tail bag for school textbooks ??

[im_a_ninja]

Here is my dilemma. I am starting back to class Aug 13th.
I am taking 4 classes....2 of which are biology and medical microbiology. The text books aren't light.

I need a way to carry those books to school.
It just seems unsafe to strap those to my back so I'm thinking a tail bag might be best.

Does anyone here actually ride their ninja to school with significant books...and if so which bag do you use?
I was hoping to find a bag that converts to a backpack too.

I love the tank bags that have straps but they aren't big enough for books.
I'm very skeptical of ordering things online unless I've seen them or someone else uses them.

I just read about 400 posts about bags here...but I failed to see anyone mention carrying school books in a bag. Sorry if this is a redundant post.

[noche_caliente]

check out the cortech bags in the wiki - I did a course this summer and could easily carry the large number of papers/books that I needed to have with me in the bags, though the tail bag had to be expanded to get them to fit well

[k-os]

http://www.amazon.com/Dowco-Rally-Pa.../dp/B001A6JH02

I've used this one a couple times. I modified it so I just clip it under the passenger seat, rather than looping the other ends around parts of the bike. It doesn't convert to a backpack though, and I'm not sure if you'll be able to fit 4 books. I've put 2 books stacked (about 1.5-2" each) and had some extra room though.

[addy126]

Don't know if you are interested but this product has worked great for my needs in and around town on the N-250. I'm a big proponent of it. Check this site if you'd like also includes a video of same..... http://www.thecycleguys.com/default....7&ProductID=97

Entering the world of "Clinical Pathology" by chance?

[dimeified]

Boblbee

[im_a_ninja]

I actually have been thinking about clinical pathology. I am currently an EMT and I am in nursing school to be an RN. I am going to grad school to be a Midwife (in 2 years)
Well, that's the plan now. I'm trying to get a minor in sociology now. I would like pathology. Problem is, I'm in a small town and we have a coroner....no medical examiner. I would have to move to a bigger city to even have a job.

Is that what you do?

[addy126]

Indeed I do... E.R. Pathology.. but stick with the RN plan.. far better money, opportunities and specializations! Medical field is wonderful no matter what specialty you pursue... reciprocity from state to state is great should you decide to travel or move when you are in the medical field.. enjoy it its worth it.

[randomwalk101]

schuzz iz out!

[PitBull]

I have this bag http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/t...tail_pack.html
I'm not sure that you could fit very large textbooks in this bag due to the length of it. However, this is a very well made bag and feels very secure when attached to my bike. Nelson-Rigg makes several options in tail bags. Based on my experience with their products, I would definitely recommend them.

[DarkNinja52]

let me know what you decide on, i need to get a bag also, but I dont have class for another two weeks, i was planning on using a backpack but i dont think it'll be too comfortable with the extra weight on my back, and it's probably not safe at all considering how heavy books are

[NJD022588]

I just use a backpack for my books. Actually, i use a backpack so much that when I ride without one (rarely), I get the same naked feeling you get when you dont wear a seatbelt in a car.

But, I'm interested to hear what you get. I'll be buying a tailbag within the next week.

[andrewexd]

^ which backpack do you use ? Im looking for one once school starts. It seems that the real "riding" bags are overpriced (over $150) but I need a bag that won't cause back / shoulder pains. Theres a really nice A* backpack but its like $200 and the sub $100 look like standard school bags. Kind of interested in the skullcandy backpacks because you can answer the phone without headphones and listen to music without headphones which is pretty good for around town (better than nothing) and theres a hydration bag too.

[Strider]

Originally Posted by PitBull

I have this bag http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/t...tail_pack.html
I'm not sure that you could fit very large textbooks in this bag due to the length of it. However, this is a very well made bag and feels very secure when attached to my bike. Nelson-Rigg makes several options in tail bags. Based on my experience with their products, I would definitely recommend them.

