Luggage Help

Ok now that riding weather is upon us I am having some luggage questions.
I am looking for something to carry everything from a binder to a compund bow.
I am a new rider and looking for ideas on how to carry stuff for everyday use.
I want to use my bike for more things but find it hard to travel with things.
Any ideas keeping it on a budget, and please do not say ammo cans.
Thanks
Brian

 

You can find throw over the seat type saddle bags for very reasonable prices on line. Search for "motorcycle saddlebags". You might also check www.jafrum.com or maybe www.leatherup.com

The saddlebags will carry your daily type stuff. Carrying a bulky item like a compound bow might be a bit tricky.

Not enough room on the bike to carry it front to back and carrying it side to side will make your ride too wide. I have a large touring bike (not a Yamaha) and have carried bulky (tall and wide) items by leaning one end of the parcel against the rack on top of the rear trunk and the lower end against the backrest of the riders seat.

Always be careful with your tie down devices. Straps or bungees in a wheel spells instant disaster. Sometimes fatal.

Loren

 

You can find throw over the seat type saddle bags for very reasonable prices on line. Search for "motorcycle saddlebags". You might also check www.jafrum.com or maybe www.leatherup.com

The saddlebags will carry your daily type stuff. Carrying a bulky item like a compound bow might be a bit tricky.

Not enough room on the bike to carry it front to back and carrying it side to side will make your ride too wide. I have a large touring bike (not a Yamaha) and have carried bulky (tall and wide) items by leaning one end of the parcel against the rack on top of the rear trunk and the lower end against the backrest of the riders seat.

Always be careful with your tie down devices. Straps or bungees in a wheel spells instant disaster. Sometimes fatal.

Loren

 

I'm curious about this compound bow. Are you going to need to transport a buck home too?

 

I go out the a private club and shoot archery for practice. Would be nice to take the bike instead of the cage.
If I can find a way for the bow maybe then the Trap gun could be attached somehow. (just kidding)
I am probably pushing the envelope with the bow, but you never know who has conquered this.
The buck would be sitting behind me riding bitch. lol

 

I think if your going to carry the bow on the bike then your best bet is a soft case that you can wear at an angle keeping in mind that if it can't be tightened enough to not shift, it could be dangerous if it throws you off balance in a corner. Do they make a backpack for bows? just a thought!!!

Shaun

 

I just Googled "Bow Rack" and within two minutes found the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... 0326540818
Google is your friend, should be able to adapt to your motorcycle.

 

Hey, How about Ammo Cans?????

I just had to.
I do love mine though.

 

"budget" i'll take is the key word
keep a eye on ebay for tool bags, Milwaukee,Mikita,Rigid, with a little ingenuity and some bungees you can make a seat bag that can hold just about anything, fold flat and go on/off in a minute
the bow ?...get a pistol

 

Maxim X that is a very cool set-up. Problem is not sure what the law says about being exposed.
I am going to try my hunting backpack today it should be large enough to put about 3/4 of the bow inside.
If this doesn't work then its back in the cage.
I have a shoot on Sunday and planning on getting out this afternoon for a few practice shoots.
The pistol stays near me, never in a bag unless I am carrying more than one.
I think I will try the saddlebags from jafrum.com, for the price you can't beat it and if it gets me through a season or two I will be happy.

 

Either the throw-over saddlebags or a midsize tank bag should work for everything except the bow.

 

saddlebag questions, if you stop to get a gallon of milk, would it fit ?
and would it sag with that much weight on one side?
or would you get 2 1/2 gallons ?

 

I posted a wanted ad on craigslist and got my hard leather saddlebags for $30 and they are in great shape.

 

You know, there was a guy who attached a surfboard to the side of a motorcycle, so anything's possible.

 

If you're worried abot being exposed do up your fly!
But could you not put a couple of small slits in a bow bag and cover it up that way?

 

Remember when I said I have carried large objects by leaning against the top case and the riders backrest?

Here are a couple pictures.
Pic 1 is the box
Pic 2 is what is inside

Made it home no problems at freeway speed with windshield in full up position which put the air over te top of the box.





BTW I would NEVER try this with my Maxim. With my carcass on the bike, a full tank of gas and before adding the box the weight of the bike was around 1100 lbs. Just a wee bit more than the Maxim.


Loren

 

Well, I guess you've never seen these guys!!!!!
Definitely overloading their bikes.
Oh, that last one was thrown in just for Sh*ts and Giggles!
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 

I have some questions about luggage on my 83 XJ 550-Seca while we have this thread around. I've found these used for a good price, but I have no idea about saddlebags on an XJ and if they may need some special mounting brackets or not. They're a pretty good price, $60 ish shipped (we haven't discussed price yet) and I really want to get them, but I don't want to be stuck with saddlebags that are unsuitable for my XJ.

 

One word: Yikes!

I am truly humbled!