Carrying stuff on a naked bike

[Rod.]

I'd rather not use a backpack to carry stuff like a laptop computer. I'd prefer to keep the load ahead of the real axle, so I'm think of getting a tank pack for my KZ900, but I don't think that the 'puter will fit in a tank pack. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Rod.

[dean owens]

i have no help from you other than what you want to hear... i wear a book bag to take my laptop to work because there's no place to put it on my bike - and mine has bags. it's really not that bad. i don't even notice it anymore.

[Skier]

You're gonna have to try out different bags. Find one that fits the laptop as well as your tank.

I wouldn't recommend a magnetic tank bag for obvious reasons.

The need to carry your laptop and other gear forward of the rear axle isn't a huge concern. Try strapping a bag to your pillion seat area.

[blackmouth]

You're gonna have to try out different bags. Find one that fits the laptop as well as your tank.

I wouldn't recommend a magnetic tank bag for obvious reasons.

The need to carry your laptop and other gear forward of the rear axle isn't a huge concern. Try strapping a bag to your pillion seat area.

+1

I just don't know of a tank bank that will fit on the tank AND fit a laptop in it. Given your situation, a backpack may be your only option, unless you are willing to strap your laptop carrying-case on the seat as suggested in the quote above.

One issue with the magnetic tank bags (read about this, not personal experience): I understand that you have to be careful putting certain electronics in a magnetic tank bag. The magnets can cause some havoc with the item.

[flynrider]

Back when I was hauling a laptop around, I used a laptop bag that had straps like a backpack. I attached the laptop bag to the rear seat by running the straps underneath it. The bag stayed on the bike and I just pulled the laptop out when I got to my destination.

I don't need to cart a laptop around anymore, so now I have a medium sized backpack attached to the rear seat in a similar fashion. Works great.

[Rod.]

All good advice -- thanks. In case anyone else is considering a rack, here's one I found that someone had fabbed that looks good -- although it does put the weight behind the rear axle. (Am not too keen about the seat though ... )
<http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8711/pic5aj2.jpg>

Rod.

[Grey Thumper]

Sorry, pretty much the same advice as everyone else has given. I almost never use backpacks, and prefer seatbags or tank bags for the weight distribution reasons you mentioned. However, a laptop is the exception; I worry about vibration and/or magnets affecting it, so a backpack it is.

[slimcolo]

Have you thought about detachable panniers? (saddle bags) The throw over type. I have also seen tail bags that have built in bungee cords. A tank bag that will fit a laptop may be wide enough to interfere with steering.

[Shorts]

A laptop isn't really an item I'd worry about weight distribution with. To carry it, a laptop back pack (so it at least has the cushion for your back) would do just fine. Vibration to the laptop would also be my concern. What's the length of your trip?

If its a longer one, traveling with it and moving on, I'd probably use saddle bag or a good tail bag. But to and from work or a 15min commute, a backpack is easy. In the event of an off, whether the laptop is strapped to you or the bike, it's taking damage.