How well does a backpack work?

[Squareman357]

You have a K1200GT. Probably with sidebags and topcase. Comfy, fast bike with good ergos and good fairing protection, and tons of storage.


My question.........WHY???

Because the sport bike is smaller, lighter, easier to maneuver for a daily commute?

[DrD]

You have a K1200GT. Probably with sidebags and topcase. Comfy, fast bike with good ergos and good fairing protection, and tons of storage.


My question.........WHY???

Go take a S1000RR for a test ride.    

The K1200GT is comfy, etc., but it is 630 lbs and, well, my bike has the nickname "The Dancing Hippo."  I have made a few long, all day trips and it is ideal for that.  For the 20 minutes to work, I would rather enjoy the feel of the S1000RR.  However, I need to carry a notebook, lunch bag, shoes, and small odds and ends.  I rarely need to carry a laptop, or any larger object.  

Right now I have a small tankbag (the BMW one) and a Twisted Throttle tailbag.  My shoes and notebook will fit into the tailbag, but just.  Maybe a larger tailbag.  

[Major 662]

I looked at 100 different models of Camelbak packs and got a Camelbak Rim Runner (nice name, eh? Rim Runner. sigh).  It has a waist strap, it's big enough to hold a laptop but not huge, 100 oz.s of water, and it doesn't have a lot of extra straps or clips to flap in the wind.  I would also consider the Kriega line.  The Rim Runner holds ~25L, which is good for a commute with laptop, shoes, etc.  For a long ride, it's just right for holding the water plus a jacket, camera, etc.  Last summer I rode a couple thousand miles around the western US and never had a problem with it.

[APEowner]

 I have a set of soft bags that I leave on my bike all the time so until recently I've never had to consider this.  However, I'm currently riding a borrowed Harley Softail while I'm working 3/4 of the way accross the country from home(long story) and I needed a way to carry stuff.  I bought a cheap backpack with the thought that I'd strap it to the passenger backrest.  That's what I do on weekend rides but for my commute I just were it.  I have the straps adjusted so the passenger seat holds the bulk of the weight.  My only real objection is that my back gets sweaty.  That's OK for My 30 min. Commute but I wouldn't want to put up with that any longer.

[Orson]

Pros and cons? Anyone use one much?

I wear one while riding my Thruxton.

I barely notice it while riding. It is a bit of a hassle putting it on and taking it off, but no biggie.

[custodian]

Just my opinion... backpacking my work gear for 3 seasons on my Buell was one of the 3-4 reasons that I traded into a scooter.

My OEM topbox combined with the underseat storage is so much more comfortable than the Eddie Bauer backpack that I was using.

[Fourstring]

It can't hold water, but I love my Axio hardpack.  Super comfy, carries light, and no lift at speed.

[stromgal]

If I take the Buell on an overnight trip, I have to use a backpack; the S1 is not built for luggage.    It always surprises me how quickly I become accustomed to the feeling of the backpack, and simply forget about it.

[KRider]

I am amazed! Years ago a back pack was used mainly for hiking and now it is used for motorcycle luggage. It seems that people get caught up with the popularity of something and gravitate toward it. Years past, there were tankbags, saddlebags, trunks, etc. for carrying items on a motorcycle and that is what people used. There were also backpacks, but people used them for hiking or taking items to school. I don't see the attraction of using a backpack on a motorcycle. For one, I'm sure they will be hot on your back. Two, the weight would be uncomfortable. Three, if I went down, I wouldn't want a bag with hard items in it, strapped to my back. JMO

[JReazor]

I am amazed! Years ago a back pack was used mainly for hiking and now it is used for motorcycle luggage. It seems that people get caught up with the popularity of something and gravitate toward it. Years past, there were tankbags, saddlebags, trunks, etc. for carrying items on a motorcycle and that is what people used. There were also backpacks, but people used them for hiking or taking items to school. I don't see the attraction of using a backpack on a motorcycle. For one, I'm sure they will be hot on your back. Two, the weight would be uncomfortable. Three, if I went down, I wouldn't want a bag with hard items in it, strapped to my back. JMO

While I agree with most of your points and don't use a backpack on the bike myself, it's honestly not that hard to see the appeal. They can be cheap, convenient, good for use off the bike as well and they just plain work. Mystery solved.

