The end of this month marks my one year anniversary with my GS. I've put around 1,200 miles on it over the first year, mostly just cruising with friends on nice days, but also to commute a couple of times while my truck was down and out. Which brings me to the purpose of my thread...my 2004 Ford Ranger has just hit 225,000 miles, and I'm hoping to get another year out of it before I buy a newer vehicle to daily. It isn't worth selling between the money I've put into it and the additional work it needs, so the ultimate plan is to keep it for "truck things" and buy a car for commuting to work that I can more easily transport the kids in. Preferably something I can have a little bit of fun with...I'm leaning towards a BMW, but I want a stick shift and would prefer to have AWD so my options are somewhat limited.

Anyway, in the meantime I'm going to try to put as few miles on the truck as possible. Cue the GS. May 22 is the last day of preschool for the kids, so after that I'll be able to ride the bike to work and back every day, and then go pick them up from the babysitter after I park the bike at home. So for those of you who've ridden as a primary or sole mode of transportation, outside of the obvious, what can I do to prepare for this? My commute is about 15 miles each way, mostly back roads until I get close to work. Traffic is not an issue, and if there's ever an accident I have plenty of alternate routes that don't require me going too far out of my way.

I've got a couple of things to check off the list for the bike:
Diode mod for LED turn signals
Check/Adjust valve clearances
Oil change & other routine maintenance checks

And then as far as gear is concerned:
My jacket has a waterproof liner, so if it looks like rain I'll pack that. I've only ridden in light rain once or twice, so that'll be an interesting experience when the time comes.
Especially if I ride in the rain I need to get a pair of riding pants that I can wear over dress slacks...any suggestions?
I'll probably need some sort of luggage too, I'm thinking tail bag...which I know I've seen some suggestions around here and I'll do more research over the coming months.
I don't have a tool kit for my bike...suggestions?

So what am I not thinking about, that I should be thinking about?

Quote from: rscottlow on February 01, 2017, 12:53:51 PM
The end of this month marks my one year anniversary with my GS. I've put around 1,200 miles on it over the first year, mostly just cruising with friends on nice days, but also to commute a couple of times while my truck was down and out. Which brings me to the purpose of my thread...my 2004 Ford Ranger has just hit 225,000 miles, and I'm hoping to get another year out of it before I buy a newer vehicle to daily. It isn't worth selling between the money I've put into it and the additional work it needs, so the ultimate plan is to keep it for "truck things" and buy a car for commuting to work that I can more easily transport the kids in. Preferably something I can have a little bit of fun with...I'm leaning towards a BMW, but I want a stick shift and would prefer to have AWD so my options are somewhat limited.

I would check out the newest gen Subaru WRX/STi. Checks all your boxes, and cheaper than a comparable BMW.

Quote
Anyway, in the meantime I'm going to try to put as few miles on the truck as possible. Cue the GS. May 22 is the last day of preschool for the kids, so after that I'll be able to ride the bike to work and back every day, and then go pick them up from the babysitter after I park the bike at home. So for those of you who've ridden as a primary or sole mode of transportation, outside of the obvious, what can I do to prepare for this? My commute is about 15 miles each way, mostly back roads until I get close to work. Traffic is not an issue, and if there's ever an accident I have plenty of alternate routes that don't require me going too far out of my way.

I've got a couple of things to check off the list for the bike:
Diode mod for LED turn signals
Check/Adjust valve clearances
Oil change & other routine maintenance checks

And then as far as gear is concerned:
My jacket has a waterproof liner, so if it looks like rain I'll pack that. I've only ridden in light rain once or twice, so that'll be an interesting experience when the time comes.
Especially if I ride in the rain I need to get a pair of riding pants that I can wear over dress slacks...any suggestions?
I'll probably need some sort of luggage too, I'm thinking tail bag...which I know I've seen some suggestions around here and I'll do more research over the coming months.
I don't have a tool kit for my bike...suggestions?

So what am I not thinking about, that I should be thinking about?

