Little Luggage

[NigelM]

So I have the big aluminium BMW panniers and top box, but for most of my riding they are just too big and I prefer to ride without them.

I would rather have a very small pouch up front somewhere to keep house keys, manual, wallet, phone etc. and then a waterproof tail bag to strap onto the carrier to take a few clothes or laptop and bits for work.

What are the best solutions/bags out there for those sort of applications?

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Handle bar bag is good for little things like keys and phone etc etc
tank bag also a decent idea depending on trip length etc etc
as for dry bags to replace panniers there are loads of threads and posts on this subject
Personally i keep my top box on for everyday, use that and the tank bag for short trips overnight or 2 but for longer i put the full monty on and pack everything i need and plenty i don't need but makes me comfyer

 

[Timbo1965]

Check out Givi. They do a small tank bag with a quick release system. I've just fitted one and it only took a few minutes. Not used it in anger yet. But it looks perfect for a few essentials.

 

[younger06]

Kappa (Givi's sister brand) held on with a quick release tank ring.

 

[Greenman14]

I would have a tail pack in preference to a tank bag. Plenty to choose from.

 

[Beemerman59]

I just bought one of these:

http://www.over-board.co.uk/35-off-35-litre.html

35% off at the mo.....just right for those cheeky weekends away.

 

[DGB]

I bought one of these a few weeks ago. http://www.wunderlich.de/shop/en/seat-bag-safe-elephant-2.html
I personally don't like tank bags or carry a pillion so for me this was a better choice.
It's not cheap, but it's very well made and has enough space for a drink, money, keys and a camera.

 

[Bendy toy]

I have the top box on most of the time. The side cases get much less use. You could get some Peli cases or brief case size flight cases to fit on the pannier frames.

 

[JerseyNeil]

A Kriega US10 or US20 straps nicely on the rear deck where your pillion seat normally fits.

I use the smaller BMW tank bag on the front too.

Ihave recently adapted my vario top box with the fitting kit to sit on the pillion position which is great in the 'Small mode' for every day use and I feel I can load it up with lots more weight on the pillion spot rather than when it was on the overhanging rear rack.

The first pic is mine with a US20 fitted. 2nd pic is with the top box on pillion position and panniers (but you get the idea).

 

[Blackal]

These GIVI Tanklock bags are good.

I got one for my HP2 - works well, and would hold satnav, camera, phone, wallet easily.The one I have - is the one below.

If you swap to another type of bike, just get an additional mount (not too expensive).



Al

 

[Nutty]

I use a Wunderlich handlebar bag all the time, and a Kreiga US10 on the back. The good thing with the Kreiga is that it rolls up nice and flat when empty, so is inconspicuous, but it will take loads of stuff when you need it to.

 

[AustinW]

I love adding little bags and storage space to my bikes. On the GSA I have: a tool tube on each crash bar, crash bar bags, 2 kriega pockets- one on the left handlebar, the other on the screen sub-frame, two Kriega R3 bags each mounted either side of the headlight, a Cymarc pannier frame tool box, and a number plate tool box. I also have a big top box that is mostly empty. For big trips I add the panniers, pannier top bags and replace the top box with a roll bag.

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

I love adding little bags and storage space to my bikes. On the GSA I have: a tool tube on each crash bar, crash bar bags, 2 kriega pockets- one on the left handlebar, the other on the screen sub-frame, two Kriega R3 bags each mounted either side of the headlight, a Cymarc pannier frame tool box, and a number plate tool box. I also have a big top box that is mostly empty. For big trips I add the panniers, pannier top bags and replace the top box with a roll bag.

What you need is a car

 

[NigelM]

Thanks guys, lots of useful ideas.

 

[Bendy toy]

I love adding little bags and storage space to my bikes. On the GSA I have: a tool tube on each crash bar, crash bar bags, 2 kriega pockets- one on the left handlebar, the other on the screen sub-frame, two Kriega R3 bags each mounted either side of the headlight, a Cymarc pannier frame tool box, and a number plate tool box. I also have a big top box that is mostly empty. For big trips I add the panniers, pannier top bags and replace the top box with a roll bag.

What! No cup holders?

 

[AustinW]

What! No cup holders?

Not yet In the States they had some awesome cup holders on bikes. Some of them big enough for those huge quart sized paper cups they do in USA fast food places. There were also lots of bikes towing trailers, which seems like a good idea. We are back there in a few weeks. I will let you know how we get on.

 

[Bendy toy]

A big trailer only makes sense on straight toads or where filtering is illegal.
A monowheel however makes a lot of sense. Weight is largely taken off the bike and it leans with the bike so has minimal effect on normal handling. Also narrow enough to filter lanes and when parked the contents are secure.