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« on: May 27, 2015, 06:21:46 PM » |
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Inzane is going to be my wife's longest trip so far on a bike. She has done great so far for a recent convertee to motorcycles. I have a small bag for the trunk rack, but as I was in the closet I saw a bag that I had forgot I had. It is 23" long x 12" tall x 10" wide. If I pack it with light stuff only do you think it's just too big in size. I don't want to damage my trunk lid even if she would be more comfortable. A man does have his limits.  |
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CajunRider
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« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2015, 06:26:14 PM » |
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What's the weight limit on the trunk rack?? I wouldn't think that bag is too much if it's packed with light stuff. Of course, I don't have a trunk rack, soooo.....  |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2015, 06:37:39 PM » |
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You know I honestly don't know the racks limit. I was thinking 15 or 20 lbs. I THINK I can keep it at that. But I was wondering if being that big if the wind pressure would be too much doing 85 or so ?
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10629
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2015, 06:58:25 PM » |
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You know I honestly don't know the racks limit. I was thinking 15 or 20 lbs. I THINK I can keep it at that. But I was wondering if being that big if the wind pressure would be too much doing 85 or so ?
Don't think the wind will bother it as your heads will be above it. |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2015, 07:10:44 PM » |
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That's pretty much what I was thinking. I estimate 5" on each side will be in the wind.
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12766
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2015, 07:14:14 PM » |
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Bungeed to the trunk rack you have no problem Its not the wind you are going thru that may bother you If anything its getting caught in a howling wind during a storm. Look at the radar during your gas stops all will be fine 20-25 lbs is about the limit I have carried on a soft bag We shared the bag you see on a week trip in 2005 and many other trips where we didnt use the Bushtec 1st Pick is Bonnie resting in the shade in Delta Colorado It was 100 plus degrees Bag is about the size you are talking about  another in Georgetown Co just before Vail  |
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« Last Edit: May 27, 2015, 07:17:55 PM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
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When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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cookiedough
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« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2015, 07:27:59 PM » |
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23" wide is pretty long past the rack but height and depth no problems. Mine has velcro on bottom to attach to the showchrome trunk rack as well as 2 on each side 3/4" velcro straps wrapped around the top rack, pretty darn secure, but is only about 20" wide tops.
I wouldn't put more than 10-12 lbs. or so in the bag just in case of breakage, basically just light jackets or clothes or bags of potato chips, etc. and nothing heavy or hard at all, just light stuff that is bulky. 15lbs. might work, but I would not chance it since you have on an I/S both side bags able to hold 20lbs. each which I have maxed out several times with gallons of milk and other heavy groceries like two 12pk of soda pop in each sidebag as well as 20lbs. maxed out several time on the top trunk of an I/S, mostly groceries.
I tell you with guessing 45-50lbs. of groceries loaded to the max on my I/S with the wife on back, the back end squats down on rear shocks set at 4 (vs. 5 being max) and at stops, is pretty darn challenging or can be if you don't have your balance just right or if the road is uneven. Only done that a few times and have darn near lost my balance at a few uneven stops luckily catching my feet underneath holding up more weight than I should. Luckily with that much weight back there, the suspension squats at least another 1" making it very easy to be flat footed with slight bend at the knees as well which helps the balancing act.
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GareBear
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« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2015, 07:29:12 PM » |
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Put your stuff in the bag on top, give her the trunk. Works for me, I pack light, she packs heavy. Her stuff stays dry. Her heavy stuff is lower.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2015, 07:34:22 PM » |
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Thanks Oss. Looks almost identical to yours. I hope to avoid ANY storms. Brenda would be pissed if I took her thru a storm. She wasn't too happy going down hiway 1 and being cold. Going thru a storm could be the end of me.  Put your stuff in the bag on top, give her the trunk. Works for me, I pack light, she packs heavy. Her stuff stays dry. Her heavy stuff is lower.
hell she'll probably have 1 saddlebag, the trunk and the trunk bag. I'll have 1/2 a saddlebag with tools , tire kit, pump in it also.  |
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« Last Edit: May 27, 2015, 07:37:00 PM by meathead »
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2015, 07:46:43 PM » |
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Good heated gear, good rain gear to go over it, & this....  If Momma aint happy, aint nobody happy!! (Roll safe Bro & y'all have a good time!) |
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Peace, Whiskey.
