Riding motorbike with heavy backpack?

[RickG16]

Hi guys, I'm just doing some pondering for a future trip ....

 

Is riding a motorbike long distances with a heavy and full backpack on dangerous? Or are there certain types of bike that it is ok with?

 

I've done it before but just short distances on familiar roads. 

 

Cheers

[richard_smith237]

Why not strap the back pack to the back seat of the bike ?

 

Is it dangerous? it could impact your movement on the bike this impacting your reactions. 

It could also prove unconformable after wearing one for any length of time. 

 

 

[ChakaKhan]

Ive lived in LOS for over a decade. each time I fly back I bring only a carry on 7k backpack.....bare essential as I can buy anything else there....always the golden rule to pack light. esp when humping it around in asia heat

 

as for the mbike ive moved apts using my mbike...often I'll hang my pack on handlebars facing towards me so its between my legs between the from wheels and the engine..can kinda keep it in place with straps over mirrors and using my legs on turns..depends on bike size as well....as noted strapping it down behind you-cargo net

[scubascuba3]

I'd say no problem at all, it should be resting on the seat so the straps are mainly for keeping it in place, not taking the weight. I carry a set of golf clubs circ 15kg on my Honda Click with a double strap to Sattahip and it's fine

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, RickG16 said:

Is riding a motorbike long distances with a heavy and full backpack on dangerous?

IMO dangerous for your spine.

 

Anything that raises the center of gravity is going to affect safety, especially on rough, dangerous and badly maintained roads.

I had a pack frame on the back of my m'bike and any pack being carried rested on the seat and was secured to the frame. The bike was not a step through though. If yours is a step through, can put it between your legs.

 

Have you considered saddle bags rather than a pack? Those take care of your spine and the center of gravity.

 

[scubascuba3]

57 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

If yours is a step through, can put it between your legs.

 

 

 

May interfere with steering, backpacks are often handlebar level

[Tarteso]

I don't know why you want to carry a big load, you’ll have your reasons.  I think 4 or 5 kg.  (Including gf)..and It is enough to carry everything you need. IMO

This is what I used for trips around the Country for years in my old Honda Phantom, 

[Agusts]

If weight on shoulders you get tired after an hour, as mentioned loosen the straps so weight is on the seat. On scooters between your legs fine, I've done 6 hours tour like that no problem, straps around handlebars - make sure it does not impede the handlebar movement...

 

One other thing though, watch out for rain, I recently bought a backpack that was supposed to be fully waterproof, with special zippers and inner lining and so on , once the Phuket monsoon rain came down and after 10 minutes before I could find shelter, it was soaked wet inside to the bottom. Now a black bin liner is put in the side pocket for those rains...!

 

[richard_smith237]

Something like the bags below would be a far better option (if the Op doesn’t mind purchasing something). 

 

Otherwise just strap the backpack across the backseat with Roc-straps (or something similar).

 

I use a North Face Duffel Bag which straps across the back seat / rack.

 

 

 

[VocalNeal]

I never ride with a backpack. Too restrictive and I never use one in normal life. Oh wait company gave me a Notebook Dell in a backpack. hated that.

 

Depends on the bike.

 

-Tank bag? (No good if bike has a plastic tank)

-Tail bag

-DIY tail bag? Regular gym type bag bungied on the rear seat? Or the rack, if bike has one.

-Get a Givi Box and rack?

-Or a saddle bag as above post.

 

I bought a cheap gym type back from a local market. Poked some holes (2)  at the bottom corner of both sides with a soldering iron and used two short bungy cords threaded through the bag to attach the bag to the rear of the seat. Use bin liner to protect clothing.

 

Used to travel a lot in Indo. Used a small 28l Givi type box and a tank bag. Still have two tank bags somewhere.

 

Below is not me.

 

 

[RickG16]

Thanks for all the responses. Seems a lot comes down to personal preference.

 

FYI this is a big rucksack for travelling (for obvious reasons the trip wouldn't happen soon).

 

So is the consensus that this type of rucksack should go over your shoulders and sit on the back seat (that's how I've done it over short distances), or between your legs on the floor?

 

I am considering buying a Yamaha R15 ... would have a few weeks getting used to it first before the trip. As non-bike guy I would like to ask.... is this a completely unsuitable bike for travelling long distances with a rucksack?

 

Thanks again

[OneMoreFarang]

12 hours ago, ChakaKhan said:

Ive lived in LOS for over a decade. each time I fly back I bring only a carry on 7k backpack.....bare essential as I can buy anything else there....always the golden rule to pack light. esp when humping it around in asia heat

 

as for the mbike ive moved apts using my mbike...often I'll hang my pack on handlebars facing towards me so its between my legs between the from wheels and the engine..can kinda keep it in place with straps over mirrors and using my legs on turns..depends on bike size as well....as noted strapping it down behind you-cargo net

That sounds like a big risk if that backpack moves. And that moves, and maybe blocks, the handlebars.

[OneMoreFarang]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Something like the bags below would be a far better option (if the Op doesn’t mind purchasing something). 

 

Otherwise just strap the backpack across the backseat with Roc-straps (or something similar).

 

I use a North Face Duffel Bag which straps across the back seat / rack.

 

 

 

Looks interesting. Do those bags have a (category) name?

[Agusts]

Yes, you guessed it, Yamaha R15 wouldn't be comfortable for touring and long distance ride...