I have a buddy who has this bag as well, it holds all his text books easily, he just carries his laptop in his backpack.
Mind you, he only has 3 books though ... the dimensions of the bag are 10”(L) x 9.5”(W) x 7”(H);

[NJD022588]

Originally Posted by andrewexd

^ which backpack do you use ? Im looking for one once school starts. It seems that the real "riding" bags are overpriced (over $150) but I need a bag that won't cause back / shoulder pains. Theres a really nice A* backpack but its like $200 and the sub $100 look like standard school bags. Kind of interested in the skullcandy backpacks because you can answer the phone without headphones and listen to music without headphones which is pretty good for around town (better than nothing) and theres a hydration bag too.

I dont use any riding bags; just a regular Jansport for going to class. When going on longer rides when i dont need to carry much with me (drink, cell, food, etc.), i use a BMW drawstring bag that i got for free. It's the kind with thin shoulder straps that you pull to close. I never even feel the straps through my jacket, so both bags are comfortable.

[capt_bugaloo]

I have been using one of these for my daily commute for over a year:
http://rapid-transit.com/rt/products...roducts_id=837

I carry books, papers, shoes, lunch, lock, sweater, etc. in it. It straps very securely onto the back of my 2008 250r. The price was reasonable too: about $65 US.

[im_a_ninja]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

I have been using one of these for my daily commute for over a year:
http://rapid-transit.com/rt/products...roducts_id=837

I carry books, papers, shoes, lunch, lock, sweater, etc. in it. It straps very securely onto the back of my 2008 250r. The price was reasonable too: about $65 US.

I still haven't decided. This one looks like it holds a lot! Does it seem huge strapped on the back?

[addy126]

I don't know about bags with bunjee cord attachments. I did dryfit one at Moto Liberty but was really concerned about the touching of the paint on the tail. Could see terrible wear on the paint over a short period of time.

[kkim]

cover the area that the cords touch with some clear plastic if it concerns you.

I've used my tailbag with bungee cords and have no paint rubbing issues... I don't even have mine covered with clear plastic.

[NJD022588]

I'm not sure about all bungee cords, but i have only seen them with a soft outer liner that wouldnt do any damage to paint.

[capt_bugaloo]

The bungees on the Rapid Transit bag have a soft cloth outer layer. I have used the bag for literally hundreds of cross-town trips, and it has not marred or scratched the rear bodywork in even the slightest way.

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by im_a_ninja

I still haven't decided. This one looks like it holds a lot! Does it seem huge strapped on the back?

[k-os]

Here's some pictures of my slightly modified tail bag.

[NJD022588]

I like the bag that Bruce has! That's what im looking for, but i need to have it in one week so i cant get it online. I'll have to go to one of the local motorcycle stores

[addy126]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

Bruce... how in the world would anyone with a short inseam hike their leg over something like that getting on/off the bike. I think that would be an issue and consideration for some. If its soft sided I suppose you could compress it a little while your leg is crawling over it, but if its a hard top style forget it. I'm seein alot of tipovers with the vertically challenged

[addy126]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

The bungees on the Rapid Transit bag have a soft cloth outer layer. I have used the bag for literally hundreds of cross-town trips, and it has not marred or scratched the rear bodywork in even the slightest way.

I ain't takin a chance... The laws of friction, wind and speed will tell its tale at some point. I'll stick with the tried and true pillion mount bags

[addy126]

Originally Posted by k-os

Here's some pictures of my slightly modified tail bag.

Andy.... excellent work! I see you may detest bungee cord applications too

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by addy126

how in the world would anyone with a short inseam hike their leg over something like that getting on/off the bike.

Yes, good point. I have an inseam of about 29 or 30 inches, and I definitely have to be a bit careful kicking up and over. Anyone who is shorter probably would have a problem.

[noche_caliente]

If you look at the cortech article in the wiki, you'll see that mine is about the same height... I've found that if I tuck my knee in close to my body when I'm getting on - almost like chambering for a side-kick in Tae Kwon Do, that I can get on just fine with the bag there... I do usually end up dragging a bit getting off, but not much...

