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Frankenbike
Written by eegah_yai on 12/18/2007 at 11:38 pm


I sold my Honda trunk bags and use backpacks (day pack size) inside the
trunk. When lain on their sides, they are just the right shape, but have
all those extra compartments, and you can use them for hiking at your
destination. I also use two other cargo carrying methods- one is a "top
case" which is a small cooler, bungee-corded onto the passenger seat,
using the grip bars for anchors. I actually use three different coolers,
(three different sizes), depending on the length of the trip, and keep
my day to day essentials in them, as they are easily accessible- extra
gloves, maps, water bottles, camera, snacks, etc. At night, when camping
or in a motel, they then keep my beer cold (another day to day essential).
The other bags I use are 9 inch diameter, 21 inch long duffel bags, or
gym bags......whatever you want to call them. They are made of nylon,
and have a shoulder strap. I use ones that have all plastic hardware,
not metal.
I used to criss cross the shoulder straps between the two bags, so
they hung over the rear seat by the shoulder straps, but now have enough
confidence in bungee cords. The bungee cords do not go across the seat,
but just around the bag and passenger hand bar on each side. (two cords
for each bag). A passenger can also sit and not be bothered by these
bags, even with sleeping bag pads tied on top of them. The 9x21 inch
size is ideal for carrying a 20 degree, mummy style sleeping bag, and
can be waterproofed also. I have used three different mummy bags, and
they all fit- one Qualofill (my favorite), one Polarguard 3-D, and I
forget the other one.
I stuff my sleeping bags into their nylon stuff sack, then put the
stuffed bag into a "kitchen" size garbage bag. I use my legs and arms to
squeeze the air out of the sleeping bag and garbage bag, then tie it at
the top. The vacuumed bag now looks like a huge white peanut. It will
now fit easily into the nylon bag, and I have a waterproof sleeping bag
carrier. Previously I just put my sleeping bag into a garbage bag, then
tied it onto the bike. We all know how that goes- the flapping in the
wind, tears in the plastic, and eventually a wet bag or one that is in
danger of coming loose. If the nylon bags get wet, they dry out easily,
overnight in the room, or in a tent. Really, these bags cost about $15
to $20 a piece, and look as good as any expensive luggage.
When traveling alone, one side of the bike holds one nylon bag for a
sleeping bag, and on the other side of the bike another for clothes,
towels, mask, snorkel, etc. or other soft stuff (also waterproofed with
a garbage bag). These 4 bags-(the two backpacks in the trunk, and the
two side bags), hold a lot of stuff! I use a 7'x7' tent which is lain
over the top of the trunk, behind the passenger backrest, and then is
laced onto the passenger hand bars also. The 7x7 is a perfect size tent-
not too big to carry, and you can put two people, plus all the gear you
can fit onto your bike into it, if it rains.
If anyone is interested in the exact look of the bike packed this way, I
think I have a photo or two.
Mike