#GiantLoop

Riders of a certain age can remember when tank pads first gained wide popularity, moving from being little more than stickers guarding the interface between the abrasive zippers of riding gear and the delicate paint of the gas tank. The genesis of intricate pad designs was the advent of the high-backed tanks that appeared during the height of the sportbike wars, which required the rider to spoon their bodies around the tank’s curves. However, it wasn’t long before those early bits of plastic sprouted wings and grippier materials that wrapped around the sides of the tank to allow the rider to maintain better contact and control of the bike with their inboard knee while cornering. Today, the best motorcycle tank pads offer both style and function.

The allure of off-road riding for many is simply the ability to go further. To explore the unknown. To get as far as possible from our daily grind and the hustle and bustle of life. But to get out there, and more importantly to be able to get back, it’s not often an OEM fuel tank is going to deliver the kind of range we moto-Magellans are looking for. This is yet another area where we can turn to the aftermarket to fill our needs. From larger fuel tanks to auxiliary canisters and bottles, there are plenty of ways to ensure you’ll have enough fuel to explore further and make it back to camp at the end of the day. Here’s MO’s list of the best off-road gas tanks.

Most, but not all, motorcycle luggage these days is waterproof or comes with a cover or something similar to make them so. Using waterproof luggage guarantees your belongings will stay dry and, in general, better protected from the outside elements. When touring, this is more or less a crucial requirement because the weather can change in an instance. Even for daily use, it’s good to know your belongings will stay dry in the event of a surprise Spring shower on your way to work.