Viking Bags: Tactical XL 45L Motorcycle Backpack Review: Is It a Good Fit for Electric Motorcycles?
Electric motorcycles are changing the way riders think about touring and commuting. With no conventional engine oil, fewer mechanical components, and increasingly sophisticated electronic systems, EV riders have different priorities when it comes to carrying equipment.
One of those priorities is efficient, secure storage.
A large backpack can carry charging accessories, riding gear, electronics, tools, clothing, and everyday items—but wearing a heavily loaded backpack for several hours isn’t always comfortable. That’s where a motorcycle-mounted backpack can make more sense.
The Viking Tactical XL 45L Motorcycle Backpack is designed around precisely that idea. It combines a large 45-liter storage compartment with secure mounting straps, allowing it to function as both a conventional backpack and a motorcycle-mounted luggage solution.
Viking Bags lists the bag as a universal-fit motorcycle backpack made from Cordura, with a 45L capacity, 2,746.1 cubic inches of storage, a padded 12 x 14-inch laptop sleeve, external storage, weather-resistant construction, and sissy-bar mounting capability.
Quick Technical Specifications
| Specification | Viking Tactical XL |
|---|---|
| Storage capacity | 45 liters |
| Volume | 2,746.1 cubic inches |
| Material | Cordura |
| Dimensions | 15 x 11 x 19 inches |
| Lid opening | 18 x 12 inches |
| Mounting | Secure straps |
| Sissy-bar loop strap | 12–16 inches |
| Recommended sissy-bar height | Minimum 24 inches |
| Laptop sleeve | 12 x 14 inches |
| Water bottle storage | Two 25 oz bottles |
| Weather protection | Weather resistant |
| Opening mechanism | 180° flat opening |
| Additional storage | Mesh pockets + external pouches |
| Fitment | Universal |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Specifications are based on Viking Bags’ published product information.
Why Electric Motorcycle Riders Need Different Luggage Solutions
Electric motorcycles can have excellent under-seat and frame-integrated storage, but storage capacity varies considerably between models.
A commuter EV may have enough room for a charging cable and small personal items. An electric touring motorcycle may have considerably more luggage capacity. But neither eliminates the need for flexible cargo space.
A 45-liter bag provides a useful middle ground.
For comparison, 45 liters corresponds to approximately 2,746 cubic inches, which is the capacity Viking Bags publishes for this model. That’s enough space to separate riding equipment from electronics, clothing, food, charging accessories, and other daily cargo.
For an EV rider, that could mean carrying:
- Portable charging equipment
- Charging adapters and cables
- Gloves and rain gear
- Motorcycle tools
- Tire repair equipment
- Laptop or tablet
- Camera equipment
- Spare clothing
- Water and snacks
- Personal electronics
The important engineering consideration is not simply how much fits inside the bag. It is where that mass is positioned on the motorcycle.
Sissy-Bar Mounting vs. Wearing a Heavy Backpack
One of the most interesting characteristics of the Viking Tactical XL is its dual-purpose design.
It can operate as a conventional backpack using its padded shoulder straps, sternum clip, and waist straps. But those straps can also be stowed when the bag is mounted to the motorcycle. Viking Bags specifically describes the system as suitable for sissy-bar mounting and recommends a sissy bar at least 24 inches high for secure installation.
That distinction matters on an electric motorcycle.
A rider carrying 15–20 pounds of equipment directly on their back has to deal with that load through their shoulders, torso, and hips. Over a long ride, that can become uncomfortable.
Mounting the cargo to the motorcycle transfers that load to the motorcycle’s structure instead.
The handling trade-off
There is, however, an important technical caveat.
Moving cargo from the rider to the rear of the motorcycle doesn’t make the weight disappear. It changes where the weight is located.
If the bag is heavily loaded and positioned high on a sissy bar, the additional rearward and elevated mass can influence:
- Motorcycle pitch response
- Rear suspension loading
- Low-speed handling
- Braking behavior
- Steering feel
- Overall vehicle balance
This is particularly relevant to electric motorcycles because many EVs already have significant battery mass positioned low in the chassis.
The good news is that a low-mounted battery pack generally provides a low center of gravity. The bad news is that adding a large, heavy load high and rearward creates a larger separation between the motorcycle’s primary mass and the luggage.
Our recommendation: pack dense, heavy objects as low as practical inside the bag and keep the total cargo weight within your motorcycle manufacturer’s luggage and payload limits.
Cordura Construction: Why the Material Matters
The Viking Tactical XL uses Cordura as its primary bag material.
For motorcycle luggage, textile selection is more than an aesthetic decision.
A motorcycle bag is exposed to:
- Wind pressure
- Road debris
- UV exposure
- Vibration
- Repeated flexing
- Abrasion
- Temperature changes
- Rain and road spray
Cordura is widely used in technical luggage and motorcycle equipment because it offers a combination of abrasion resistance, durability, and relatively low weight compared with many rigid luggage systems.
For an electric motorcycle, this is especially useful when the luggage is being used as a flexible extension of the bike’s storage system rather than as a permanent hard case.
That said, weather resistant does not automatically mean waterproof.
