Topic: What are y'all hauling things in when you commute/ride?

[Fabricator]

I think this is the correct section for this topic...

   Question is: What do you haul things in when you ride? (And for the grammatically astute... I suppose Y'all-all is the plural of y'all    ) 
 
   I commute to work, ("stockish" '73 750) but want to avoid a backpack for reasons associated with a recent L5/S1 disc surgery.  I also don't want to mount saddlebags, as I am vain and don't like the way they look.. Okay, I lied... I sold them and now have remorse! (Are you out there Jscro73?    Are there any methods that are attractive on an old bike than some velcro and nylon tank bag?  I know I am being choosey, and may very well have to make a rack, or resort to a tank bag, but I am looking for ideas.  I usually haul miscellaneous office/field supplies supplies (notepad, micrometer, 6" vernier, snubby .38 spl, and my lunch), as I run a welding and machine shop.  Let me hear your suggestions please!

Cheers,

Fabricator

[Sporkfly]

Cargo net + messenger bag. Strap it to the passenger seat and be sure to have a safety measure in case things bounce loose.

I also have an Icon Mil Spec II backpack, but you said you'd like to avoid it. It has some great lumbar padding though...

[Fabricator]

Spork,

Thanks.  I actually liked using a backpack before, but the surgery was this past August, and in my line of work, I am already pushing the recommendations of the surgeon and PT.  Even wearing our 18mo little girl in the "baby backpack" for an hour makes for an uncomfortable evening.  NO, NOT ON THE BIKE 

I wish I could find a tank bag that looked "fitting" on an old bike.  I would go that route if I found the right one.  As it stands, I suspect I will be making a small removable rack from stainless tubing, and doing the messenger bag/military style "tool bag".  I will eventually need something for moderate trips/ travel anyway.

Fabricator

[bucky katt]

an old mailmans leather bag with the straps to wear it as a backpack. i can fit a 12 pack into it with no problem 

[sangyo soichiro]

I usually haul miscellaneous office/field supplies supplies (notepad, micrometer, 6" vernier, snubby .38 spl, and my lunch), as I run a welding and machine shop.  Let me hear your suggestions please!

Cheers,

Fabricator

Easy.  Here's what you do:
Notepad - carry in a pocket.
Micrometer - carry in a different pocket.
6" vernier - carry in yet a different pocket.
Snubby .38 Saturday Night Police Chief Special - carry in an ankle holster.
Lunch - carry in stomach.

See.  No need for a bag.   

[Fabricator]

Jeff,
  
   Good call     "i can fit a 12 pack into it with no problem   "

  Got any pictures of that o'l mailbag?

Soichiro:  Been putting the notepad in the small of my back, the wheelgun in my waistband, and the measuring tools fit under the seat.  I suspect if I remove the airbox, I could haul my lunch in the space   .   

Fabricator

[Old Scrambler]

I also ride a K3..........mostly use a magnetic tank bag.  Some times I mount a National wind deflector (samllish) and have a Wolfpack bag mounted between the clocks and the screen.  Everything stays clean and is very handy. It holds my camera, a small clip-board, tape-measure and a few other items for my real estate appraisal work. When I need to carry building plans I use a shoulder-bag with a waist-strap. When I am on the bike it actually rests on the seat so no weight on my back or neck.

[Rosinante]

I've always thought it would be cool to have a set of plain ol' old-fashioned saddlebags, like we use on horses, only the wide leather strap between them would have to be much shorter.  It could go under the seat, and the saddlebags should stay in place.  Might have to tie the leading edge down so the wind would not get under them, but it seems like an elegant and low-tech (and easily removable) solution.  I'm guessing somebody makes these.

[HavocTurbo]

I've always thought it would be cool to have a set of plain ol' old-fashioned saddlebags, like we use on horses, only the wide leather strap between them would have to be much shorter.  It could go under the seat, and the saddlebags should stay in place.  Might have to tie the leading edge down so the wind would not get under them, but it seems like an elegant and low-tech (and easily removable) solution.  I'm guessing somebody makes these.

Modern day saddlebags are designed almost directly after the horse versions.

Some have specific options.... like quick detach and such... but the theme hasn't changed in hundreds of years.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Here are a few ideas...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20051.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=31672.msg328981#msg328981

[bucky katt]

Jeff,
  
   Good call     "i can fit a 12 pack into it with no problem   "

  Got any pictures of that o'l mailbag?

Soichiro:  Been putting the notepad in the small of my back, the wheelgun in my waistband, and the measuring tools fit under the seat.  I suspect if I remove the airbox, I could haul my lunch in the space   .   

Fabricator

no pics yet

[Kframe]

an old mailmans leather bag with the straps to wear it as a backpack. i can fit a 12 pack into it with no problem 

Don't bother with the 12-pack.
Here ya go!



The Beer Belly.

And of course, don't want to leave out the ladies.



 
 
-K

[nocomply]

I'm using this currently.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Sitka-Gearslinger-2p926.htm

[Alan F.]

