The Tail Bag That Finally Ended My Backpack Regret

Jerry James
5 days ago
3 min read

(A long-term love story with the Viking Momentum Extra Large Tail Bag)

There’s a special kind of regret that only motorcyclists know. It usually starts about 40 miles into a ride, when the backpack straps dig into your shoulders, your jacket vents are blocked, and you realize you packed like you were moving apartments instead of going for a ride.

About a year ago, I decided I was done with that nonsense, and I added the Viking Momentum Extra Large Street/Sportbike Tail Bag to my touring gear. Since then, it’s become one of those pieces of kit I don’t even think about anymore… and that’s the highest compliment I can give motorcycle gear.

First Impressions: “That’s Bigger Than I Expected” (In a Good Way)

Right out of the box, the Momentum bag feels serious. Built from rugged Cordura material, it has that reassuring “this can take a beating” vibe. Toss it on the bike and you immediately notice the size, without it looking like you strapped a suitcase to your tail section.

With roughly 41 liters of storage (and expandable beyond that), this bag swallows gear like it’s been fasting for days. Rain layers? Yep. Extra gloves? Of course. Camera gear, snacks, tools, spare shirt, and that one random thing you bring “just in case”? No problem.

I’ve packed this thing for everything from day rides to light touring, and it consistently makes me feel smarter than I actually am.

Touring Mode vs. “Just Running Out for a Ride” Mode

Here’s where the Viking Momentum really shines. When I’m not in full touring mode, the bag doesn’t feel excessive. It cinches down nicely, keeps a clean profile, and still looks right at home on a sport or sport-touring bike. No floppy sides. No weird sag. No “is that luggage or camping gear?” questions at gas stops.

When I am touring? Unzip, expand, load it up, and suddenly I’m carrying enough gear to make my past backpack-wearing self very jealous.

Basically, it adapts to my ride style instead of forcing me to adapt to it, and that’s a win.

Real-World Use: Miles Matter More Than Marketing

After nearly a year of use, here’s the honest breakdown:

Stays put: Once strapped down, it doesn’t budge. Twisties, highways, less-than-perfect pavement, it just sits there doing its job.
Weather resistance: Light rain? No issue. Heavy rain? A rain cover is smart, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised more than once.
Easy access: Zippers are smooth, layout makes sense, and I’m not fighting the bag every time I stop.
Looks good: This matters. It doesn’t ruin the lines of the bike or scream “touring dad energy.” (No offense to touring dads.)

Bonus points for the MOLLE attachment points, which are perfect if you like strapping extra gear on and pretending you’re on a much longer adventure than you really are.

A Little Real Talk: The Mounting System Isn’t Perfect

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, not everything is unicorns and twisty roads. The mounting system could be better. It works, and once the bag is secured it stays put, but the initial setup takes a little patience. Dialing in strap length and routing can feel a bit fiddly the first few times, especially if you like things just right. That said, once you figure out your bike’s sweet spot, it becomes a non-issue. I’ve never had it come loose or shift mid-ride, and after the first few installs it’s more “muscle memory” than frustration. Is it perfect? No. Is it good enough, and reliable enough, that I trust it on long rides? Absolutely! One more small nit pick is If you absolutely stuff this bag to the max, finding that one small item at the bottom can require a little rummaging. But honestly? That’s just the tax you pay for having a lot of storage. Organization solves it, and I’ll take that trade all day.

Final Verdict: A Gear Upgrade You’ll Actually Use

The Viking Momentum Extra Large Tail Bag has earned its place on my bike. It’s durable, versatile, and practical without looking bulky or out of place. Whether I’m heading out for a casual ride or gearing up for longer miles, this bag just works, and it works well.

Most importantly, it’s one of those upgrades that quietly makes every ride better. Less strain. Less clutter. More freedom to ride instead of thinking about where your stuff is going.

And really, isn’t that the whole point?