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wiggydotcom
Member
Posts: 3387
Do Your Best and Miss the Rest!
Yorkville, Illinois
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« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2015, 07:53:20 PM » |
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Thanks Oss. Looks almost identical to yours. I hope to avoid ANY storms. Brenda would be pissed if I took her thru a storm. She wasn't too happy going down hiway 1 and being cold. Going thru a storm could be the end of me. Put your stuff in the bag on top, give her the trunk. Works for me, I pack light, she packs heavy. Her stuff stays dry. Her heavy stuff is lower.
hell she'll probably have 1 saddlebag, the trunk and the trunk bag. I'll have 1/2 a saddlebag with tools , tire kit, pump in it also. Your wife and mine must have gone to the same "traveling" school, meathead. My wife doesn't atrend IZ anymore so it's all mine! |
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VRCC #10177 VRCCDS #239  |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2015, 08:03:19 PM » |
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Good heated gear, good rain gear to go over it, & this.... If Momma aint happy, aint nobody happy!! (Roll safe Bro & y'all have a good time!) You know I was thinking about it. I bought a trailer a couple years ago but haven't used it yet. Except for going around neighborhood. Don't really want this to be my shake down ride though  |
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Serk
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« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2015, 08:18:34 PM » |
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Other than what she needs for the travel there, pack her stuff in a box and ship it to the hotel, then on the last day ship it back? Just a thought...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2015, 08:25:20 PM » |
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Other than what she needs for the travel there, pack her stuff in a box and ship it to the hotel, then on the last day ship it back? Just a thought...
That is an excellent idea. But if I got Britmans postal worker I'd be dead meathead. |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2015, 08:38:05 PM » |
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Keep in mind, soft duffels that sag down on the ends and touch the paint, rub the paint (after long days of riding). Even the softest leather rubbed my paint good (and cordura nylon is worse). Before I got a rigid duffel, I ziptied a 5/8" dowel the length of the duffel across the rack, bungied the duffel over the dowel, and that kept the duffel ends up off the paint. (cut the zipties off when you arrive, and carry extras for follow on days) Also, a net type bungie secures big duffels much better (and gentler) than two or three individual cords. https://www.google.com/search?q=big+net+bungee+cords&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5o1mVaejB8mGsAXOpoOACQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1409&bih=652&dpr=1.33Also, unless completely waterproof, most everything in the duffel will get wet in prolonged rain. If it will likely rain, bag the duffel in a lawn and leaf bag before tying it on (another good reason for a net bungie). If it will be a dry day, still carry a couple bags, and if you have to stop to put on raingear, then repack the duffel in the leaf bag. Not the height of style, but dry gear is better than soaked gear (clothes). Packing everything in the duffel in a bunch of plastic bags is a big PITA, bag the whole bag. Also, a half dozen tall kitchen bags are perfect for repacking wet clothes along the way (keeping dry stuff dry/clean), and also to stick dirty sweaty stuff in during the week for the return ride. Another nice thing about the bungie net is if you get out of rain back into hot riding, you can just stuff your wet raingear or riding jackets under the net on top the duffel without having to repack, and it air drys (and if you need it again, there it is). |
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« Last Edit: May 27, 2015, 11:24:41 PM by Jess from VA »
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #15 on: May 27, 2015, 08:45:39 PM » |
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Good point. It has a semi rigid bottom but I cut a piece of laminate flooring I had laying around to fit the bottom. I will look around for a bungee net. |
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Bighead
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« Reply #16 on: May 27, 2015, 10:26:54 PM » |
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I have used a bag such as that plus 2 leather coats strapped on top of that on my trunk rack with no problem.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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« Reply #17 on: May 28, 2015, 09:23:40 AM » |
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Other than what she needs for the travel there, pack her stuff in a box and ship it to the hotel, then on the last day ship it back? Just a thought...
That is an excellent idea. But if I got Britmans postal worker I'd be dead meathead. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! |
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« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2015, 09:24:51 AM » |
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Other than what she needs for the travel there, pack her stuff in a box and ship it to the hotel, then on the last day ship it back? Just a thought...
I've UPS'd stuff to and from Sturgis, an Inzane and CA without a problem. |
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Cliff
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« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2015, 09:56:09 AM » |
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Other than what she needs for the travel there, pack her stuff in a box and ship it to the hotel, then on the last day ship it back? Just a thought...