[Orson]

I am amazed! Years ago a back pack was used mainly for hiking and now it is used for motorcycle luggage. It seems that people get caught up with the popularity of something and gravitate toward it. Years past, there were tankbags, saddlebags, trunks, etc. for carrying items on a motorcycle and that is what people used. There were also backpacks, but people used them for hiking or taking items to school. I don't see the attraction of using a backpack on a motorcycle. For one, I'm sure they will be hot on your back. Two, the weight would be uncomfortable. Three, if I went down, I wouldn't want a bag with hard items in it, strapped to my back. JMO

I don't find it uncomfortable while riding, granted, the UK seldom sees 80 degree days  

I didn't chose a backpack due to any popularity polls. The Thruxton is a boulevard poseur bike, so it doesn't have too many luggage options, besides, luggage would ruin its sporty lines  

I just put soft clothes in mine. It's 100% waterproof, so that's a plus.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

My brother got me this bag and i love it! laptop to slacks to boots and lunch. It looks big but I never notice it while it was on. The fit and feel is good on me. I highly recommend it.





http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4863/
Features:
Price $139.00
25-liter volume
Made from welded Waterproof PVC
Reflective trim
Interior pockets for business equipment (pens, CDs, etc.)
Easy-lock shoulder strap
Molded back cushions provide comfort as well as air channels to keep your back cool in the summer
Chest and waist straps carry the load, keeping you comfortable
Padded interior sleeve fits a 15.4” laptop computer with approximate maximum dimensions 36cm x 28cm x 4.5 cm
Rc-Fuse Zippers (RC-Fuse Video)
2 Year warranty

[cjohns]

Commute 25 miles to work with 8 year old LLBean backpack.  Rain, wind....no problem.  Do have-ta be careful with the lap-top, but so-far-so-good.  Done it for the last 5 years.

Rain gets the bag wet, and occasionally gets the clothing I carry inside slightly damp on the outside, but haven't ever really had a problem.  Maybe the zx-6 is fast enough to miss the rain--gotta go check the Mythbusters site!  

Have seen people use a garbage bag to stuff things in to keep it dry in the wet or iffy weather.

Hit the occasional store run with a gallon of milk in the bag and whatever else I figure I can lug home.

Only complaint on a longer trip (4 hours) was that the backpack tended to keep me pretty warm.  Would have liked to have my stuff somewhere else then.  Temp was mid-90's.

Try something cheap first and see how you like it.

[Stickman]

Get the BMW S1000RR tailbag. It's huge and fits the bike really well.  

[02Tac]

I like a hard top box.  secure, easy to access. waterproof.  

+1

I use this one - http://www.bestemusa.com/Bestem-Quick-Release-T-Box-2012-Top-Box-Silver_p_1037.html

Granted, Givi and other higher end brands are a bit nicer, but for the price you cannot beat it.  I have been using mine for 2 years or so and am very happy with it.  You do need to have a rack to mount the quick release plate to. I used an SW-Moto Alumarack.

[HipGnosis]

It can't hold water, but I love my Axio hardpack.  Super comfy, carries light, and no lift at speed.

I googled axio hardpack and the first image that came up was...  distracting  

[Dan K]

The back pad in my mesh jacket is bad enough to make me sweat - no back pack here.  I always use a top case.

On my FZ1....




Even on my Tuono...




And on my Sprint....wait, can't find a pic.  I'll have to post another time.  But you get the picture.  Briefcase and suit jacket in the topcase on the way in and out, jacket, gloves and helmet in the case while I'm at work.  Perfecto.

 -Dan

[Mr. Whippy]

I prefer a messenger bag to a backpack. It carries the weight nice and low. If you adjust the strap properly, the bag can just barely rest on the seat behind you, taking most of the pressure off of the strap. Look for one with a waist strap to keep the bag from moving around too much.

I don't know if that would work as well with the forward lean of a real sport bike but it works on both my SV and Sprint.

Messenger bags work great on a sport bike.  Almost like a soft back brace.

[Major 662]

I don't see the attraction of using a backpack on a motorcycle. For one, I'm sure they will be hot on your back. Two, the weight would be uncomfortable. Three, if I went down, I wouldn't want a bag with hard items in it, strapped to my back. JMO

YMMV, but mine has venting underneath (pads with air channels) and 100 oz of ice water, so I'm cooler with than without.  On the weight, I've found that ~25L filled with clothes, water, etc. isn't noticeable.  I don't put hard items in mine.

I like the on-the-road hydration and the ability to hop off the bike and take stuff with me.  I have the (small) side bags for the K13S and a tail pack, so the backpack is just for water and a few essentials (pullover, hat, etc.)

[veefer800canuck]

My buddy went from Alberta to California and back with a backpack strapped to him.

Worst mistake he ever made. Damn near killed him from the fatigue.

Get luggage of some sort. I recommend the Ventura rack and bags if you're going to go with soft luggage.