As for commuting, in the summer, I ride every day there isn't rain in the forecast (and in the winter any day its over 40F and sunny). Obviously sometimes it rains anyway, but not much I can do about that. I just ride a bit slower and try not to make any sharp/sudden turns if I get caught in rain. As for getting wet, I've just kind of made peace with being wet. In the summer, its usually not a big deal, youre just wet now  . In the fall/spring, getting wet can make you pretty cold so a good set of waterproof pants with your jacket or a waterproof riding suit like an aerostitch roadcrafter or something (very expensive, but I have heard good things) might be a good idea. I don't have any specific examples since I haven't bought anything like that yet.

Last summer I just used my backpack, but this summer I'll be getting a tank bag or a tail bag that will always have a toolkit (lots of allen keys, a screwdriver, etc), whichever visor I'm not using (clear vs mirror), and my jacket liner. My dad has a tank bag, and I borrowed it once and I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I thought it would get in the way or obstruct my view, but it was fine for the most part, and having the extra weight basically right in front of me felt pretty good, rather than having it behind me like a passenger.


Watcher would be a good person to ask about this, since IIRC he doesn't even own a car and just rides everywhere, rain or shine.

I don't personally have one, but I've heard a puncture plug kit is quite useful. The biggest issue I have when Taking my bike to work/placement/class is that when I'm in full kit (sometimes against my better judgement I only wear helmet and gloves) is that I don't have anywhere to keep my boots/trousers/jacket and lid. They're quite bulky so definitely won't fit in my bag, and I've worn my boots and trousers in class and it's savage. So I'd recommend scouting a good place to stow your gear.

Chris

Awesome thread! Sorry to hear about your truck needing too much work I'm a huge believer in keeping a vehicle for as long as possible, doesn't matter the cost or the mileage and I think you did above and beyond what most people do nowadays! The turtle van (1994 Caravan) is getting a new head this week... one finally cracked at 204,000 miles so I can't complain!

I'm looking forward to seeing what people post up in the way of tools to keep with ya.

With my ride to work only being 2.5 miles, I'd ride in the rain no problem... except I have NO place to hang wet rain gear when I get to work so it can dry properly. Plus I don't like the idea of my bike being out in the rain for 9 hours. I mean sure the rain could stop or whatever but around here... seems like if it's gonna rain, it's an all day affair lol.

And as I'm sure you've seen elsewhere on the forum, I'm a HUGE fan of my tank bag. Big Rich has the same one. Came with a rain cover and has the clear pouches in the top for a gps or a smart phone... neither of which I use lol so I made foam inserts/spacers for my iPod to be in one of the pouches and put speakers in my helmet and the other pouch I use for my garage door opener. If you wanna stop and get a drink or something else out of your bag, you don't have to even get off the bike to access your stuff with a tank bag. But of course, there are benefits to other luggage too and some day I'd like to get more.

Quote from: qcbaker on February 01, 2017, 01:37:48 PM
Watcher would be a good person to ask about this, since IIRC he doesn't even own a car and just rides everywhere, rain or shine.

My ears are burning!

Also, get ready for a novel.



As someone who by choice gave up the 4 wheeled cage for two seasons in the often rainy midwest I can offer some good suggestions, mostly pertaining to wet weather survival.

First being weather can turn on you in an instant.  I've gone to work in sunshine and gotten out to a thunderstorm, more than once, and on days where the forecast called for 0%.
It's a good idea to pack rain gear with you regardless what the forecast says.
That being said you will learn to read the weather, and I pay more attention to the projected hi and low temps than anything else.
A larger than usual change from day to night temperature, or a significant drop or increase from one day to the next, can often indicate precipitation on the way.  But if the day to day seems consistent you're usually pretty safe.

