In addition to cruising, I intended to use my bike to ride to my college classes. Unfortunately, I am trying to figure out how to get my notebook to class with me!
What do you all do for carryon space?
Thanks in advance.
backpack :dunno:
uhh, how do you carry it around when your at school. Backpack!
or get a web bungee and another bag to hold it or pop for some saddle bags or something. I just wear a backpack when I go to class, works fine for me.
-ash
A back pack might work. I know it's only a notebook but it may work. Also get some bungee cords for the rear seat. I don't really carry anything around but they may work.
Edit:
I did not know these were posted before mine. Must have done it at the same time.
Great - backpack makes sense. A particular kind/make fit better over your jacket?
they make special riding backpacks but their just a waste of money, i have a comfy jansport w/ padding in the shoulders. if you can get one w/ a buckle in the front that holds it to your waist that should be a little better.
-ash
I have a LL Bean backpack thats lasted me over 2 years. I can't really say how it would go over a jacket, but they are pretty durable.
That's right, it's a struggle to get a backpack on over a jacket. I think one of those packs used by dispatch riders might better suit your needs.
http://www.accwhse.com/photos/nelrigg_survivor_mailbag.gif
More stylish, anyway.
I use a standard JanSport back pack that has some healthy padding on the portion that rests on my back. It isn't the big, huge ones but I don't carry a ton of stuff. It does have a ton of little compartments to hold all of my keys, phone, PDA etc. My partner uses a sash type pack that rests vertically across his back. He loves it, though I've never tried it.
EDIT:
I don't have any problems getting mine over my Gericke jacket. It has the adjustable straps with the convienent pull tabs that cinch up nicely. I've had it at highway speeds and when snugged down doesn't suffer from too much aerodynamic lift.
I have a Nike backpack with 3 zippers, big one accepts my helmet in, medium is great for notebooks and small works for pens, coins, etc. Also it's not very difficult to get it over my Tour Master jacket, just matter to adjust straps. If I need more room, I have a tail bag by Tourmaster, same as Kerry, 17 liter plus 3 small pockets, I use mine to vist the supermarket.
Whenever using a backpack on a motorcycle, make sure you clip the zipper pulls together so the can not open. They have been known to work themselves loose.
I have a RKA Tankbag (//www.rka-luggage.com/pages/08tnkbag/tank.html) that I use on my TLR. Works great! Used my North Face backpack as well but wearing a back pack while riding is a little uncomfortable for me.
iGear makes some nice backpacks. I went trough 1-2 A YEAR 'till I found this one so it's definatly durable and with dual zippers, a paperclip would hold them together. I wear it over a Joe Rocket Ballictic Series jacket and no problems. I've gotten so used to it that I take some kind of backpack wherever I go; even if I just throw in my keys wallet and a water bottle.
I used a Jansport single strap backpack and because of the adjustable velcro padded crossover shoulder strap its a lot easier to put on/off that the regular backpack even with your jackets on. Link below....
http://www.jansport.com/productdetail.php?tid=2&cid=10&pid=T039
For courier work, I carry a cargo net, a backpack and a tank bag and I have carried tons of junk for clients. I sometimes have to repack things in the parking lot. Blue prints rolled up without a tube, can be a pain in the a$s.
I use an ICON URBAN TANK BAG (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=5430&department=668&Division=6). It's the only tank bag that can flat fit a regular size binder I found, and converts into a backpack once off the bike. Not for long trips under the rain, but great for going to work/school.
Whatever backpack you get, make sure it has some water resistant properites.
If you get stuck in a sudden rain storm, you'll thank pizzle!
If you get a backpack with lots of clips and hooks and things, you can also bungee it to the helmet tie and then clip extra things to it. Combine that with a tank bag, and you could bring a small lab with you to class.
I have a Chrome messenger bag www.chromebags.com . its a 1 strap with another strap that goes under your arm to hold the bag tight. If you've never used a one-strap you owe it to yourself to try one...they are incredible. There are no zippers to break and the inside is covered with this rubber-like material that is completely waterproof and partially removable.
I think a backpack would be better than a tank bag cuz most tankbags you have magnets or clips...the backpack you just get off the bike and go. Save the tankbags for long trips when fatigue might be a factor.
My "Oxford" tank bag zips off and becomes a back-pack leaving the heavy bit (magnets) on the tank, I also use a top-box which is secure and usefull. The best thing about a top box is that when (Ha!) the weather is good you can hand the helmet on the seat hook and I can get my armoured jacked into the top box and can wander about in short sleeves.
well, i dont have a grab bar on my seat (above the taillight) so, i bungy corded a milk crate down on passenger area of the seat. works good, i have hauled alot of stuff on my GS, groceries,printer,car parts, had a half pallet straped to side of crate and wired to right passenger footpeg. that was a challenge. and even put a small toolbox filled with tools in it.
i gotta see a pic of that set up :lol:
I recomend a DaKine backpack. Best ever. I wont even buy another bag built by anyone else. They fit perfectly, and are really well designed. Ergonomic, and useful. Mine has straps for my skateboard, or snowboard. Its rad. I use it for school as well. one nice things about it is its low profile, so its not disturbed by turbulance. :cheers:
Just about anykind of backpack can work. I have a LL Bean backpack and on long trips I've loosened the straps so that it can sit by it self on the pillion seat.
Adam
make sure if you do go with a backpack, get a quality made one, wind will rip hell out of it. if its a cheap one it will shred at the stiching.
i found a small "six pack" rack for another bike, im gonna try to make a mount for it to bolt inplace of grab bar. i think it will work pretty good.
Quote from: ashmanuhh, how do you carry it around when your at school. Backpack!
or get a web bungee and another bag to hold it or pop for some saddle bags or something. I just wear a backpack when I go to class, works fine for me.
-ash
I didn't know you could put saddlebags on a GS. Any of you all have them? I think that would be a great idea, if it is plausible.