Quote from: tt_four on June 21, 2010, 01:17:05 PM
I tried wearing my old messenger bag on my motorcycle and I couldn't stand it. They weren't made to be worn when you're not leaning forward almost horizontal and you can tell instantly when you put it on.

That was a Post Office style bag you had.  Like a woman's purse - just slings over your shoulder. 
For motorcycle/bike riding you've gotta find one with a cross strap.  Goes across your chest to secure the main strap. 
There's only a few that have them, and they're $$.
You can sew one on yourself, or just use rivets.  I like to rivet things.    

IMO, it has to pass the "Gallon Of Milk" rule. 
Pretty self-explanatory. 

For a long trip I'd prefer a load strapped to the seat over being on my back, just make sure its really secure and whatever straps you use can't get tangled in the rear wheel/chain! The first time you do it, stop and check it for security after a few miles.

I put a 20 KG bag of potting mix on the rear seat and i forgot it was there until i hit the breaks and it slid forward.   carry what you like just make sure it secured properly.

I've ridden a few times with a backpack. Didn't like it much gave me excessive neck fatigue.

One of my biggest concerns is if I got into an accident what would that extra bulk on me do to my back.

I have a tank bag and soft saddle bags. Takes about 4minutes to get the saddle bags on. The tank bag has backpack straps.

Mary

Though I'm sure it's not necessary, I'd recommend a backpack that has a buckle between the straps (that snap together over your chest). That way you're sure that bugger won't go flying off or repositioning into an awkward place. If you really wanna get hardcore into it, I had a bag that was made for snowboarders, Dakine I think was the make, that not only had the chest strap but also had one that went around your waist- That suckers not going anywhere. (Bag shown= Dakine Heli Pro....not what I used to have, but, just to give you an idea of a snowboarders bag in case you're unfamiliar with them.)

I commute 500 miles a week with a backpack.  I wear it with lose straps so the weight is taken by the back seat and don't really notice it except when it is windy (slightly more difficult to control with side winds....never been a big deal though).  However, I only use it for clothes because if I come off the bike on the motorway I don't want my back broken by something solid in there.

For solid things - like the security chain - I bought bicycle bags for about 25 euros, cut and sewed a few straps which go under the seat and Bob's your uncle.

Quote from: mullan on June 23, 2010, 03:03:09 AM

For solid things - like the security chain - I bought bicycle bags for about 25 euros, cut and sewed a few straps which go under the seat and Bob's your uncle.

Any chance we can see some pics of this?

Michael

I'll get some photos this weekend.  Adds about 40 litres of storage.  OK, security-wise not great because they are soft material, but really handy anyway.

When enquiring before I made these bags, a couple of dealers told me there is not enough room for side bags (saddle-bags....is this what you call them?).  I begged to differ and made a very cheap version.  Pics to follow...

Hey!  I was thinking of doing that!  Glad to know they work.
Here are some "waterproof" ones:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-WATERPROOF-BICYCLE-PANNIERS-BAGS-BIKE-TOURING-TOUR-/290447156291?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item439fffe443

Neon:
http://cgi.ebay.com/50-NASHBAR-DAYTREKKER-BICYCLE-BAGS-BIKE-PANNIERS-NEW-/290447424260?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a003fb04

The biggest issue I had was getting bags which were not so long that they are resting on the exhaust, sitting up higher than the seat or blocking the passenger foot rests.  Will definately get pictures up this weekend, but if anyone's thinking of doing it before then bear the above in mind.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/9630/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Saddle-Bag.aspx

I had these on my GS500f

They will not interfear with the exhaust and hold an ok amount. 80 bucks but you can strap em down good and tight. I like them a lot.

 

I rode with a backpack to commute to work (70 miles/day) for about a year and I hated it. Lots of pressure and occasional loss of circulation, plus it really cut down on air circulation through jacket vents, making it very hot in the summer. I bought a couple of bungee cords and strapped the sucker down on the pillion. I love the freedom of movement this simple solution gave me! I'll never ride with a backpack again!

Quote from: mullan on June 23, 2010, 11:19:39 AM
The biggest issue I had was getting bags which were not so long that they are resting on the exhaust, sitting up higher than the seat or blocking the passenger foot rests.  Will definately get pictures up this weekend, but if anyone's thinking of doing it before then bear the above in mind.

I bought a set of used cortech tribag saddlebags off craigslist a while back.  I had to turn them backwards to clear the exhaust, and the right side one basically touches the exhaust, but it hasn't been a problem.  They have heat shielding on the bottom.

Here are my saddle bags. Got 'em off of NewEnough $65. they are the Nelson Riggs deluxe sport bags.



Mary