Re: rain gear I would use FroggToggs which are available at CycleGear.  They work as overpants and jacket.  Unlike rubber/plastic rain gear it won't hot-box you and make you sweat (not as much, at least).  It's more of a cloth with a membrane.  Does a good job of allowing some air to flow while still being waterproof.
On the topic of "waterproof", nothing short of one of those old timey brass helmet diving suits will actually keep you 100% dry for extended periods.  My FroggToggs worked very well but on extended rides (maybe 30min or longer) I would start to get damp in places.  Mainly where water can collect and won't run off of you, like the crotch, and in places where there's an opening like the cuffs.
Gloves are a big consideration here, as well.  A good pair of waterproof gloves with a gauntlet can help with the aforementioned water penetration at cuffs.  Icon Patrol gloves are great, and they also have a squeegee on the thumb to help you wipe off your helmet lens.

Boots may be a concern.  I work in my boots so I didn't really want to wear waterproof boots all day (feet sweat).  I ended up just buying an extra pair of boots and leaving them in my locker at work in case of rain, but you could always bring a change of shoes in a backpack or something.  More on this later.

In the case of protecting my electronics I got some Pelican 1040 dry boxes.  They're big enough for my Samsung Note3 in its OtterBox case and I toss my wallet in there as well.  Then this box just goes in whatever luggage I am using that day.  Bonus points since the Pelican is also crush-proof in addition to waterproof.
It should go without saying a Bluetooth for your helmet makes using the GPS in the rain possible, but is overall a quality of life upgrade since you can make and receive calls on bike.  With kids this could be very important in case of emergencies or something.


I'd like to touch on luggage as well.  Tank-bag!  Get a TANK BAG, and don't skimp on it, either.  Good ones come with a lot of fun features and often have rain covers.
Aside from other concerns there are 3 things that will always lead me to choose a tank bag over saddlebags or tail-bags.
1) In the case of magnetic bags they are no fuss when you actually get to where you're going.
2) being in front of you means you don't have a struggle trying to actually get on your motorcycle (the dreaded "luggage dance" hopping on one foot to put your leg "through" the motorcycle), and it won't interfere with a backpack should you need extra hauling room.
3) You can use a restaurant drive-thru with the greatest of ease!

If you want a waterproof bag to bring clothes in, in the event of commuting to work in rain, Kriega has you covered.
Kriega is not cheap by any means, but you get what you pay for and then some.  I have two pieces of Kriega luggage, a backpack and a shoulder bag.
The backpack is only water resistant, not water proof, but it does take a good while for water to get all the way through it.  I'd have no problem in light rain, but a downpour would inevitably get through.
The major selling point on the backpack, though, are the straps.  It's more of a harness than a set of straps.  Really comfy, and really STABLE.  Best motorcycle backpack, hands down.  I even crashed in mine and it hardly even shows road rash, top quality.

The shoulder bag is a dry bag.  100% waterproof.  It has the typical roll-up top with a flap to cover it, and it works AMAZINGLY!
I have the smaller "sling bag" which is around 8 liters.  I didn't initially get this for the dry bag, more for the shoulder bag, and I had it before I got my rain suit.  I was able to roll up and cram a shirt, jeans, socks, underwear, and a pair of gym shoes in it so I could completely change when I got to work.
They have one that's almost twice as big, basically a laptop bag, both are awesome sources of waterproof luggage.
And the best part is most Kriega bags are convertible to tail-bags.  They sell a kit with the mounts and straps you need for like $20, or you could be like me and just use some RokStraps to lash it to the bike if need be.

For actually RIDING in the rain, stability is key and this means good throttle control, too.  Turns can seem intimidating, but what will make you slide more than anything else is slowing down or speeding up.
Be sure you're done braking before you even press to initiate your lean, and hold that throttle nice and steady throughout.  Too little throttle and you engine brake, load the front end up, and might kiss pavement.  Too much and you risk a rear wheel slide.
Don't be afraid of any of this, just understand the physics of how your bike maintains traction.

This is especially true in the rain but goes for all commuting riding.  You gotta stay comfortable.  If you are cold, overheating, stressed from work, pissed off at traffic, you won't be focused on riding.  Especially in rush hour traffic this can be pretty dangerous.
Give yourself a little extra time to get to work and allow yourself to come home a little later.  If you are feeling too cold, too hot, or hot headed, pull off to the side and take a few minutes.

