes the GRT728 versatile enough to use with both full‑size adventure bikes and smaller dual‑sports, although it’s a bit oversized for a lightweight enduro unless you’re just cruising backcountry trails. It mounts using four snap-in cam‑buckle straps with end loops, allowing you to cinch it down securely, lock the tension in place, and pop it off quickly when it’s time to refuel. Plus, the non‑slip PVC base helps keep the bag from sliding around on the trail, while also protecting the paint on your tank from abrasion. 

Getting It Installed

Putting the GRT728 on your adventure bike is a straightforward process that follows the traditional mounting of most adventure tank bags. The main harness is routed around the steering-head area, with two side mounts looping around the frame rails. GIVI’s locking snap-in cam-buckle straps are a stand out here, making things easier by allowing you to cinch down the strap and flip down the lock tab to keep everything secured in place. The design avoids the issue of traditional cam-buckle straps, which have a habit of loosening up over time, especially under constant tugging in rough terrain. 

Another nice touch are the Velcro strap keepers that let you roll up any excess material and secure it to the strap. This keeps things tidy and avoids straps flapping in the wind. It also means the bag adapts easily to different bike sizes and tank shapes without forcing you to trim your excess strap material down to size.

Adding the Map/Phone Holder is equally simple. The Velcro-lined back panel threads through the Molle-style cross straps on the tank lid, which are much more robust than anything I’ve seen before on GIVI bags of the past. They are secure enough that you won’t think twice about putting your expensive phone in there. Once secured, you just open the slot at the base and slide in your phone or a printed map, either of which are visible through the clear window panel. And because it uses a Molle design, this opens up the possibility of replacing the map holder with other types of accessory attachment like a multitool pouch, auxiliary bag, or anything else that fits your setup.

How It Performed

Packing up the GRT728 for its first multi‑day trip, I immediately appreciated the extra breathing room. I was able to load all my usual tank‑bag essentials with space left over. This time I ran a DSLR in its own padded case, plus a goggle cloth, snacks, and a handful of charging cables in the main compartment. The zippered pocket under the lid proved ideal for flatter items like paperwork, reading glasses, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a multitool. It was refreshing to stash everything without feeling like I was about to crush something.

Mounted on a Yamaha Tenere 700, the bag’s proportions feel relatively compact. The overall length is short enough to sit comfortably on adventure bikes with short tanks, and the forward‑sloping profile leaves plenty of room to move around aggressively without crowding your body position. The width and height don’t feel particularly bulky either. It looks and feels like a smaller tank bag than it actually is.

If you prefer navigating by phone, the included holder on top of the lid works fine for quick around‑town directions. On longer rides though, especially in hot weather, direct sunlight will likely push your phone into thermal shutdown, so it’s better suited as a storage spot with the screen off or for occasional glances at incoming messages. You can run a charging cable through the phone holder opening to keep charged through a USB port, though there’s no dedicated pass‑through into or out of the main compartment if you want to store a phone or a portable battery in there.

Accessing the main storage area requires opening the top lid and then unzipping the waterproof zipper that runs end‑to‑end. It’s an extra step, but it’s also what keeps your gear dry when the weather turns. You can ride with the inner zipper open for quicker access, but depending on what you’re carrying, there’s always a chance something could bounce out in rough terrain. Like most waterproof zippers, this one can be a little finicky if you rush it. A quick spray of silicone lube, or even a swipe of lip balm in a pinch, keeps it zipping smoothly. I had it snag lightly a couple of times, which led me to be more cautious with it. But I haven’t noticed any signs of damage yet.

Using the bag as a camera hauler did highlight the tradeoff of the dual‑closure system. Pulling a camera out frequently means working through both the lid and the zipper, which adds a bit of extra time to the process. But that’s the price of good waterproofing, and in heavy rain it paid off. During a downpour in Death Valley, the GRT728 kept everything bone dry inside, even after sitting out overnight in the rain. The exact waterproof rating isn’t specified, but based on real‑world use, it should handle anything short of a botched river crossing. 

After several days of riding through brush, rocks, and general trail abuse, the bag still looked fresh after a quick wipe‑down. The materials feel genuinely durable, and GIVI’s construction quality seems to have taken a noticeable step forward. The body material is thick and abrasion‑resistant, and the straps feel robust enough to shrug off years of hard use. Once the mounting straps were cinched and locked, they stayed put — no mid‑ride tightening required. Refueling is simple too: just pop a buckle or two and slide the bag aside to access the tank. If you’ve really cranked the straps down, you may need to back off the tension slightly, but the process is still quick and painless.

Who’s It For

The GRT728 is aimed at adventure riders who want a rugged, fully waterproof, medium‑sized tank bag that stays locked in place when the terrain gets rough. It’s especially well‑suited for riders who frequently ride in inclement weather and need a bit more practical storage than a typical minimalist tank bag offers. 

Our Verdict

The GRT728 hits a sweet spot for many adventure riders: a tank bag that’s genuinely waterproof, tough enough for off‑road abuse, and sized right for everyday ADV travel storage. It obviously offers noticeably more room than minimalist 4–6L tank bags, but it does it without significantly reducing your personal space when the ride turns technical. The dual‑closure system adds a bit of extra time when you need quick access, but that’s also what keeps your gear bone‑dry when the skies open up.

After long days in rough terrain and a proper soaking in heavy rain, the GRT728 proved it can take a beating and come out looking fresh. The materials, stitching, and hardware feel a step above what GIVI has offered in the past, and the locking cam‑buckle straps are a standout feature that keep the bag planted even when jamming through big whoops. At $200, it’s also competitively priced compared to other quality tank bags in this range.

What We Liked

• Locking cam-buckle straps don’t loosen up in rough terrain.
• Durable bag is ready to take the abuse of serious off-road terrain
• Just big enough to give you some extra space, without adding too much bulk.
• Excellent for those looking for serious waterproofing.

What Could Be Improved

• A clear or mesh under-lid pocket would make it easier to see what’s inside at a glance.
• A waterproof zipper with smoother operation.

GRT728 Tank Bag Specs

• Construction: RF welded High-tenacity 840D TPU and Hypalon
• Capacity: 10 Liters
• Color: Black and Sand
• DIMENSIONS: 23 W x 18 H x 33 L cm (9 W × 7 H × 13 L in)
• PRICE: $207.90

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Photos by Ely Woody and Rob Dabney

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.