Viking Bags describes this backpack as weather resistant rather than specifying a waterproof rating.
That distinction is important if you’re carrying expensive electronics, charging equipment, or a laptop.
For extended riding in heavy rain, riders should use appropriate additional waterproof protection rather than assuming the bag provides complete water ingress protection.
45 Liters Is Serious Carrying Capacity
The biggest selling point of the Tactical XL is obvious: 45 liters.
At 15 x 11 x 19 inches, it is substantially larger than a typical everyday backpack. The published internal volume of 2,746.1 cubic inches works out to approximately 45 liters.
But capacity isn’t useful if the cargo is difficult to access.
That’s where the bag’s 180-degree opening becomes interesting.
Rather than forcing the rider to dig through a narrow top opening, the main compartment can open flat for easier loading and unloading.
From an engineering and usability standpoint, this is a simple but valuable feature.
A large rectangular storage volume becomes significantly easier to organize when the entire compartment is accessible. Riders can separate heavy items from delicate electronics and avoid creating a “black hole” where everything disappears into the bottom of the bag.
Laptop Storage and Electronics
Electric motorcycle riders are often carrying more electronics than traditional motorcycle commuters.
A typical EV rider might have:
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Charging cables
- USB-C power supply
- Portable battery
- GPS equipment
- Camera
- Communication headset
- Charging adapters
The Tactical XL includes a 12 x 14-inch laptop sleeve along with two mesh pockets.
That makes the bag particularly relevant to riders who use an electric motorcycle as both transportation and a commuting platform.
However, there is one rule worth emphasizing:
Do not pack a hot charging component immediately after use without considering its operating and storage temperature requirements.
Portable EV charging equipment can become warm during operation. Electronics should be allowed to cool according to the manufacturer’s instructions before being tightly packed alongside clothing or other heat-sensitive equipment.
External Storage: Small Items Without the Main-Compartment Hunt
The Tactical XL also includes external storage options, including a sunglasses pouch and wet pouch. The external accessories can attach to the bag’s webbing, while the main design includes additional mesh pockets.
This is useful because motorcycle luggage benefits from task-based organization.
Instead of putting everything into one large compartment, riders can dedicate different areas to different categories:
Main compartment: clothing, larger electronics, charging equipment
Laptop sleeve: computer or tablet
External pocket: gloves, cables, keys, wallet
Sunglasses pouch: eyewear
Wet pouch: rain-soaked gloves or other damp gear
Side bottle pockets: hydration
It’s a small detail, but organization becomes increasingly important as luggage capacity increases.
Two 25 oz Water Bottles
Viking Bags specifies that the two side bottle holders can accommodate 25 oz bottles.
For electric motorcycle touring, this is a practical feature.
EV riders often spend more time planning stops around charging infrastructure, and a charging stop can become a convenient opportunity to hydrate, inspect the motorcycle, and reorganize luggage.
The bottle capacity also gives the bag utility beyond motorcycle-specific equipment.
What About Aerodynamics?
This is an area where riders should think carefully.
A large motorcycle backpack creates additional frontal and lateral surface area when worn by the rider. When mounted behind the rider, the aerodynamic profile changes again.
At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag increases with the square of velocity:
Fᵈ = ½ρCᵈAv²
Where:
- Fᵈ = aerodynamic drag
- ρ = air density
- Cᵈ = drag coefficient
- A = frontal area
- v = velocity
The equation illustrates why luggage shape matters more at higher speeds.
A large 45-liter bag isn’t aerodynamically invisible. The actual effect will depend on how it sits behind the rider, the motorcycle’s existing aerodynamic profile, mounting position, and load.
For an electric motorcycle, this matters because aerodynamic drag directly affects the power required to maintain speed and therefore can influence highway energy consumption and range.
This doesn’t make the Tactical XL unsuitable for EVs. It simply means riders who are extremely range-conscious should avoid unnecessary external loads and pack the bag efficiently.
The EV Range Question: How Much Does the Bag Affect Range?
The bag itself isn’t the primary range concern.
Cargo mass and aerodynamic drag are.
The energy required to accelerate additional mass is approximately related to:
E = ½mv²
where m is mass and v is velocity.
In practical terms, adding luggage becomes more noticeable during repeated acceleration, climbing, and stop-and-go riding than during steady cruising.
Aerodynamics become increasingly important at higher speeds.
Therefore, an EV rider using the Viking Tactical XL should focus on three things:
- Don’t carry unnecessary cargo.
- Keep heavy cargo secured and positioned appropriately.
- Use the motorcycle’s recommended payload limits.
A 45-liter bag gives you the ability to carry a lot. It doesn’t mean you should fill all 45 liters on every ride.
Installation and Compatibility
The Tactical XL uses secure straps for motorcycle mounting and is listed as having universal fitment. Viking Bags specifies a 12–16-inch sissy-bar loop strap range and recommends a sissy bar with a minimum height of 24 inches for secure mounting.
That means riders should check their motorcycle before purchasing.
