Riding with a back pack

[z9nine]

For normal hops around town I just throw it on my back, but when I get above 55 or so I can really feel it pulling me around.

For longer stints on the highway or long trips, do you guys strap it down somewhere?

The next time I go home I will be on my bike and really don't want it on my back the whole time. I have tie down hooks on my rear fairing and I have a cowl instead of a rear seat, or would it be better to put it on the tank. I don carry that much, just a few sets of clothes and my laptop, so bulk won't really be an issue anywhere.

[RonK]

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They do make throw-over saddlebags that you can get from Leatherup (http://www.leatherup.com/c/Motorcycle-Saddlebags/2/151.html) that are pretty inexpensive. That's what is on my bike.

RonK

[Grok70]

I use a messenger bag. It sits low enough that it's weight is on the seat and it has a belt strap around my waste. Sometimes it gives me some trouble, but I never feel blown around by it. There are custom hardshell backpacks for motorcycles. I see Japanese girls wearing them in the movies all the time.

[RonK]

I use a messenger bag. It sits low enough that it's weight is on the seat and it has a belt strap around my waste. Sometimes it gives me some trouble, but I never feel blown around by it. There are custom hardshell backpacks for motorcycles. I see Japanese girls wearing them in the movies all the time.

--

I know what you mean. Whenever I wear one to a movie, people think I'm a Japanese girl. :eek:

RonK

[markk53]

For normal hops around town I just throw it on my back, but when I get above 55 or so I can really feel it pulling me around.

For longer stints on the highway or long trips, do you guys strap it down somewhere?

The next time I go home I will be on my bike and really don't want it on my back the whole time. I have tie down hooks on my rear fairing and I have a cowl instead of a rear seat, or would it be better to put it on the tank. I don carry that much, just a few sets of clothes and my laptop, so bulk won't really be an issue anywhere.

I use a back pack all the time. We've done a few overnighters using them to carry change of clothes and such. I use it to run errands. I ride a dual sport and also a regular streetbike (old school superbike style)

It's not a problem, but if I really want to, I'll loosen the straps until the pack rests on the passenger seat.

There are some good looking color match sportbike type soft bags with side bags and some have a sort of top pack too.

I'll continue to use the back pack for everthing though, handy and easy to use. Even used it at races to carry my snacks and junk. Just carry a bag you can fit your lap top and other electronics or valuables if you ride when there's a risk of rain. I have a few quart freezer bags for stuff like my wallet and cell phone and a large bag for the netbook.

[Grok70]

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I know what you mean. Whenever I wear one to a movie, people think I'm a Japanese girl. :eek:

RonK

I see what you did there :thumbsup:

[Maggie]

I used to wear a backpack on my commute everyday. Although I never felt it "pull me around"(even at speeds over 70mph) I did start to feel it between my shoulder blades. I decided to get a tailbag. What a GREAT idea! It can be mounted either on the tank or the rear seat. I pack my work scrubs,lunch,thermos,water,phone and make-up bag. (:p ) You should look into that. The one I got is like a "hard neoprene" material. It makes my life and my upper-back a lot happier.:thumbsup:

[Art Vandelay]

i feel naked without my backpack.
i have to care my toys in it.

[monstermack]

both of my small and big tank bags have a removable shoulder sling for when I need to carry it around. I don't like the idea of a backpack in case of an unplanned get off.

[primalmu]

If you ride with a backpack, get a backpack with the buckles that connect the two straps. Properly adjusted I can hardly tell I have anything on my back around town. I wouldn't want to tour with a backpack on, though.

[rexmitchell]

If you ride with a backpack, get a backpack with the buckles that connect the two straps. Properly adjusted I can hardly tell I have anything on my back around town. I wouldn't want to tour with a backpack on, though.

+1 I have a Northface backpack that has check straps and keeps everything secure. Otherwise there are low drag backpacks that are meant for riding that don't bounce around too much.

[primalmu]

Ah, check straps... is that what those things are called?

[rexmitchell]

Ah, check straps... is that what those things are called?

Shutup lol "Chest" straps since I wasn't paying attention.

[primalmu]

No, honestly, I didn't even think "chest." One of the definitions of check is "to control, restrain."

[rexmitchell]

Lol, well I'll shutup now.....

[primalmu]

:P

[rudy]

on a side not make sure you zip "down" (vs having the zippers meet at the top of the bag). Otherwise it might unzip strewing your stuff all over the place, not fun!

[rexmitchell]

on a side not make sure you zip "down" (vs having the zippers meet at the top of the bag). Otherwise it might unzip strewing your stuff all over the place, not fun!

Good advice, I didn't think about that.

[Copper]

on a side not make sure you zip "down" (vs having the zippers meet at the top of the bag). Otherwise it might unzip strewing your stuff all over the place, not fun!

This is actually good advice even when you're not on a bike. Makes it harder for people opening your backpack/steal stuff without you noticing, and if you over-pack your bag it reduces the risk of the bag opening by itself.

[Supmario89]

I have an under armour knap.sack style bag. Its light and haven't had a problem at any speeds.

[Wild Bill]

Mail your **** down their so its their whe you get their lol

[Wild Bill]

Well **** how come you cant say ****

[z9nine]

I use a JanSport bag that I bought about 8 years ago, I like it because it is one of the few back back that can fit my 17" laptop in it.

I have been looking at this bag because I can get it on base for about $110.


http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/no_drag_backpack/web1005259

[ArghSixMafia]

I use a pretty cheap backpack right now, just pull it extra tight. I don't have any issues other than comfort. I love riding on my days off without it. I just put my id and a cc in my front pocket, maybe a pen and a rag for wiping bugs off my visor.

[Kwando]

I like the tankbag, on longer cruises it can be comfortable to lay on too.

[AlphaZed]

I use a backpack when riding my dual sport. It doesn't bother me on pavement, but in the dirt and using my body a lot more, if it's over 20lbs or so, it seems I tire faster. I don't really notice it, but at days end I can tell I've worked a little harder.

On the sport bike, I immediately notice the backpack catching the wind and will no longer use it. I prefer a tank bag for sport riding.

[RedDucs]

I've noticed that wearing a back-pack and riding, some tend to rub the solo seat cover and scuff it. I had to change to a shorter bag because of it.

The over the shouler messenger style bags work good :thumbsup:

[Jay550]

There's bags for sport bikes that go on the back, clip down. However when you wear a backpack, make sure you get one that clips across the chest holding the two shoulder straps together. I used to have one before I put the touring pack on my bike. I still have it, but don't use it any longer. Any sporting goods store will have it.

http://www.freshairjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Jansport-Sallish-Chest-Clip.jpg

[markk53]

I've noticed that wearing a back-pack and riding, some tend to rub the solo seat cover and scuff it. I had to change to a shorter bag because of it.

The over the shouler messenger style bags work good :thumbsup:

Why not just apply some clear contact "paper". There used to be some numberplate cover material like that too, but thicker. It will protect the paint. You could even get some fake carbon fiber sticker stuff to put on the cowl to serve the purpose.

[chefonahonda]

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I know what you mean. Whenever I wear one to a movie, people think I'm a Japanese girl. :eek:

RonK

You look like one too.

[zmago]

You look like one too.

I didn't know they had female sumo wrestlers. :biggrin:

[jrswanson1]

I ride to work and back with a backpack I picked up at Target. It's made by Lotto, and it's big enough to carry my lunch, rain pants, and a few other odds and ends. I've gone up to 87 mph with it on with no flapping.