Get off my back! Looking for ...

[applecrew]

Recommendations or ideas...

I use my 500 ('07) primarily for commuting (70 miles a day), usually with a back-pack containing my laptop, lunch, and maybe some clothes.  I can deal with this in the short term, but really need a better solution so I can carry all of the above, and a small amount of other essentials, preferably some rain gear and perhaps a bike cover.

What do you currently use?  Ease of mounting on your bike?  Permanent or removable?

Cheers,

Mike

[gsJack]

A waterproof hard trunk is best unless it never rains where you live.  Can leave things on bike locked up securely, much better than soft luggage in the long run.

[applecrew]

Jack,  Thanks for the info and the pic!

Who makes the case, and is it hard to install/remove??

Thanks!

[pronator]

I'm with gsjack on this one! The benefit of not having something cumbersome on your back (especially a laptop) and being able to lock stuff at your destination is awesome.   

There are lots of case options though the most popular is probably the Givi Monolock line for price and quality. To mount a top case (like in Jack's photo), you'll need a luggage rack. Once the luggage rack is on, you add a mounting plate. The Monolock cases come with the mounting plate. From there, the top case is super easy to lock in and/or take off.

You have an '07, but the info in this post about my 99 may be helpful. There's a link to more info about the Givi line and a list of links to previous threads related to this topic.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=41876.0

You will be so much happier not carrying a backpack, messenger bag, whatever. In the winter, it just gets soaked; in the summer, it keeps your back from getting ventilation = sweat!

[Ronin]

Sometimes use a school book bag..They have'em on clearence at Wallyworld about 8.00.Plenty of compartments and is plastic lined.

[bucks1605]

I'm going to need something to use when I commute to work this summer, I was just planning on using a book bag. but maybe I should look in to a tank bag. I'm assuming I'll have a locker or something to store stuff in where I work, I hope...

[08GSSteve]

+1 on the tank bag

[Toogoofy317]

I love my tank bag/ soft saddle bags. The rapid transit tank bag has ipod, cell-phone, camel back, back pack straps, and easy to run ports for the camelback tubes and ipod cords. my Nelson Riggs takes about five minutes to put on and also has handles so you can carry them when you get off. They all have covers to make them water resistant. I will see if I got some pics with all of my gear on. But, yeah back packs hurt after about half an hour.

Mary S.

[ben2go]

Here ya go.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=41183.0

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=19615.0