[Finder]

Originally Posted by addy126

Bruce... how in the world would anyone with a short inseam hike their leg over something like that getting on/off the bike. I think that would be an issue and consideration for some. If its soft sided I suppose you could compress it a little while your leg is crawling over it, but if its a hard top style forget it. I'm seein alot of tipovers with the vertically challenged

I have many bikes with luggage configurations that don't allow me to simply throw a leg over (I'm not that flexible). Simple solution, step on the peg to mount the motorcycle. Left foot on left peg with weight at motorcycle center to put less stress on the side stand, then just lift your right leg over top. Those pegs are STRONG.

[randomwalk101]

Originally Posted by im_a_ninja

Here is my dilemma. I am starting back to class Aug 13th.
I am taking 4 classes....2 of which are biology and medical microbiology. The text books aren't light.

I need a way to carry those books to school.
It just seems unsafe to strap those to my back so I'm thinking a tail bag might be best.

Does anyone here actually ride their ninja to school with significant books...and if so which bag do you use?
I was hoping to find a bag that converts to a backpack too.

I love the tank bags that have straps but they aren't big enough for books.
I'm very skeptical of ordering things online unless I've seen them or someone else uses them.

I just read about 400 posts about bags here...but I failed to see anyone mention carrying school books in a bag. Sorry if this is a redundant post.

I think this is the best looking one. Change to back pack too. Get the carbon fiber one

http://www.axio-usa.com/tailbag_silver.html

[DarkNinja52]

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

I think this is the best looking one. Change to back pack too. Get the carbon fiber one

http://www.axio-usa.com/tailbag_silver.html

I agree, i think this is the best looking one ive seen. idk how i feel about the carbon fiber look though..
I'm gona use a regular backpack for a bit and if i dont like it or feel uncomfortable or unsafe with it, i'll prob order this tailbag...

[andrewexd]

I like that one... price is kind of high though

[DarkNinja52]

it is kind of high, but im hoping that itll be the only tailbag i'll ever need to buy. it looks/sounds kind of durable, and it looks kinda stylish.

[andrewexd]

anyone have the joe rocket blaster back pack ? It looks pretty good - has chest and waist straps and a helmet compartment but it looks huge from the pics.

[shift_6]

Originally Posted by addy126

Don't know if you are interested but this product has worked great for my needs in and around town on the N-250. I'm a big proponent of it. Check this site if you'd like also includes a video of same..... http://www.thecycleguys.com/default....7&ProductID=97

Entering the world of "Clinical Pathology" by chance?

i like this one

[andrewexd]

I got this one today at cyclegear Its huge...

side view


when your behind me in you car view


bungee cords and velcro strapped under the seat


easily fit a medium sized text book


or a spongebob folder


transformers


helmet ?


yeah... like I said its huge. It will easily fit all my school stuff in there, plus extra layers of clothes or a pair of shoes. It was $50 at cycle gear but only the camo color is on sale, the black one is still $100 . No it doesn't look the best but my shoulders and back will thank me when school starts. I didnt realize it when I took the pics but it also expands to the sides. I rode it home (45 miles) and it seems good so far. Also came with extra straps / bungee cord. I guess its also made to be worn like a backpack but I haven't tried it out.

heres the link if ya want
http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1...m=FTL_CAR007_G

[NJD022588]

I found this Rapid Transit bag at a local motorcycle store. I think its the same as the one posted above by capt_bugaloo. Fits great and its the perfect size for what I need.

[silver_bullet]

While it's not a tank or tail bag it works well without shifting around. http://rideicon.com/product_details....y=2236&id=8682 I'm an architecture major and my books arn't light in the least. a 45 minute commute each way and I hardly notice the weight. I ride a YZF600R though, maybe the slightly more upright riding of the ninja would have an impact on comfort. I'll have to take the kwak to school sometime and see how it feels.