DIY storage for GS500 naked - getting creative

[reminor]

I found that you can attach some nifty little pouches (originally made for backpack straps to hold cell phones) to the GS frame and forks. They are velcro attached and at first I had concerns that they will fall at speed. In over 500 miles I have them on that never happened. I carry some little stuff like shop cloth, spare earplugs, neck scarf for colder mornings, etc. in there.

I also made a DIY tailbag/saddlebag (they are actually three smaller leather ones attached with clamps) from some misc hairdryer/Mach3 cases I got for $2 each at a flea market.  Matches surprizidly well with my RapidTransit expandable magnetic tankbag. BTW I attach a nylon waist bag to the front of my tankbag (just by running waistbag's belt through RapidTransit plastic loops.) I store my tools, medkit and other small misc stuff there.

So all in all that gives me a lot of zipped space to carry little things around.


So how do you get creative with storage options on your GS?




P.S. And neighbourhood kids love when I blow that blowhorn when passing by. After all my GS is my toy.

[simon79]

 
Nice job, man.
LOL for the blow-horn

[GeeP]

Shouldn't the horn be on the LEFT side?   

Nice saddlebags, they look like a finished product.

Me?  I have a set of cortech "sport" saddlebags which stay on the bike 24/7/365.  I keep my tool bag, chain lube, Plexus, rags, and room for other junk in them. 

Wal mart sells a 26" duffel bag that is exactly the width of the saddlebags when you put it over the back seat.  That serves as my tail bag, and has enough room for 5 days of clothes, my rain suit, bike cover, and other misc stuff.  Anything else requires bungee cords. 

My record is 6 gallons of Rotella T, three truck oil filters, two pieces of 1/2" dowel rod 3' long, two twelve packs of iced tea, a couple micro meals, gallon of milk, and a few odds and ends.  The cashier couldn't figure out how I could fit half a shopping cart full of crap on my bike.   

[reminor]

Pictures!! Pictures!! Pictures please! 

[nightrider]

http://www.parish-without-borders.net/cditt/cambodia/dailylife/2006/dailylifekh06.htm

[scottpA_GS]

WOW!

That whole site is AWESOME... This is one of my favorites. Imagine riding with a big sheet of glass like that 





The guys caption was AWESOME too!

"The right side passenger window on this motorcycle has always been a bit loose, but it sure is big! What a view!  And it's tinted, too!"

[ohgood]

Your horn is killing me. It's screaming "Oh quit trying to look so freaking cool on your bank-owned bike already !"

Really, I love the horn. It's so 

I'd have to put it on the left side though. My right hand is always making things noisy.

[reminor]

Yeah, I switched it to the left recently. Surprisidly that horn is a cool thingy. I use it to greet pretty lady drivers and kids. Never fails to rise a smile. 

I wave and honk to the fellow sport bike riders when we greet passing by each other. I bet they die laughing. After all, GS500 is not a real bike, right? 

[frankieG]

i don't  it is me and the bike....buy a car if you need storage

[reminor]

i don't  it is me and the bike....buy a car if you need storage

No offence man but.. If nothing to say why post? A specific question was asked to allow people share ideas and tricks. If no idea to share just move on.
Peace.

And the whole topic came to mind because I was constantly finding myself wishing I had this or that with me while I am out with the bike. Cargo net, bike cover (I always cover it parked at work -- mostly against nasty seagull drops and dust  ), wet hygene tissue, hand sanitizer, bottle of water, rain gear, spare fuel filter, a piece of gas line hose and a clamp, earplugs, antifog wipes, clear visor, helmet cable with lock, balaclava, bandana, medkit, sunglasses, garage opener remote (old, size of a pack of sigs. Doh!), neck scarf, a pair of light gloves, a map, cell phone, latex gloves to fiddle/repair on the go, sidestand pad, shop cloth, small flashlight, extra tools, ratchet with heads, extention for the ratchet, pressure gauge... The list goes on and on. BTW that's what I am carrying with me everyday. Too much too extra? Look at the list again and see what would you NOT take with you on a regular basis as safety or convenience items. 

P.S. And those Cambodians are really creative in hauling stuff around (by strapping the cargo and loading the bike whichever impossible way it is), but I did not notice any permanent storage ideas and solutions. Except maybe extending the bike with a woodden bar and also a towing hitch trick. Anybody's towing with his GS here? 

I am thinking about making zipped pouches hidden under rear plastic pieces (where GS500 decals are). There's quite some room there if you look close. Too weird of an idea?

[ohgood]

reminor -

Hey man, I was distracted by the horn. I have to say it again though - THAT ROCKS!

Now then, if you really want a good deal of storage that isn't in the way, pick up a set of CoreTech or Tourmaster (same company) saddlebags. I have a set I bought from a nice guy for $30 + shipping. I've carried a gallon of oil (car changes), filter(s), tools, maps, orange juice, beer (one way, no intoxicated riding of course) and tons of other stuff with them. They even have a side zipper for frequently needed items, and a mesh pouch for toll change/ gate passes.

I really like your tank bag. I've been thinking of buying one. Much easier to get into on the go.

SUmmary:

Light hauling = tank bag + jacket pockets

Heavy hauling = cortech/tourmaster bags

I just like keeping loads as low as possible. I'm a decent rider, but don't want to hamper myself with a huge trunk.

Nice thread  

[simon79]

I am thinking about making zipped pouches hidden under rear plastic pieces (where GS500 decals are). There's quite some room there if you look close. Too weird of an idea?

Not a weird idea, very clever indeed.
I was wondering about that too, not long ago.

[reminor]

The RapidTransit tankbag was indeed a VERY good purchase for me. I highly recommend it. It's called BigCity and it's one of the cheapest quality expandable magnet tankbags I know of - $54 at http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/tank_bags/rapid_transit/big_city_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html. Very versatile. It expands when I need more capacity, but in a 'normal' mode it is small and inobstructive.

The only thing about saddlebags/any big storage on the bike -- is that it spoils the looks for me. I know, I know. Maybe it's just me. Plus having a lot of small things in a large storage space makes it a MESS very quickly. Before you know it you haul around a bag of messy stuff with no space for useful ad hoc loads. Hence my idea about small pouches, baggies, zippers, etc.

BTW I forgot to mention that I use a small bag next to the stock tool kit under the seat. That rubber belt is strong and long enough to secure that little baggy right next to the tool pouch.

И кстати привет всем нашим здесь =)

[reminor]

Just some close ups for the DIY saddlebags in case somebody wants to do it too. Easily removable (if I need to take the seat off). I couldn't be happier with them. Not too big, not too small. And cheap  .

[pbureau69]

wait a minute ain't that a coffin ?

bag ideas, very creative man.....

[reminor]

The only addon parts to the bags are keychain rings (to go on the bags handles and then interlock), a piece of velcro tape (for hooking up to the grab bar) and a nylon strap with clip locks on both ends (from an old bag or whatever) to go under the seat.

Never throw your misc rubbish guys! "C'mon honey I'll use it someday.."
That's what garages and sheds are for.