Pay particular attention to:
- Sissy-bar height
- Sissy-bar width
- Strap routing
- Rear lighting
- Turn-signal clearance
- License plate visibility
- Suspension movement
- Exhaust clearance
- Wheel/tire clearance
- Passenger seating position
The bag should never interfere with suspension travel, lighting, braking components, the rear wheel, or the rider/passenger.
For electric motorcycles specifically, also check clearance around charging ports, battery service areas, wiring, and any exposed electrical components.
Viking Bags: Company Background
The company behind the Tactical XL is Viking Bags, a motorcycle luggage and aftermarket-parts manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California.
According to Viking Bags’ published company history, the business was established in 2007 and has expanded from motorcycle luggage into additional motorcycle parts and accessories. The company says it has served more than 100,000 riders and has been recognized by Newsweek, including a 2023 online-store award.
Its product range extends beyond backpacks into saddlebags, sissy-bar bags, tail bags, tank bags, trunks, tool bags, fork bags, swingarm bags, and other motorcycle luggage.
For riders interested in the company’s broader luggage range, the official Viking Bags motorcycle luggage catalog is the best place to compare products.
Our Technical Assessment of the Viking Tactical XL
If you’re evaluating this strictly as an electric motorcycle luggage solution, the Tactical XL has a strong specification sheet.
Strengths
45-liter capacity:
Enough room for substantial commuting or touring equipment without immediately requiring multiple bags.
Motorcycle mounting:
The ability to secure the bag to a sissy bar means the rider doesn’t have to carry the full load on their shoulders.
Cordura construction:
A sensible material choice for a motorcycle-oriented textile bag.
180-degree opening:
One of the more practical features for organizing a large storage compartment.
Electronics-friendly layout:
The 12 x 14-inch laptop sleeve and multiple pockets suit modern EV riders carrying computers and charging accessories.
External wet pouch:
Useful for separating damp gear from electronics and clothing.
Dual-purpose design:
It can function as motorcycle luggage and as a conventional backpack away from the bike.
Potential limitations
Large physical footprint:
45 liters is a lot of luggage. Riders who primarily commute with a phone, jacket, and small electronics may find an XL bag excessive.
Rearward/high-mounted mass:
A heavily loaded sissy-bar bag can affect motorcycle dynamics. Proper loading is important.
Weather resistance isn’t the same as waterproofing:
Extra protection may be appropriate for sensitive electronics during prolonged heavy rain.
Aerodynamic impact:
The larger volume can increase the motorcycle’s aerodynamic cross-section and potentially affect highway efficiency.
Fitment still matters:
“Universal fitment” doesn’t mean every motorcycle has identical mounting geometry. Check the sissy-bar dimensions and clearance before installation.
Verdict: Is the Viking Tactical XL Worth Considering for an Electric Motorcycle?
For riders who need substantial storage, yes—the Viking Tactical XL 45L deserves consideration.
Its biggest advantage isn’t simply its capacity. It’s the combination of large volume, motorcycle mounting, flexible organization, and off-bike backpack functionality.
That combination makes particular sense for electric motorcycle commuters and tourers who need to carry more equipment without permanently installing a large hard luggage system.
The technical specification sheet is particularly strong in the areas that matter for daily EV use: 45 liters of capacity, Cordura construction, a laptop compartment, multiple external storage areas, two bottle holders, and secure sissy-bar mounting.
For riders interested in the product, see the official Viking Tactical XL 45L Motorcycle Backpack page for current pricing, availability, installation information, and manufacturer specifications.
Technical Rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Electric motorcycle commuters, touring riders, long-distance riders, and anyone who needs substantial flexible cargo capacity.
Less ideal for: Minimalist commuters who rarely carry more than a few small items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Viking Tactical XL motorcycle backpack suitable for electric motorcycles?
The bag is listed as universal fitment, so it can potentially be used with many motorcycle configurations. However, riders should verify sissy-bar dimensions, mounting clearance, payload limits, and interference with lights, suspension, exhaust, and other components before installation.
How much can the Viking Tactical XL hold?
The manufacturer lists the capacity as 45 liters or 2,746.1 cubic inches.
Is the Viking Tactical XL waterproof?
Viking Bags describes the material as weather resistant. The published specification does not state that the bag is fully waterproof, so sensitive electronics should receive additional protection during prolonged heavy rain.
Can the Viking Tactical XL be used as a normal backpack?
Yes. The design includes padded shoulder straps plus sternum and waist straps for off-bike use. The shoulder straps can also be stowed when the bag is mounted to the motorcycle.
Does the Viking Tactical XL have a laptop compartment?
Yes. Viking Bags lists a 12 x 14-inch laptop sleeve.
How does the bag mount to a motorcycle?
The Tactical XL uses secure straps and can be mounted to a sissy bar. Viking Bags specifies a 12–16-inch sissy-bar loop strap range and recommends a minimum 24-inch sissy-bar height for secure mounting.
Editorial Disclosure
This article was produced in cooperation with Viking Bags. The product information and specifications have been checked against Viking Bags’ published product information. The review is a technical assessment of the manufacturer’s specifications and intended use cases and should not be interpreted as an independent long-term road test. Links to Viking Bags are included as part of the editorial cooperation.
Source: Viking Bags