Title says it all. Most I have looked at are way too big for the tiny xt tank. If you have a good one please post up the info. Thanks

Kenny4

Therein lies the problem. A tank bag small enough for the XT isn't big enough hold much. These Wolfman bags are high quality....
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/wolfman-waterproof-enduro-tank-bag-p

I don't care much for a tank bag, anyone who's been in an accident will know exactly why. For around $140 shipped, I bought a rear rack AND a bag that's capable of holding my helmet and a bunch of other small items, and the bag even collapses to half its height:

Rack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SFRBFQF/
Bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WCVQXT6/

Looks decent on the bike, doesn't move around, I attached mine with heavy duty zip ties using the plastic rings on the bag and its sturdy enough to not move around at all.

This is exactly what we did for 15k trail miles. Made a rear rack then attached a tank bag to it. Allow us to carry most of what we needed.


Jeannie's bike showing how both bikes were setup with extra storage.

We also wore a variety of backpacks to carry other things we needed like food and garments. Sometimes a chainsaw and tools for trail maintenance. The metal frame backpacks were used for heavier loads up to ~35 Lbs.


These backpack loads were a bit tricky to manage when riding technical terrain.

We used to enjoy kayaking high country remote lakes. The inflatable kayaks were heavy but could fit in a backpack. A motorcycle was the quickest way to get to/from these remote areas.


Kayaking Donkey Lake in Torrey, UT. Accessed using two XT225 bikes.

Ride safely and enjoy all the adventures a bike provides access to.

Thanks for the pics and ideas. I have a rear rack, that end is good. Just wanted a small add on for the tank. Where the tool kit box attaches, has anyone come up with a larger box that bolts on in same holes as the tool box. Sort of like a small pannier.

As for the OEM toolbox, all I've seen are home brew innovations. Done to serve specific riding needs. Much depends on where you're riding (trails, street or both). I can only speak about trails as we did very little road riding. The mounting tabs on the OEM toolboxes broke rather quickly. And the tools don't help if you bust off a clutch lever or break a cable. Side mounted boxes of any kind wouldn't work for us. The tail rack with a bag of your choosing stood the test of time. It held all the spare parts and tools we needed. If you maintain the bike, spontaneous failures are unlikely so you need to think about dropping the bike. Or hitting something during a ride.

Some years back we were riding with a small group in Ketchum, ID. One fellow punched a hole in his engine case after hitting a rock. We had a QT of oil and JB Quick in the tail bag. Did a trail side fix to get him running again. Jeannie punched a hole under the clutch basket and we did the same repair. The XT is exceptionally reliable but things happen. Think carefully about what might shut you down and plan for it. Safety switches are another PITA like the neutral and kickstand switches. Some people just remove and bypass these. I was riding down a hill (slightly rocky) and the kickstand switch cut the engine out unexpectedly. I "almost" went over the handle bars when the bike decelerated at a time I wasn't expecting it. The point is, some of these safety devices actually aren't that safe. As for carrying stuff, first aid is another important thing to think about. We carried food, water and clothing in a backpack.

If you're doing a lot or trail riding in difficult terrain, I wouldn't bolt anything to the sides of the bike. That's just my opinion. That said, we see adventure riders that come 3k miles to bike/camp out here and they need those boxes for storage. They seem fine trail riding with that kit. These aren't XTs, however but larger bikes 400+ CCs. One size (or approach) doesn't work for everyone. Bikes can be highly customized for personal preferences. When you ride pay close attention to what might happen and setup your bike so you don't get stuck. Weather is another imponderable and can create real problems in some climates.

You might want to read What to Take for some additional information. Be prepared and be safe.

I made my own tool tubes out of PVC. They're bolted to the sides of the rear rack....







Otherwise there's various incarnations of front fender bags that hold a bit of stuff.