I've UPS'd stuff to and from Sturgis, an Inzane and CA without a problem. I've done the same for many long rides using USPS without any issues. (Sturgis, Inzane and Tampa.) |
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VRCC # 29680
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old2soon
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« Reply #20 on: May 28, 2015, 10:23:31 AM » |
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meathead-my shake down run for pullin a trailer behind the Phatt Ghurl for right at 500 miles to my brothers place.  You MUST remember to increase your following distance in all regimes. AND your fuel mileage will suffer a bit.  I mounted a long pole to the left rear corner to remind me it was there. Less than 20 miles from the house on the way up it seemed natural. When you get to Inzane you WILL see lots trailers in the motel parking lot. RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #21 on: May 28, 2015, 11:31:36 AM » |
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Thanks for all the suggestions guys I think we will have plenty of room with the trunk, bags, and trunk bag. I've got an electric vest for her and I just want to make sure I have jackets, rain gear, etc. for her. And snacks (she gets low blood sugar on occasion). Just want to have everything covered so she will want to do more big trips. |
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TimG
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« Reply #22 on: May 28, 2015, 11:51:27 AM » |
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If you are thinking of using garbage/lawn bags, I would suggest using trash compactor bags. They are extra strong and very hard to puncture. You will need something to tie the top closed, I use a Velcro strip. I have used these on many motorcycle/back packing trips and I have never had one leak or fall apart.
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You can't succeed beyond your wildest expectations unless you begin with some wild expectations.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #23 on: May 28, 2015, 12:00:58 PM » |
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If you are thinking of using garbage/lawn bags, I would suggest using trash compactor bags. They are extra strong and very hard to puncture. You will need something to tie the top closed, I use a Velcro strip. I have used these on many motorcycle/back packing trips and I have never had one leak or fall apart.
I wasn't very clear in my last post. Will be using the Interstate saddle bags, trunk, and a duffel bag on the trunk rack . But the compactor bags are a good idea. |
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Steve K (IA)
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« Reply #24 on: May 28, 2015, 07:33:55 PM » |
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If you are thinking of using garbage/lawn bags, I would suggest using trash compactor bags. They are extra strong and very hard to puncture. You will need something to tie the top closed, I use a Velcro strip. I have used these on many motorcycle/back packing trips and I have never had one leak or fall apart.
I use 1 gallon freezer bags. (cheaper) Put stuff in, zip it almost closed, lay it on the edge of the bed, sit on it and finish zipping it shut. Don't forget a sandwich bag to put over the radio control box if it starts to rain.  |
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 States I Have Ridden In |
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16771
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #25 on: May 29, 2015, 07:25:46 AM » |
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Firstly, congratulations on the planned joint trip. I guess I am an experienced packer. I have learned a thing or two over the past several thousand miles. I roll my clothes tightly when I pack them. Usually I roll a shirt and a pair of underwear together. Those who have been seagoing will tell you that rolled, packed clothing takes up less space and will come out unwrinkled. Having luggage outside the trunk and hard bags means it hold the possibility of being exposed to the weather. Place a trash bag, doesn't need to be that heavy, inside the bag, lining the bag, before anything else and place everything inside the plastic trash bag. The bag will leave a good deal of itself at the top when you're ready to close your luggage. Fold it across itself to get it all inside the zipper. The last fold should be against the normal direction of travel when it is strapped on the bike. Your gear will stay perfectly dry even in a downpour. Additionally, if you find a need to pull over and seek shelter you don't need to worry about taking the luggage off the bike at that time. The bag is a little bit larger than one I would use but I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Be sure it is packed full. A half full bag is no problem inside the trunk or hard bags but will not travel as well in the wind. Enjoy the ride and stop a bit more often than you would traveling alone. Time on the pillion is more taxing than time at the controls. |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #26 on: May 29, 2015, 07:59:43 AM » |
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Firstly, congratulations on the planned joint trip. I guess I am an experienced packer. I have learned a thing or two over the past several thousand miles. I roll my clothes tightly when I pack them. Usually I roll a shirt and a pair of underwear together. Those who have been seagoing will tell you that rolled, packed clothing takes up less space and will come out unwrinkled. Having luggage outside the trunk and hard bags means it hold the possibility of being exposed to the weather. Place a trash bag, doesn't need to be that heavy, inside the bag, lining the bag, before anything else and place everything inside the plastic trash bag. The bag will leave a good deal of itself at the top when you're ready to close your luggage. Fold it across itself to get it all inside the zipper. The last fold should be against the normal direction of travel when it is strapped on the bike. Your gear will stay perfectly dry even in a downpour. Additionally, if you find a need to pull over and seek shelter you don't need to worry about taking the luggage off the bike at that time. The bag is a little bit larger than one I would use but I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Be sure it is packed full. A half full bag is no problem inside the trunk or hard bags but will not travel as well in the wind. Enjoy the ride and stop a bit more often than you would traveling alone. Time on the pillion is more taxing than time at the controls. Thanks, very good advice indeed. I've been rolling my clothes since boot camp in '78 . My 4 years in the Navy are still paying off. I hope one day to be able to use the trousers as a flotation device. (Not really) See you guys soon |
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« Last Edit: May 29, 2015, 12:30:46 PM by meathead »
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czuch
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« Reply #27 on: May 29, 2015, 08:38:30 AM » |
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Yup, Navy training is handy.