Keep track of your fuel.  ESPECIALLY on the GS!  I have been late to work because I didn't make it off the interstate in time to get to a gas station.
Make sure you keep track of your milage, reset your trip at fuel stops, and play it safe.

I don't really have to touch up on maintenance, other than don't neglect your chain.  I would clean and lube the chain about every 500 miles, or more conceptually every third fuel up.  It might be a little overkill but when you ride regardless of the weather it can be hell on the drive system.

Have an alternative lens for your helmet!  Easy to overlook this, but if you work hours that puts your commute in conditions where the sun might be rising or setting, or even have not yet risen or already set, you'll need a clear and a smoked lens.  Sunglasses tucked into the helmet lining can work, but I always preferred to have a whole other lens.  Also, smoked lenses are pretty terrible in rainy conditions.  No need to ask me how I know.  It never hurts to pack another lens, it'll fit very unobstructively in your tank bag.

I do have a tire plug kit but luckily never had to use it.  They're about the size of a screwdriver, can't go wrong packing one.
Aside from basic hand tools like a multi-bit screwdriver and some pliers you don't need much for a tool kit.  You won't be adjusting your rear shock on commute or redoing your wiring.  Just enough to handle a few fasteners that may come loose or replace a leaking fuel line is enough.
Never hurts to have a pair of yellow or orange glow-sticks in there as well in case you break down on the interstate.  Been there, done that, IN RAIN.  Not fun.  Luckily I wasn't going to work...

And the last thing you might want to consider is a Hi-Viz vest.  I wear black on black for my jackets and such (never was too keen on Hi-Viz yellow and I change bikes so frequently I didn't want a red or blue or anything.  And white gets too dirty too fast), but I have an Icon "Mil Spec" vest in bright orange with reflective stripes.
If I'm commuting or riding on the highway, especially at night or in bad weather, I have my vest on.
If I am hooliganing around I usually won't bother, but it's an invaluable boost to your visibility and conspicuity when distracted drivers are around.

If I think of more tips or advice I can offer you I'll gladly share, and any questions just feel free to ask.
I put a little over 20k miles on my last GS in one year from about April until October, so I've got some hard earned experience on that little bike.  Maybe I haven't seen it all but I've definitely been in situations the average rider hasn't.
Overall it's a positive experience.

@ the_63

You might want to invest in some Moto jeans.  Kevlar reinforced with pads, but not too bulky where you are uncomfortable wearing them all day.  And the layman might not even make the distinction.

In fact, while I had a retail job where I was frequently kneeling to stock shelves I'd wear them regardless if I took the bike or not because they were simply more comfortable than regular pants.

Quote from: Watcher on February 01, 2017, 03:21:54 PM
@ the_63

You might want to invest in some Moto jeans.  Kevlar reinforced with pads, but not too bulky where you are uncomfortable wearing them all day.  And the layman might not even make the distinction.

In fact, while I had a retail job where I was frequently kneeling to stock shelves I'd wear them regardless if I took the bike or not because they were simply more comfortable than regular pants.

Something I've been considering for a while mate. Being a student money seems to come and go before I've even noticed. But they are on my list. Thanks for the recommendation 

Chris

Wow. First off, thanks for all of the responses, and thanks Watcher for all of the info. I really appreciate it.

I work in an office, and I have to take my laptop to and from work every day. A good backpack is absolutely necessary. I'll check out Kriega, as keeping my computer dry and protected is a top priority.

If it's raining in the morning, or is predicted to rain on my way to work, I probably won't ride. Getting wet on the way home is no big deal, but it's a pretty big inconvenience to show up to work all wet.

As far as showing up late is concerned, I'm lucky to work in a pretty relaxed atmosphere and as long as I'm getting my work done, my schedule is pretty flexible. When getting home, my mom and MIL will be handling the babysitting over the summer, so if I'm running a little late they'll understand.

I'm glad I got a couple of recommendations for a tank bag. I've been leaning towards a tail bag, but you've changed my mind. I find myself often wishing I could check my phone for either the time or missed calls from the wife. I guess a tank bag with a spot for the phone would be a good solution.

