Author Topic: carrying large items on a bike (Read 7589 times)

sc0ttie · « **on:** 03 August 2015, 05:38:51 pm »

My fazer doesn't have a rear rack and since it is my only mode of transport I wondered how I could carry a large bag on it. The main reason I ask this is because I have an inflatebale kayak which I would like to get out on this summer for a paddle, and the spot on the river I want to paddle is about 25 miles away and no public transport around it. The kayak, paddle and pump all weigh about 7-8 kg and all fit in a large sports bag like this one

If I don't have a rear rack and bar suggesting I get a rear rack, has anybody got any suggestions or experience of riding with a large bag like this? The main bulk of size and weight is the kayak itself, so its not like I can split it between 2 throw over panniers.

snapper · « **Reply #1 on:** 03 August 2015, 06:25:56 pm »

I used to ride with a full set of golf clubs only issue i had was looking over my left shoulder once you know these a problem you get used to getting around it and double checking when you look !

sinto · « **Reply #2 on:** 03 August 2015, 08:51:31 pm »

Think you'll be fine, as long as it's strapped on safe, a wee rack would allow you to spread the weight lengthways using the rear seat as well.
Just don't load it like these guys

bri h · « **Reply #3 on:** 03 August 2015, 08:55:06 pm »

Longways is the way to go plenty of bungees

chaz · « **Reply #4 on:** 03 August 2015, 10:18:51 pm »

get a massive ruc-sac, it will rest on the seat, so no weight on your shoulders.

sc0ttie · « **Reply #5 on:** 04 August 2015, 08:03:40 am »

Looks like I need to invest in some more bungee cords then as my cargo net on its own probably wont do lol but also maybe some poly rope. Can't imagine carrying a set of golf clubs on a bike sorry

must have been bloody heavy!

purplebear7 · « **Reply #6 on:** 04 August 2015, 09:29:32 am »

Best to use small size ratchet straps in my opinion ... bungie's allow things to roll off rear seats! ;o) Former Trucker.

Frosties · « **Reply #7 on:** 04 August 2015, 11:53:42 am »

Quote from: sc0ttie on 04 August 2015, 08:03:40 am

Looks like I need to invest in some more bungee cords then as my cargo net on its own probably wont do lol but also maybe some poly rope. Can't imagine carrying a set of golf clubs on a bike sorry must have been bloody heavy!

There's a guy called Christo who may be able to offer you an alternative way of transporting the bag

maddog04 · « **Reply #8 on:** 04 August 2015, 01:28:12 pm »

with the rucksack option......done it before.......sling your arms through the straps and let the seat take the weight

clayt74 · « **Reply #9 on:** 04 August 2015, 05:18:51 pm »

Yep def the rucksack, I've had to pack to go away for work n had a 55ltr rucksack loaded with steel toecap boots, overalls and enough clothes n wash bag for a week weighed in at 20kg!! No probs as weight is on seat make sure shoulder straps are pulled tight once seated onthe bike and mine also had a waist band that I could pull tight...... It was rock solid and barely effected the geometry of the bike..... Only down side was high winds..... Me + rucksack made for a very good sail

stevierst · « **Reply #10 on:** 04 August 2015, 06:21:50 pm »

This was my daily commute with about 30kg of kit before I moved the Fazer on.

I made a rack specifically for it, but a Renntec would have done the job just the same. Bungees will do it, but roc straps, or friction lock straps will do the job just as well.
It doesn't do the handling much harm, just learn to live with it.

caretaker · « **Reply #11 on:** 04 August 2015, 06:43:13 pm »

only negative i can think of with strapping the rucksack on is if you came off. could protect you or it may not. just strap it on the seat like a pillion.

sinto · « **Reply #12 on:** 04 August 2015, 06:56:08 pm »

Go to your local motorbike dealer, they get bikes delivered in crates and generally have straps holding them in place, ask for some spares, they're really good for all sorts of strapping, I use the ones I got from the BMW dealer. They're not stretchy like bungee cord type and will secure your bag no problem.
I'll try and get pics later for you.

7omly · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 August 2015, 09:24:27 pm »

Have a craic with Johnakay, he'll be able to make you a bespoke rack. He made me one and it's a beauty.

Val · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 August 2015, 11:47:15 pm »

strap it to the rear seat with these:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/ratchet-cambuckle-tie-down-bungee-set-12-piece-set/89645

If you do not have the bag yet, get this one it is 52 litre rear seat bag straps to the rear pegs and comes with the straps:

http://www.bykebitz.co.uk/motorcycle-luggage/jofama-luggage/jofama-bag.html

midden · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 August 2015, 01:44:32 am »

Quote from: Frosties on 04 August 2015, 11:53:42 am

Quote from: sc0ttie on 04 August 2015, 08:03:40 am
Looks like I need to invest in some more bungee cords then as my cargo net on its own probably wont do lol but also maybe some poly rope. Can't imagine carrying a set of golf clubs on a bike sorry must have been bloody heavy!

There's a guy called Christo who may be able to offer you an alternative way of transporting the bag

Good call that man..........come on Christo nows your chance

slimwilly · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 August 2015, 07:43:46 am »

Oh !!!
I thought this thread was about seating Midden safely onto a fzs 600

Dead Eye · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 August 2015, 02:10:25 pm »

Pahahahaha

Poor midden... and his bike...

sc0ttie · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 December 2015, 07:36:02 pm »

Anyone used these? Any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252049908958?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

joebloggs · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 December 2015, 07:43:43 pm »

Just put the straps over your shoulder and rest it on the seat as has been suggested, have done similar and if it moves you just lift it back in place with your shoulder.

Strapping it on is OK but I'd be worried that the first time I new it had shifted was when it hit the rear wheel.

melons · « **Reply #20 on:** 20 December 2015, 08:59:23 am »

Quote from: sc0ttie on 19 December 2015, 07:36:02 pm

Anyone used these? Any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252049908958?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have used various sizes of the Ortlieb version (between 30 & 80 litre) for years with Rokstraps - works a treat

esetest · « **Reply #21 on:** 20 December 2015, 10:54:56 am »

I took a similar size bag to Scotland , I had a 3 berth tent , sleeping bag , roll mat in the bag , I strapped it to a rentec rack , I also had throw over panniers with my clothes in , the bike handled fine .

mtread · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 December 2015, 03:56:46 pm »

Me too. I've got a LOMO big boating bag in bright yellow. Much cheaper than motorcycle brands. Take it camping strapped across pillion seat and /or rack. The tightening straps plus folding the opening the right way makes it very watertight

Phil · « **Reply #23 on:** 21 December 2015, 08:10:39 pm »

Your bag looks quite big. I strap a 60 litre kit bag to my bike using the luggage straps of the type mentioned in the thread. I put a piece of plywood in the bottom of the bag so its a stable platform and doesn't distort in shape when I strap it down. My Fazer8 has grab rails which the bag sits on which helps a lot. I put a bungee on the back of the bag to the rear mudguard to stop it sliding forward. I have to have a goosestep style action over the seat to get on as the bags too bike to swing a leg over.

Old photo.
So glad I put a decent looking end can on the bike, that's hideous.