I've been a tankbag guy for a few years now but when my 750 is done I'll be leaning more towards a tail bag.  There are a few out there that don't mount with bungee straps but instead have a base that straps around the seat, to which the tailbag mounts by clips or Velcro or other means.  I'm thinking along the lines of this Ogio model myself http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/27822/ITEM/Ogio-Tail-Bag.aspx 

[Fabricator]

So far, I am still leaning toward building a very discreet (and removeable) rack that will allow me to attach a bag.  The "maxpedition" stuff looks like the most rugged I've seen.  I have also considered buying/building a small trunk (similar to the Pelican cases) that would attach above the passenger seat.  I have so much scrap aluminum at the shop.... So little time!  Then again, I could use the wine-bag concept.... Er, NO.

Fabricator

[bucky katt]

this  http://modculture.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/06/26/mailman.jpg  is a mailmans bag, to which i put on some nicely worn and seasoned girth straps from a western saddle to convert the bag to knapsack duty. mine is considerably more worn and sweat/ rain stained.

[Fabricator]

Go back to bed Jeff.  It's 5:30 AM!    I have an excuse... It's a coffee addiction.

Nice bag idea BTW

Fabricator

On Edit:  Careful, if you put the girth strap too far back, She'll wheelie on you 'till its removed 

[dave500]

i travel light,if dosent fit in my jacket,it dosent come,if i have to pick up something bigger i take the holden.

[bucky katt]

Go back to bed Jeff.  It's 5:30 AM!    I have an excuse... It's a coffee addiction.

Nice bag idea BTW

Fabricator

On Edit:  Careful, if you put the girth strap too far back, She'll wheelie on you 'till its removed 

i'm only able to sleep every couple of days right now, the pain keeps me awake until i get too exhausted and i just kind of collapse.

[Fabricator]

Time to go under the knife?  Hope it gets better.

Fabricator

[bucky katt]

it's pretty likely that medicaid wont pay for the surgery, theyd rather continue to pay for the highly addictive pain meds 

[kpier883]

I know you mentioned reservations about hard bags, but I thought I'd post a picture of some vintage Shoei bags that I am using.  Pics aren't great but I will snap another better one and post later.  These are pretty handy, and I thought they turned out pretty good after a good coat of black paint.  They have locks which is nice. 

My issue with most soft bags (although I use them) is that they don't lock or attach to the bike and are therefore an easy mark for a robber.

Particularly for the .38, I would prefer to lock it in a hard bag when I am away from the bike and don't need to carry the weapon.

Since you are a welder/fabricator, a set of mounts shouldn't be a problem. 

The period correct bags seem to match better to me.  Shoei SB-4 and Bates are examples.  I found these by poking around a local salvage yard. 

[madmtnmotors]

The one I use is a JC Whitney special. Lockable, will hold two full face helmets (plus whatever fits IN the helmet). The lockable latch also holds it to the bracket so it can be removed an carries like a piece of luggage from the rear handle. I like it very much. Of course it pales in comparison to the wine rack...

[754]

Fabricator, I take it you donrt want to mess with the look of the bike much.


 A few things..
 Pretty well any sort of bags, need some kind of frame/shelf or combo of.

 Sissy bar, tall or short with a bit of rack behind it works well, if you can stand the look or have passengers. I am running one and put a shelf bebind it and run a (good sized) leather saddlebag.

 This might be best for you.
 Build a clean looking rack outa stainless that is behind the seat and as wide as you can stand to look at. Then get a sports type bag with top zip, that goes across the rack. The bag will need a bottom stiffener or you can make a piece that fastens across the rack, or swings out to support the bag.. that can come off when you remove bag, leaving a clean-looking rack.

 I love Alu, but unless its plated , or coated, or anodized, its gonna turn stuff grey..

[Frankenkit]

I totally love my hard bags... they're hondaline issue for my model (and the cx500 and some others...)  but the curves all work right. They were $90 on Feebay and just needed some reglassing, bondo, and some paint slapped on... but they're SO handy because most (all? dang.) of my riding tends to be to/from school or work, and I'd really rather not carry 20# of books on my back for all that.  They may not be as streamlined as a naked bike, BUT they keep everything dry and I can lock my stuff in when I get to school, which is a major plus, because it helps keep people honest AND I don't have to pay the school to rent a locker.



I was always "the nerd" in school, so I have experience in not giving a #$%* when people say my stuff's not cool.

[MickeyX]

there are all kinds of bags out there these days. Like Lick's Solo Bag...



Or Don's Cycleware Syde Kick...







 

[MickeyX]

since it seems you have a factory looking seat (on you avatar), you could go with a low profile tail bag that would tuck up close to your rear when you sit and it would still flow with the rest of the bike...
Nelson Rigg


First Gear

[Simpson]

I really enjoy my new bags.

[Frankenkit]

those are gorgeous!

[Fabricator]

Kit,

  That looks great.  I actually had a set of hard bags, but at the time I did not know how much I would miss them.  I traded them to a friend for some work he did... (I really needed the help at the time, but I suppose I will pay in beer next time)  Nice ride though!

Fabricator