Anyone ride with a backpack?

I like messenger bags since you can get to the stuff in the bag without taking it off. The Jansport computer bag sits nicely on my back and I can swing it around to get stuff when stopped. It is not as secure as a backpack since there's just one strap.

http://www.jansport.com/js_product_thumb.php?cid=41 look at the single strap computer bags. got mine at REI

Most of the time, I commute with the messanger back in my hard topcase. Have I mentioned how much I like the hard topcase? :wink:

 

We had our annual motorcycle safety meeting today at KWRI. I'm not allowed to ride on base with a black backpack anymore. I'm not surprised so I'm really not upset. I've had my current backpack for 14 years so I definitely got my money's worth. This is on the way in "Stop Sign Red" & will be here on Monday.

http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=33&pid=TDL9

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

You sure have some tight regs there KC. Have to wear certain colours, cannot wear black back packs. Seems they come down unreasonably hard on the Motorcycling crowd. I mean, has there been anything said about the colour of cars, mandatory stop lamps or daytime driving lights on ALL cars and trucks. How about automatic door locks, auto dimming rear view mirrors when cars approach from the rear at night. Other than the car clours ( said in jest) these are all safety devices

I'm venting. I will get over it.

 

Could have been worse. You could have had your frilly pink silk panties with you this time.:jaw:

 

Before I started commuting on an ST1300 (sweet commuter AND tourer), I used to ride my VFR800A or CB900 (919) to school (law school = ox-stunning fat case books, plus laptop) every day with a generic REI backpack. Some days the pack would weigh 30-35 lbs. It has a chest strap, which takes weight off the shoulders, and that probably helps.

Anyway, no discomfort (back strain, weird handling, etc.) during my 20 mile commute each way. None at all. In fact, now that the weather is getting better I'll still take the Viffer some days for the fun factor, and will wear the backpack.

I don't think I'd want the thing on during an all-day ride. But for commuting, backpacks are comfortable enough, and really convenient.

Coincidentally, the June issue of Motorcycle Consumer News (the only MC rag to trust because they accept no advertising) came in my mail today. On the back cover Dale Searle raves about his year-old Axio Forza semi-hard-shell backpack (now replaced by the Axio Swift). Says its the best for aerodynamics, weight, and ergonomics. Cost of the Swift, he says, is $150, but he thinks its worth it. He also says it's OK for long trips but he then wears it low so it rests on the seat. He also uses it for trail riding.

 

I know for 100% certain that the USAF does care about our safety. For every mishap, there is a behind the scenes toll relating to lost duty time, lost training costs, increased workload on the duty section, the emotional toll, etc.

On the flip side of that coin, we are also a convienient target for the "leadership". I firmly believe the USAF would ban motorcycles outright if they could legally get away with it. I know & accept this & I am required to follow the regs, even if I think some of them are stupid. Now, I have no problem with those regs (even if it costs me some cash, which it has, almost $1000) AS LONG AS they are kept reasonable. The reason I can't ride with a black backpack is the requirement for a "brightly colored upper outer garment". At night, the requirement changes to "reflective" & that's regardless of color. If your day time garment is in fact brightly colored, you cannot then cover it up with a black backpack or the backpack must have some kind of bright covering over it. Do I think that's unreasonable? Perhaps slightly stupid, but I can definitely deal with it.

The brightly colored part is why I bought another leather jacket when I already have a perfectly good one. The new jacket I bought is the exact same thing, JR SpeedMaster 4.0, except for being red/white/black instead of gray/black. I'm still pissed that I can't sell the old one since there isn't a thing wrong with it. Since no one wants the old jacket, I now have a perfectly good leather jacket that MSRP'd for $450 hanging in my closet collecting dust.

When I became a MSF Coach & later a sport bike coach, I was told I am to be ABOVE & BEYOND the example on a motorcycle at all times. I do my best at this & know for certain that I am quite good at it. The other coaches on base routinely make fun of me because I wear "too much" gear, if that's even possible. Other than flying, I have never taken anything as seriously in my life.

Turning things around, the main problem I have with the regs as they are is that they will never require driving courses for cars, ever. That's BS since there are FAR, FAR more idiot car drivers than riders. That's where the convienient target part comes into play.

All this BS is why I find people griping about the cost to get their endorsement or taking a MSF class or helmet laws, etc to be quite comical. It must be nice to have the freedom to be a complete idiot. In the US Military, you are ordered to do this & that with regards to bikes & that is that, period.

No matter what, I will never stop riding. I would get out of the USAF before that happens. I am willing to give up a great deal to serve my country but that's not one of those things.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

KC,

You have the right attitude- even though I know you are the type who prefers to be responsible for your own actions.

Thank you for your service and sacrifices to keep the rest of us free.

 

Think you hit the nail on the head here. Don't get me wrong, I am a supporter of safety equipment. I even wore seatbelts when I was not required by law to do so. I wore a bicycle helmet here long before that became law as well Hell I even wore a Personal Flotation Device when I fished near the fast flowing river here. (I stopped wearing that. But stopped fishing too. Couldn't catch squat) I suppose my point here is, and you seem to agree, is that you are not on an equal playing field. The cagers on your base do mot appear to be held to the same standard. Is this typical of all AFB or just yours?

 

It's the entire US DOD. Every base has the option of making more restrictive rules. KWRI has not so far & I will come right out & say that KWRI has the best Motorcycle Safety program in the USAF.

It's also pretty much a general rule of society. When's the last time you heard of a car being pulled over for loud exhaust?

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Actually, that happens far more than you realize. I have that from a source of impeccable credibility. So we are not alone in that department but there is no doubt, we tend to be held to a higher standard. I mean when was the last time you saw a MC riding down the road with a cell phone to the ear. Waite a minute....I saw that on the Squid thread didn't I. But you get the drift.

Hey KC. Why don't you park one of those rigs you fly in outside my driveway. My flagship needs a fill.

 

Got a diesel truck? It will run on JP8 but it will eat the fuel system up over time since JP8 doesn't have the same amount of oil as diesel. You'll have to modify the fuel filler to accept a 6" nozzle.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Tank Bag and Backpack

I have a Cortech 14 Litre tank bag for most commuting days and an awesome Vaude Bike Alpin Air 30 + 5 Litre backpack for when I need to move my laptop or other, larger items. The backpack has a rigid frame and mesh cover that keep the bag off your back, and the weight on your hips. I've used it to trek around long days in the desert and the gap between the frame and pack allows airflow. No more sweaty back. I have the black one, which has two wide and very bright reflectors for night riding. Comes with a rain cover.

 

I was pulled over in Massachussetts for having a "modified" exhaust on my car. Apparently, it's illegal to do so there.

Keep in mind I was only passing through the state and my car was registered in Vermont.

Doing 65 in a 65, coasted past the cop in the median.

He must have been bored.

 

ya Roots Canada has a really great one (roots.ca) it holds everything and anything!

 

Well all those are better than a garbage bag.

(bag was not used to hold much just put it over to keep my tent/sleeping stuff dry. Relized how it looked later.
this was on the way to sturgis.

 

I use a Tour Master tank bag for my daily ride back and forth to work...would not ride with out it. The magnetic base is easy on and off. No worries!:smile: