Sometimes your best option for aftermarket accessories come straight from the bike manufacturers. Often times, their accessories are tailor fit for a particular model instead of a multi-model design that may have compromises. The new KTM 1190 Adventure Quick Release Tank Bag is no exception. Its streamlined design contours perfectly to the 1190 Adventure/R and 1290 Super Adventure model tank for good space efficiency and there are no mounting straps to deal with.

The KTM Quick Release Tank Bag is made of durable nylon material with reflective edging and includes a clear plastic map holder on top. A wrap around zipper opens wide, giving full access to 18 liters of storage space inside.

The mounting plate is barely noticeable when the tank bag is removed.

The tank bag’s quick release design uses a ring mounting system that connects to the fuel filler cap. The bag can be quickly attached or removed, making fuel fill ups a breeze compared to strap mounting systems. The quick mount design also prevents abrasion marks on the tank and friction on your thighs that can occur with traditional strap mount tank bags.

Low profile side pockets provide just enough room to store essential items you need quick access to like keys or a garage door opener. A stretchable mesh front pocket makes it convenient to stuff away items like loose change or parking receipts while wearing gloves.

Mesh front pocket and low-profile side pockets provide quick access to items. The tank bag’s interior space can also be expanded by unzipping the pop-up top.

The KTM tank bag also expands with a pop-top design and includes a waterproof cover with clear plastic top so you can still view your maps or smartphone while riding in the rain. And there’s also a splash-resistant electronics cable pass-thru hole so you you can charge electronics safely.

The contoured oval shape of the KTM Tank Bag has a streamlined exterior to provide more room for the rider while maximizing internal space. Inside the bag, there’s a lot more space than you’d expect from its exterior appearance.

Installation

The KTM Tank Bag comes with everything you need to install it, except a drill.

Installing the KTM Quick Release Tank Bag is fairly straightforward but does require drilling a few holes in a plastic mounting plate. KTM includes the correct sized drill bit to make this step as simple as possible. Attaching the mounting ring on the fuel cap is quick and easy, and the entire install can be completed in about 30 minutes or less.

To mount the tank bag, simply place it over the fuel cap ring and press down gently for a secure fit. A pull string releases the KTM tank bag instantly and a handle makes carrying the bag to a hotel room convenient.

A simple tug on the quick release string detaches the tank bag instantly.

Field Testing

We used the KTM Tank Bag on a ride up the California Coast where we got a chance to test it on long stretches of highway, twisty asphalt roads and miles graded dirt roads.

Weather was mild during our testing, so we did not have a chance to fully test the waterproofing but the rain cover was effective at keeping water out during a spray test. Robust zippers also did a good job keeping dirt out of the the bag on dusty trails.

The size of the tank bag is perfect for stuffing a small DSLR camera bag inside with room to spare, and the dual zippers make access quick and efficient. The map holder has adequate space for small printed maps but the oval shape does make it harder to utilize the available surface area.

Tank bags with straps are always a bit difficult to deal with when refueling occurs. Not so with the strapless KTM quick release tank bag. The string-pull release mechanism allows you to pop off the tank bag in seconds and it snaps back into place just as quickly. The mounting point also has a solid feel, which helps alleviate concerns about it coming off inadvertently.

The KTM tank bag provides a spacious interior (total of 18 liters) and a streamlined exterior gives more room for body movement.

The combination of its forward sloping front, strapless design and rounded sides ensures the bag stays out of your way for sit-down riding. Although, shorter riders may feel that the tall design intrudes on dash visibility. During stand-up riding, thigh movement is somewhat restricted, but the bag does act as a resting point for better energy conservation on longer rides.

Overall, the KTM Tank Bag is a great bag for long distance touring. It’s the perfect size for carrying a DSLR camera or other electronics. It has a streamlined, space-efficient design and keeps essential items at your fingertips. For aggressive off-road riding, it may be a bit oversized. But for most casual off-road riding situations, it’s an excellent choice.

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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.