Backpacks/Tank Bags

[r1d3on3]

I'm looking for a backpack that I can use on long trips. Something with plenty of cargo space and plenty of comfort. Not worried about lots of fancy pockets or how well a helmet fits in the helmet holder. What do you guys/gals suggest? Also, what is a good tank bag and are they bad about scratching up the paint?

[kml666]

Back packs aren't so good on a motorcycle, in my humble opinion. Although lots of people use them.

The extra weight strapped to your back during an accident while you tumble down the road increases your chance of injury.

The extra weight strapped to you while you are not moving, causes muscle strain, it's not like you are hiking.

It's hard to keep an eye on your load when it's on your back . The wind will open a zipper and your wallet, shorts, schools books etc.etc. will scatter down the highway, don't ask how I know this.

You can't access a back pack at a quick stop, to get a micro fiber cloth to give your visor a quick swipe at a light, you can't get change to pay a toll, snap a quick wildlife picture. You get the idea.


A back pack carries the load up high raising the overall combined center of gravity of the bike and rider.

A tank bag has none of the disadvantages listed above. Because you are not carrying the load, you can put more weight and volume in a tank bag.

A tank bag carries the load low and centered on the bike this has the least effect on handling.

Most tank bags have straps that convert them to backpacks if you want to throw it over your shoulder when you go to the mall.

I use a magnetic tank bag and so long as you don't set it down on the ground an ensure that no grit is on the bottom they don't scratch tanks. I lift mine straight off so it does not drag across the paint and I put it on in the same way.

I can pack ALOT in a tank bag and yes I can still see the gauges.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e300/kml666/IMG_0253Small.jpg


cheers
ken

[RobsBusa]

I've used them both and find that on short trips when your not needing quite as much crap, use a small backpack. I use my tank bag every day, it's much more convienient, especially if you have a water system and/or an ipod.
I really havent found a backpack that works for me, every one I try, rubs on the seat cowl because it sits too low.
I've also tried many tank bags and it depends on what and how much your want to pack. The Rapid Transit collection has some excellent bags to choose from, they're sturdy and durable and the best thing about the one I have is the rain cover built into it.
It's tough to buy one off the internet, my advice would be to go to a bike shop that sells luggage so you can look at them.

Good luck .......

[05busablu]

ogeo back pack for me, lots of room and has zero drag

http://www.ebags.com/ogio/no_drag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=120559http://www.ebags.com/ogio/no_drag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=120559

[eezicar]

i suggest sending your back up crew (the wife) with all the lauggage to the end destination. That way you get to just ride ride ride,,, sorry i know now us this helps.:whistling::whistling:

[r1d3on3]

Thx for the help guys!

[Kiwibusa]

When I bought the Busa I haggled them to fit a pack rack. Its great, takes about 5 mins to remove the hump and fit the pack rack. The rack takes a double bag which unzips to come apart into a large bag and a small carry bag. Much better than a back pack but thats just my opinion.:cheers:

[I8AZX14]

kml666 said it all. stick with the tank bag.

[WARputer]

I use an Army issue "ruk sack"....they can be packed with ALOT of stuff & anyone can buy one at a military issue store. But as Ken said above.....too much weight in the thing, will get your shoulders & lower back aching/cramping with a long ride. I stick with my saddle bags in that case....pic....

[limitedbusa]

nice, i like how your kid jumped into your pic:rofl:

how do the bags mount?

[WARputer]

nice, i like how your kid jumped into your pic:rofl:

how do the bags mount?


:oh yeah:Yeah...he is quite a comedian. There are 3 cross straps on the top...1 goes under the rear seat for security, the other 2 are on top of the seats. Also if U look close in the 2nd pic, you can see straps that tie onto the swingarm supports.

[Nakedbusa]

I was a motorcycle messenger for many years and averaged 350 miles a day with a back pack, If your not hauling 3 or more bowling balls its fine. Icon makes a pretty good back pack that straps pretty well.

Throw over bags on the back work well like the ones in the pictures above.

If your handy with tools you can fab a rear rack like I did and keep everything behind you and still have room for a passenger.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/BanditMan1200/Nakedbusa/2up.jpg

This guy and his wife hit the road all the time with soft luggage strapped on

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/BanditMan1200/Wicked%20wedding/pics021.jpg

[GEN 1 FALCON]

I have been using my tank bag lately in leui of my Cortech tail bag so I can keep my hump on. I recently got the hump mod kit that allows me to use the extra space in the hump for storage. I can put my whole gym outfit plus work out gloves, PSP(with case), cell phone and mp3 player into the tank bag without even extending it yet!

