pros cons of luggage on bike honest advice please

[mick_dundee]

You got an echo sounder on your computer Bonester??

[Mizz ZZR]

I've got an RJays seat bag which fits snuggly on the pillion seat, and can be removed without leaving any evidence. Its about 36 litres, and was all I needed for my 6 day trip to Sydney (hairdryer and sleeping bag included).

I don't like the bracket arrangements of Venturas and the rest.

It has an easy access zipped flip up lid, big pockets on each side, reflective bits on the back, concealed waterproof cover, snap clips on the straps and a carry handle.

I've covered the straps with fleece tubes that a girlfriend whipped up on her overlocker for me to protect the paint.

It cost a whole $95 from Peter Stevens on special I think, and I reckon its the antz pants. I could easy live for a month out of it - so a bloke should have no probs.

For smaller luggage quantities I do go the backpack, but don't really like it.

[Nanna10r]

Venturer ... 'nuff said.

[Johnnie5]

best option is a gear rack (ventura or similar) but is exxy , but make sure you get the one that bolts into where the occy hooks are as this is the strong point, there is others that go from the grabrail and then down to the numberplate , these arent strong at all and have seen many cracked fairings from these

I have a dririder tank bag which is a decent size and expandable and has the map pocket which fits the motorcycle atlas was cheap bout $75 at the time which you only ned to lift up when getting fuel

In its unexpnded form i took it for a week trip to qld

for a weekend trip you dont need much anyway , tshirt , socks jocks, deoderant

the tank bag on a gpx is ok but on a lot of sportsbikes it sticks into your chest and makes life more difficult

i also have an oxford tank/tail bag which was cheap $65 on sale at bikebiz it is able to be used as a magnetic tank bag or change it around and use it as a tail bag ,

works fantastic as a tailbag and dont notice it
downsides its smaller than the dririder , and the motorcycle atlas doesnt fit in the map pocket

if you want an expandable tail bag then oxford make a tail bag but is about $200 and for another $40 can buy the magnetic base to make it a tank bag

ok backpacks apart from sucking bigtime for a weekend trip once you stick a fair bit of stuff into it , its not fun or safe crashing with a backpack attached , many injuries are caused by backpacks, phones, wallets etc , much safer not carrying anything at all on yourself

[Stereo]

For very small stuff use a tankbag

for medium sized stuff (but nothing too heavy) use a backpack...

Slightly bigger or heavy use a packrack

More stuff use a packrack and panniers


Or at least that is my theory....

[smek]

I've used a tank bag on all my trips.

It's good but not perfect. It's quite a cheap option however.
Mine:
*Doesn't move around at all
*Always seems just a little bit too small to fit everything
*doesn't really get in the way in any big way, only at full steering lock, fine in the twisties
*bit of a pain when you need fuel

the biggest problem is it stops you getting down behind the screen so if you plan any long stretches at high speed get something else. itgot annoying above 160, shouldn't be too much of a prob on the gpx though.

[photomike666]

It all depends on cost involved, how often you want to use/remove it and what you plan to carry.

I commute to work, cover 25,000k a year and ride in all weathers. It's a 40 min ride, enough for most shower proof systems to leak. Here's my thoughts

Ruck sack - cheapest option. Larger ones have waist belt to help balance the weight, but may be too tall and stop you moving your head back. I also found after prelonged use it started the rub the shoulders of my leathers taking the colour out. Generally not water proof, and good for knocking things over in servos if you don't take it off

Soft panniers - better than ruck sack, lower weight, expandable, and fairly cheap. Can be a pain if not equally balanced, and if over the exhaust can get hot.

Tail rack and soft pack. More expensive version of ruck sack. Doesn't hurt your back, won't wear you leathers out, but may leak in extreme wet.

Hard luggage, Totally water tight (or has been for 60,000k), never moves, lockable, can have padding as back rest for pillion, take it into hotels like a suitcase. Added bonus of protecting the duck tail in an accident. Is expensive, has a high up weight and looks fugly.

*EDIT*

I never mentioned tank bags. Not tried one yet, partly coz they cover the fuel cap, partly coz I've heard they can scratch the tank, and mostly coz I wanted to carry my camera gear I went for the safe hard luggage. And yes I have crashed with the camera in a hard box, and yes it still works.

[plane]

I have just come back from an overnight trip to Rocky and back (1,000km) and took a small magnetic tank bag and a Gearsak seat bag.

I only realised that the seat bag was there when I got on and off the bike, but, then again, I packed pretty light.

The seat bag secured to the pillion grab handles via four bungee cords, but I overkilled by using a pair of occy straps as well.

I run a ventura system for longer rides and when touring for a week or so, I combine the Ventura system and the seat bag with a big f%$k-off Teknik tank bag.

Cheers,
Pete

[Nanna10r]

Mike FFS put a warning up before you8 go posting naughty pics...... My Eyes ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

[ozx6r]

for over nighter aus post a box to the hotel or motel you are staying at and then pick up once check in and get them to post back for you after you leave.. havent tried this one yet but will soon

[rocco]

the aussie post thing is a must i think for tours to shows etc like motogp


why carry all the luggage etc when you can freight it for 20-30 bucks and know you were comfortable and hassle free.

Suppose its a different story if you touring from town to town.



still good idea