I'd love to get Bluetooth for my helmet, but it might be cost prohibitive right now. Especially considering everything else I'll be needing to buy.

I try to keep a pretty close eye on fuel. I lean towards filling up around every 100 miles. Considering my commute is only 30 miles round trip, it's not too bad.

Sun is definitely an issue. I wear glasses, and have a pair of nice prescription sunglasses that I wear when riding on sunny days. I still would like to have another lens.


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Quote from: qcbaker on February 01, 2017, 01:37:48 PM

I would check out the newest gen Subaru WRX/STi. Checks all your boxes, and cheaper than a comparable BMW.

Thanks, my brother suggested the same. I've never thought much about buying a Subaru, but it sounds like they might be worth looking into.


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Quote from: ShowBizWolf on February 01, 2017, 02:42:42 PM
Awesome thread! Sorry to hear about your truck needing too much work I'm a huge believer in keeping a vehicle for as long as possible, doesn't matter the cost or the mileage and I think you did above and beyond what most people do nowadays! The turtle van (1994 Caravan) is getting a new head this week... one finally cracked at 204,000 miles so I can't complain!

Ouch! Sounds like a big job. Thankfully I haven't had to do any engine work on the truck yet.

I bought the Ranger a couple years ago with around 190,000 on it. Since then I've done the clutch, starter, U-joints, battery, tires, cat-back exhaust, parking brake cables, and will be replacing the tranny sooner or later. I figure if I can get another year out of it, I can transition it into just a recreational type vehicle. Plus it's nice to have a back up if something goes wrong with our primary vehicles.


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I've always liked Rangers. You are totally right, it's always great to have a backup vehicle. I've personally not owned less than 3 vehicles at a time for the past 8 years!

This is the tank bag I saw in Rich's pics of his GR... and then I looked around online for what seemed like an eternity, comparing different ones and I still ended up getting the same one as him because I liked it so much more than any others I saw. It's the magnetic mount one.
http://www.motosport.com/nelsonrigg-cl2020-gps-tank-bag

I have never regretted the purchase. Big enough to hold a helmet if you expand it upwards and I already mentioned how much I love the pouches on the top. Getting to work and being able to just pull it right up and off the bike without straps or any extra crap is REALLY nice. BUT it does come with straps to make it into a backpack if ya need to!

I also use a Nelson Rigg.  They aren't quite as expensive as some other options for tank bags, but at the same time they are very high quality.  100% recommended, and I'm sure ShowBiz would agree.


I didn't even think about it when I bought it, but my Buell doesn't have a traditional gas tank.  The "tank" is actually an airbox cover.  Plastic over plastic, so I couldn't use my magnetic bags.  Had to sell them off and find a bag that mounts with straps.
I could have found a way to mount some big steel washers or something under the cover, but at the risk of being Bubba and not being able to replace the cover I decided to play it safe with straps.
Besides, the mounting bolts for the cover are actually good mounting locations for the straps.
It's less convenient, for sure, but I can still install and remove the bag in seconds.

Strap only bags are actually fairly limited.  I ended up with a Nelson Rigg CL-2014 which is the smallest of their "Journey" line.
It's as wide as an Arizona Iced Tea can is tall, and as tall when expanded.  As a nice touch, the rain cover also has an expansion zipper so it always fits snug.
Works perfect for me.  I can fit a lens, a lunch, a bottled/canned beverage, some misc small stuff, my Pelican if need be, and it has loops and a cargo pouch inside that I use for a chapstick, a space-pen,  and a rite in the rain notebook (sometimes it's good to have written directions).
There's also small pouches on either side I use for sunglasses and a lens cloth and spray bottle.
Perfect commuter size, if you ask me.
It could be pressed into light trips as long as you pack smart.  Skip the lunch for Cliff Bars or something.
That's basically what I do when I'm teaching at a site a few hours away.  Expand it, skip the sammich and cookies for some granolas, bring extra liquids.
It's a little small for day-trips, though.  I end up bringing my backpack or Sling-Bag along for the ride if I'll be on the bike all day.  Especially in the desert the room for extra water is a necessity.