[RickG16]

Just now, Agusts said:

Yes, you guessed it, Yamaha R15 wouldn't be comfortable for touring and long distance ride...

Care to name a few which would?

 

I guess the sportier the bike the less comfortable for longer distances?

[Agusts]

Just now, RickG16 said:

Care to name a few which would?

 

I guess the sportier the bike the less comfortable for longer distances?

 

Depends on your budget and taste I guess, any naked bike is better than sports bike, then touring bikes and cruisers, but they are pricey and not useful in town...

 

Do you like automatic scooters or want manual clutch and gear...? And the budget..? How far are you touring ..., a few hours or longer...!?

 

I recommend a used Forza 300cc , 4 or 5 years old, about 60 or 70k baht in good condition.... Then again I'm biased, I'm riding one...! lol ????

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Looks interesting. Do those bags have a (category) name?

 

Tail Bags...  which basically means any soft bag you can strap to the bike behind you.

 

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-tail-bags

 

 

[richard_smith237]

3 hours ago, RickG16 said:

Thanks for all the responses. Seems a lot comes down to personal preference.

 

FYI this is a big rucksack for travelling (for obvious reasons the trip wouldn't happen soon).

 

So is the consensus that this type of rucksack should go over your shoulders and sit on the back seat (that's how I've done it over short distances), or between your legs on the floor?

 

I am considering buying a Yamaha R15 ... would have a few weeks getting used to it first before the trip. As non-bike guy I would like to ask.... is this a completely unsuitable bike for travelling long distances with a rucksack?

 

Thanks again

 

I’d consider an R15 the wrong bike for long distances due to the forward riding position with some of the weight of your upper body supported by your arms / hands which will get tired. This will be amplified when wearing a back back. 

 

If riding with a ‘loose backpack’ which sits on the seat but is still over your shoulders there is a high risk of this moving or falling to the side and ‘pulling an arm’. I’d never ride with a heavy backpack - IMO thats asking for trouble and discomfort. 

 

 

In your bike choice - considering something with a more upright riding position where there is no or very little weight on your arms and hands. 

 

You may also want a little more ‘grunt’ for longer distance riding - the Kawasaki Versys seems very popular and comes with the X-300cc or even a 650cc or something similar. 

 

 

[GreasyFingers]

The OP will only do it once with a backpack. A most uncomfortable way to travel on a bike. As suggested above use saddle bags, back rack or have a sissy bar fitted.

[papa al]

Just lash it crosswise behind you.

//////////////

MT15

CB150

Many for sale slightly used cheap.

[moe666]

When I was touring around I used a small pack a few clothing items. Lifted up the seat slide the shoulder straps around the seat and shut it down no weight on back and a good reason to spend severaldays to do laundry

 

[VocalNeal]

 How far do you intend to travel each day?

 

I used to ride 220kms each way and back.every weekend on an NSR150R about the same size, maybe, as a R15. As I have said I had a top box and tank bag. Not a problem for me. I have ridden from Udon to Bangkok in one day on an NSR 250 (bit bigger than R15 but not much) also not a problem.

[ChakaKhan]

11 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

That sounds like a big risk if that backpack moves. And that moves, and maybe blocks, the handlebars.

My pack is normal sized and i pull the straps tight after put over mirror bars...it then just sits between my legs..has worked well as Ive done it many times for moving around cm with other items onboard...I adjust the straps so the pack hangs a little lower, resting against the mbike frame and between my legs to lock it down and allow turning..or i wear the pack normally and let the weight of it sit on the rest of my mbike seat .....not saying its the best way but works for me....i do a test run with it on....but then again I bring this pack as a carry on when I live in LOS...so I always pack light and keep it under 15lbs-7kg limit...gets lighter each time I return......depends on the mbike too as mine was a old honda dream..a automatic-scoopy would give much more floorboard room, as you usually see a big old dog or fluffy thai pooch hanging out on the floor decks as opposed to basket pups

[mikebike]

My 2 sating...

 

I am from North America and have spent 10s of thousands of kms touring on sport bikes, sometimes 1,000 kms a day, without discomfort. Your choice of bike is entirely up to you and your comfort level(s).

 

I would NEVER bike-tour long distances with my luggage on my back. Why would you? To have full control of the mc you cannot be in any way encumbered by carrying your life on your back. The mc is designed to be the carrier of you and your gear.

 

I strongly suggest stacking your gear behind you on the seat. Done properly it makes a nice backrest and keeps any and all weight off you and on the machine.

 

Think of it this way: if you were touring Thailand in a car would you leave your backpack on or throw it in the boot/trunk?

[VocalNeal]

The new Honda Grom Adventure has a tailback included so they should be available as a spare or accessory at local Honda dealer. 

 

 

[papa al]

cute

[taninthai]

56 minutes ago, papa al said:

cute

????????????????????????????not a generally used word to describe motorbikes ,,,,,I have heard off sexy and that bikes a beast .......but cute that’s a new one.

[VocalNeal]

1 hour ago, papa al said:

cute

 

I did think it would be a bit intimidating on a dual carriageway here. So went Versys instead.

Otherwise it would have been OK.

[MarkT63]

Got these panniers made by a guy in Patong and they are more than big enough for my travel needs.

 

Also got a local lady to make bags that sit perfetly inside them to make it easy to take stuff out of the bike.

 

Felt good supporting local Thai businesses and  I got exactly what I wanted!!

 

Cheers