I love simple solutions… commuting bag

[adouglas]

Kayso…

On my Ninjette I commuted using an Axio hard shell tank bag. Big, but that's good… from time to time I have to carry a 15" laptop. It worked well and stayed put thanks to good magnets.



But I just got a GSXR750 and I'm not sure it'd work out. I can ride the bike with it, but because of the big high tank and sportbike position it's kind of in the way. Also, only a couple of the side magnets hit metal so it's not all that secure. Yeah, I know I can glue some magnets inside the plastic tank fairing. But overall, not ideal.



I was about ready to pop for one of these, an oh-so-sexy-if-I-do-say-so-myself Kriega US20, Easy on, easy off, just unhook it.



But then I stopped and said to myself "Self, where is it written that you can't put a tank bag on the pillion?"



Then it struck me. "Electrolux!" I cried.



The bag, like many such bags. has shoulder straps so you can wear it like a backpack.



I took the straps and ran them in an X under the tail. then clipped them to the handy D rings provided for that very purpose. They don't even get in the way of the GSXR's integrated turn signals.




Et voila! as they say in the land of Catherine Deneuve.



Almost looks like it was meant to be used this way.



At the end of the day I saved $139 but lost a chance to buy a new piece of gear. So I'm happy and sad at the same time.

At least I found an excuse to post a picture of Catherine Deneuve.

[EternalNewb]

Nice! I actually kinda prefer it to that new piece of gear you were eying.

[leed]

But Kriega bags are so nice!

But just so you know, you may want to cover some of those tail-piece sections in clear vinyl, as the straps and buckles can wear through the paint over long highway rides.

I used to do this on my 250 with more or less any backpack though, works great! It may also be a good idea to make a set of safety straps that attach the d-ring loops to the passenger pegs loosely to prevent the backpack from slipping out [The X with the straps is nice, but I wouldn't depend on it!] I've had a close call or two with lightly packed bags that lose some of the tension and have almost gone off. Luckily I had some paracord tying it to my passenger pegs hahaha.

Also, looks great too!

[rojoracing53]

Haha so that's what's behind the fist

I like it, it looks good and almost color matches. I'd say paint the plastic white or a matching blue and you'll be golden.

[adouglas]

The X goes behind the license plate. Not possible for it to come off unless the clips fail.

Yeah, I hear ya on the clear vinyl. Anyone know where I can get some?

I could also just use blue painter's tape if I want to go ghetto. Just keep a roll in the bag and put a fresh couple of pieces on when needed.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I'd say paint the plastic white or a matching blue and you'll be golden.

I was actually thinking semi-gloss black. Goes with anything and even a rattle-can job would look good. Parts of the bike are semi-gloss anyway, so it'd pick up on the theme.

The bag has been banged around a lot and looks like chit. Needs something….

[Jono]

I too would cover the tail area in clear vinyl where the straps contact the paint.


http://compare.ebay.com/like/3506698...Types&var=sbar

Looks good!

[rojoracing53]

I use the 3m clear bra stuff on all kinds of stuff. A friend gives me little scraps here and there to use on my Moto and bicycles where I see fit. I'm sure amazon has the stuff in the same category as that cool 1080 car or vinyl.

[choneofakind]

I approve of this post Andrew. You're goofy

[csmith12]

The man behind the fist has been revealed!

[lgk]

Originally Posted by eternalnewb

Nice! I actually kinda prefer it to that new piece of gear you were eying.

looks like he got more room too.

[tnr4]

Oh, I do love my Kriega gear, but free and easy are even better! Nicely done, sir. As far as protecting the tail, you could even just get some dinoc CF or something like that, and just put a little 'accent' piece on each side. That would do the job. Lots of options, but yeah, I would get something on there.

Looks great!

[Jiggles]

That will be great for transporting your meth

[SMman]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

That will be great for transporting your meth

Good one .

Great looking solution for the gixxer and I agree about getting something to protect the paint. I used a Joe Rocket tail bag on my 636 and ran the straps under the seat so nothing would touch the paint. I'm not sure if you could do the same with that bag.

[adouglas]

I tried the under-seat thing and it didn't work. The bag moves around too much.

For now I think I'll just put a patch of blue painters tape under the spot where the strap goes over the crease in the bodywork. Ultra cheap, zero residue. When I ride without the bag I'll just take it off and put a fresh piece on before remounting. Takes seconds.

I can even carry a little bit of it with me, rolled around a pen.

[SMman]

Good call. I've done the same thing, except I used green painter's tape

[adouglas]

Kawi fanboi

[LoD575]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Priceless.....

[Aggrotech]

if that bag/setup doesnt seem to work out for you in the long run id highly recommend Kriega. yeah they are pricey but their products are ****ing perfect. I absolutely love my Kriega R25

[adouglas]

Ahhh… that's better.

An afternoon and half a can of satin black Krylon Fusion later… looks not half bad.

[SMman]

I thought the blue looked fine but the black is a definite improvement. Great job on the paint. I see you installed Tech Spec tank pads. I've been debating between them and Stomp Grip for my 250.

[adouglas]

I did the tech spec on my 250 as well and highly recommend them. They look really good and perform very well. On the 250 they go on the black plastic panels rather than the tank itself, so they don't distract visually as you can see here:



The ones on the GSXR are the new "C3" material but I think I like the plain rubber I had for the 250 better. We'll see how well this new stuff holds up.

I've never seen the Stompgrips in person but I think they're silicone rubber. I think the plain rubber of the Tech Spec will be more durable long-term. Also, if you're considering the clear version of the Stomp Grips, word has it that it's nearly impossible to get all the air bubbles out and they'll remain visible.

[SMman]

Its true about Stomp Grip. I had the clear ones on my 04 ZX-6RR racebike and they were a pain to install. I ended up getting great results, with my wife helping, but it was a long process to install them without air bubbles. I installed black ones on my 03 ZX-6R. I see Stomp has a setup for the 250 that gives you black for the black side panels and clear for the tank.

I've read that you can remove and reinstall the Tech Spec tank pads. Is this true? Did you find the location on your 250 offered enough grip or would you have preferred to have something on the tank as well?

Sorry to get off topic. Great looking gixxer!

[adouglas]

I never had any reason to remove the Tech Specs. Yes, the location on the side panels worked great. I never saw any reason to have grips on the tank because of its shape... most of your knee contacts the side panels and not the tank anyway on the Ninjette.

I bought the same center protector for the GSXR that I used for the Ninjette but I'm not sure it's large enough. The GSXR tank is bigger so more of my belly and chest come in contact with the tank.

[Kokosun]

I didn't see anything else after the picture of Catherine.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by SMman

...........I've been debating between them and Stomp Grip for my 250.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/J...nk%20grips.pdf