Once more congratulations on deciding to commute on your bike. I can see why Watcher's experience was invoked. His instruction manual is terrific - well written and informative.

Come rideable temperatures here I nearly always ride everywhere, except for dog transporting. Unlike the others here, though, I use soft saddlebags for storage, and if I am transporting a laptop I put it in a laptop bag and then strap that to the rear seat using a cargo net. Anything that I want to stay dry I wrap in a plastic bag. Simple, cheap and effective. I have no issues swinging a leg over the saddlebags even after a hip replacement, but I have a 32" inseam.

For warmer weather riding I use a Joe Rocket mesh jacket and put the liner in for rain and temperature control. When it get up to the high 20s here I like the airflow, and I also have a pair of mesh trousers. I have an F model, so the bottom half of me is well protected in rain. Waterproof gloves of the gauntlet type are also good for keeping hands dry: I have used ordinary gloves and have had to stop and pour out the water! In rain I find that the visor tends to hold beads of water, but turning my head slightly will encourage them to run off.

I only take the standard tool kit with me. If I can't fix the problem with that, then most likely the side of the road is not the place to fix it anyway.

Good luck.

Quote from: Watcher on February 01, 2017, 03:19:06 PM
My ears are burning!

Also, get ready for a novel.

...

I knew you'd be a great resource on this subject lol. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 

I rode today and I was reminded about something I wasn't sure was mentioned: make sure you regularly check your tire pressure. I know this is regular maintenance, but if your plan is to commute as close to every day as you can, make sure you are regularly checking to be sure your tire pressures are in spec. Mine were a bit low due to the cold weather, and I'll definitely be checking them again once it starts warming up a bit.

If anyone has specific tank bag recommendations for the GS, I'd also love to hear them since I'm also in the market for one.

Quote from: qcbaker on February 02, 2017, 12:45:18 PM
If anyone has specific tank bag recommendations for the GS, I'd also love to hear them since I'm also in the market for one.

As long as you don't mind sacrificing a name and overall fit/finish the CycleGear "Sedici" branded bags are a great option.
A variety of sizes, and the prices are on par with most bags, though I'd say the quality is a little lower than what my Nelson Rigg has so far displayed.
The materials are good, but there might be a seam that isn't as tight as the rest or some stitching might be a little crooked, stuff like that.
The rain cover is less than stellar, too, mine usually came with tags punched through them 
The little cell phone window also didn't seem sized for any modern device, but it might fit a Garmin.

But what you sacrifice in fit/finish you gain in warranty.  Sedici carries a lifetime guarantee through Cycle Gear, and it isn't a "defects and workmanship" warranty, it's a "satisfaction guarantee".
When I had my low-side my Sedici got some rash on it.  Took it to CG and showed it to them, walked out in minutes with a brand new one.
I don't know if there is a clause for actually crashing or not, but since it was just a little rash I figured it was "Don't ask, don't tell".
But either way you don't need a reason.  You change bikes and it doesn't fit too well, or you decided its too big or too small, you bring it back, they're obligated to return or exchange it for you.

Would have gotten another Sedici for the Buell, but they don't make a strap mount bag...

That being said, I like my NR much better so far.  It's a little more feature rich, and the quality is a step up.  But if I ever crash with it I'll just have to buy a new one.  Lifetime warranty but it only covers craftsmanship and defects.

I remembered this pic some rando took of me without me knowing.



No tank bag in this trip, too wet and I had lost the rain cover.
But I have both my Kriegas.

My Sling Bag lashed to the tail and my R25 backpack on.
The backpack just barely sits above the tail bag in the riding position.  If I sit up I'd feel them colliding.

Quote from: Watcher on February 02, 2017, 08:29:46 PM
As long as you don't mind sacrificing a name and overall fit/finish the CycleGear "Sedici" branded bags are a great option.
A variety of sizes, and the prices are on par with most bags, though I'd say the quality is a little lower than what my Nelson Rigg has so far displayed.
The materials are good, but there might be a seam that isn't as tight as the rest or some stitching might be a little crooked, stuff like that.
The rain cover is less than stellar, too, mine usually came with tags punched through them 
The little cell phone window also didn't seem sized for any modern device, but it might fit a Garmin.