When I say I can be bored sitting or standing, some folks just dont look like they get it.
Thrift stores rule. Duds are cheap and you can leave em without great loss.
We were riding from Phoenix and I needed a long sleeve shirt. $1.50 at a goodwill and I was out of sunburn city. American of Dutch Irish decent in the great Southwest.
Tammy usually just packs high heels for overnight trips.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #28 on: May 29, 2015, 12:45:41 PM » |
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Experienced Packers?  (sorry...couldn't resist)  |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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« Reply #29 on: May 29, 2015, 01:08:57 PM » |
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Do you pack in ZipLoc bags and squeeze the air out???
Can carry a lot more.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #30 on: May 29, 2015, 01:25:34 PM » |
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Experienced Packers? (sorry...couldn't resist)  , After I posted a couple days ago it dawned on me how the title sounded. Do you pack in ZipLoc bags and squeeze the air out???
Can carry a lot more.
I've been contemplating those vacuum bag things. We'll see. I think by rolling tight and good packing we should be fine. The bag on the trunk is BIG. I'm going to do preride pack and see where we stand |
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Valkjerk
Member
Posts: 567
Freedom ain't free.....just the price of a Valkyri
NOLA
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« Reply #31 on: May 29, 2015, 01:46:51 PM » |
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Much ado 'bout nutthin. Believe me, you will not pack everything you'll need. You'll have a few hiccups but you'll adapt, being the operative word. Go with the flow Bro.
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Ride like it's your last....grinnin' all the way.
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DK
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« Reply #32 on: May 31, 2015, 03:15:51 AM » |
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Experienced Packers? (sorry...couldn't resist) , After I posted a couple days ago it dawned on me how the title sounded. Do you pack in ZipLoc bags and squeeze the air out???
Can carry a lot more.
I've been contemplating those vacuum bag things. We'll see. I think by rolling tight and good packing we should be fine. The bag on the trunk is BIG. I'm going to do preride pack and see where we stand Experienced Packers? (sorry...couldn't resist) , After I posted a couple days ago it dawned on me how the title sounded. Do you pack in ZipLoc bags and squeeze the air out???
Can carry a lot more.
I've been contemplating those vacuum bag things. We'll see. I think by rolling tight and good packing we should be fine. The bag on the trunk is BIG. I'm going to do preride pack and see where we stand I use "cling-wrap" as in what is sold at U-Haul, a sort of cling wrap on a roll. It is very useful for both compressing stuff far beyond what is possible with zip lock bags and is also good for separating / sorting items for packing, keeping stuff dry & isolating wet stuff. It's a one size fits all sort of thing. You can see through it too so you can tell who the dirty underwear belongs to without smelling it. The industrial size version of the product is also known as pallet wrap. It is also good for securing stuff to luggage racks, wrapping leftovers, leaking radiator hoses, securing felons awaiting arrival of police, maybe flat tires, & only God knows what else. I secretly read "Hints From Helouise". Dan |
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« Last Edit: May 31, 2015, 03:38:35 AM by DK »
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Machinery has a mysterious soul and a mind of its own.
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