I was a little reluctant to use the tank bag because I scratched the tank on my Katana one day after I bought the tank bag, a staple got stuck on the bottom OUCH!! Just make sure you ALWAYS inspect the bottom of the bag before you attach it to your tank.

[thinker62]

I have always hated the look of tank bags, but recently tried a small one to carry my camera and "widow maker". I was just starting to like it when I tok it off and set it in the garage. What I didn't notice was that it picked up a little dust from the arage, so the next time I pulled it off, it ground the dirt into the tank causing some scratches. So if you use one, be E X T R A careful to keep it clear of dirt, and be E X T R A careful when removing it or adjusting it.

[r1d3on3]

ogeo back pack for me, lots of room and has zero drag

http://www.ebags.com/ogio/no_drag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=120559http://www.ebags.com/ogio/no_drag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=120559


Thanks for all the help guys, I liked the looks of this backpack and the way it zips up, plus it looks pretty roomy. Knowing me I would scrape my tank using a tank bag. Plus I am doing the hump mod as well. Gracias for all the input :thumbs up:

[karl_1052]

I have used this two piece Joe Rocket tank bag since 2000.
It is great, it holds enough clothes for a weekend, it does not move when on the bike, and I can use it to rest on while on long rides.
It has never scratched any bike I have owned, and the magnets are strong enough that when I put it on my fridge door, and tried to slide it up, by just pulling, the door to the fridge dented(the bag did not move).

The only thing I do, is make sure the magnet surface is free of any little rocks, or other objects ever time I put it on.

It is the best motorcycle purchase I have ever made.

http://www.streetbikerider.com/i-products/joerocket/joerocket-luggage-tank-bag-sport.jpg

ALso a map fits nicely in the top(so would a GPS).

[macon454]

If you are at your local motorcycle shop look in one of there catalogs or maybe even online at the backpacks made by AXO there are a hard backpack very light weight and very nice, they are about 120.00 but worth it.

[montañes]

One question about this, I'm thinking too, to put a tailbag for my next summer trip, but listen your opinions I believe that will only use tankbag.
Now I have a small tankbag (pic 1) that only use in a normal day or racing trips, and I have given a big bag to a friend that it worked very well to me (pic 2) for touring trips. I saw clocks perfectly but I don't remember dimension.
Thinking in my future trip I'm interesting in a nice oxford (http://www.sounddistribution.co.uk/products.asp?recnumber=4618) with 25 liters of capacity.
Really likes Oxford design but I don't know if I will have problems watching clocks.
:umm: My question:
How much height can be a tankbag in our Busas to not bother watching clocks?

Thanks for your time :cheers:

[alekos]

i have a tank cover on my busa that accepts tank bags its made from bagster
about $160 for the cover and about the same for difrent tank bags i highly reccomend it go www.bagster.com

[karl_1052]

One question about this, I'm thinking too, to put a tailbag for my next summer trip, but listen your opinions I believe that will only use tankbag.
Now I have a small tankbag (pic 1) that only use in a normal day or racing trips, and I have given a big bag to a friend that it worked very well to me (pic 2) for touring trips. I saw clocks perfectly but I don't remember dimension.
Thinking in my future trip I'm interesting in a nice oxford (http://www.sounddistribution.co.uk/products.asp?recnumber=4618) with 25 liters of capacity.
Really likes Oxford design but I don't know if I will have problems watching clocks.
:umm: My question:
How much height can be a tankbag in our Busas to not bother watching clocks?

Thanks for your time :cheers:
I can see all my gauges with my bag on.
I am 5'11" on an 08 Bus.

If it is at a dealer, ask if you can take it outside and try it on your bike before you buy it.

[montañes]

Thanks, it's not a dealer, it's internet shopping.

[montañes]

Another questions,

-Could be enought to make a one week trip (international) with only a tank bag? or better add a tailbag.
on me: helmet, good biker clothing (WaterProof), pair of gloves (WP), boots (WP) termic underwear.
on tankbag: another underwear suit, camera, casual thin trousers, shoes, t-shirt...
-With a tail bag around 5 or 10 kilograms (11-22 pounds) mounted as well as posible, what is the max. speed you think is possible to travel with security?

A pic of a this forum user who have aprox. the same tail bag that could interesting me, mounted with stock base (oxford):