But what you sacrifice in fit/finish you gain in warranty.  Sedici carries a lifetime guarantee through Cycle Gear, and it isn't a "defects and workmanship" warranty, it's a "satisfaction guarantee".
When I had my low-side my Sedici got some rash on it.  Took it to CG and showed it to them, walked out in minutes with a brand new one.
I don't know if there is a clause for actually crashing or not, but since it was just a little rash I figured it was "Don't ask, don't tell".
But either way you don't need a reason.  You change bikes and it doesn't fit too well, or you decided its too big or too small, you bring it back, they're obligated to return or exchange it for you.

Would have gotten another Sedici for the Buell, but they don't make a strap mount bag...

That being said, I like my NR much better so far.  It's a little more feature rich, and the quality is a step up.  But if I ever crash with it I'll just have to buy a new one.  Lifetime warranty but it only covers craftsmanship and defects.

My gloves are Sedici, and I like them a lot. I'm familiar with the brand. I'll agree that the fit/finish is a little lacking, but they are pretty comfortable and that warranty is pretty boss. I'll look into the bags they have, since there's a CG shop really close to me.

I have a sedici helmet and gloves, both are fab. Motorcycle superstore house brand moto centric is not bad, I have a tail bag from them and I like it but it is not a perfect solution on a GS. The bag is great but the seat on my GS makes a crummy base for the bag. It moves around too much. But I have fit things in it you wouldn't think might fit like groceries including two 12 packs of cokes.

I have thought about daily riding my bike but there are just too many gotchas, but traffic makes it basically a non starter for me. Hope you make it work.

Quote from: mr72 on February 03, 2017, 06:30:41 AM
... I have a tail bag from them and I like it but it is not a perfect solution on a GS. The bag is great ...
... I have fit things in it you wouldn't think might fit like groceries including two 12 packs of cokes.

Haha!  Mine's maybe not as big but my Kriega Sling Bag amazed me at first.

I had some extra cash and saw it and liked the bag.  Wasn't so much after the waterproof feature but it was a +1.  I just wanted a bag that was smaller than my backpack to pack some stuff in that would be more mobile than my tank bag, so if I was meeting some friends at the mall or something I wouldn't be stuck carrying a bag around by hand (yeah, the tank-bag had backpack straps, but they were a pain to use and weren't that comfortable).
So it runs essentially the same duty as a tank bag for me.  Maybe lunch and a drink with room for my gloves and a pair of sunglasses and some small necessities.

What I got was a bag that could fit two 2-liters of soda with the top rolled all the way down!  And considering the roll up top the final size of the bag is adjustable depending on the cargo and whether or not I really need to be waterproof.
Oh, bear in mind rolled "all the way down" is completely unnecessary.  IIRC Kriega recommends 3 rolls for waterproof, I would call 2 rolls the minimum for water resistant, and "all the way down" is like 5.

The first problem with the Motocentric tail bag for me was that there's no good way to attach the bungee cords without going over what was then my freshly-painted side plastics. So I tucked the bungees in and attached a strap instead that goes over the seat base so basically the bag is affixed to the seat.

The problem then is that the base of the bag is not rigid enough to allow it to be firmly fixed to the seat... it flexes because it's wider than the seat so the inside of the bag has a sort of curved "floor". But it was $39. What can I say? It performs way better than I expected it to. I do need to rethink my method of attaching it.

I have fit amazingly big stuff in it though. My wife and I don't usually need much from the grocery store so I often ride the GS to the store and can bring home everything we need for the trip. I don't think there's any way I could do the same with a tank bag.

Ideally, I would rather have a (different) rear rack/carrier and a top case of some kind, but it's a project of either fab something up or spend a lot of money and I don't want to do either. So the $39 tail bag is going to have to suffice.