First, I had canvas bags on a bike before - less than a year and the canvas was knarly, groddy, moldy, and covered in bug juice that just wouldn't wash off. It might look cool and old-fashioned, but hard cases are the way to go. Also, be sure to keep your chocolate in the bags resting on the cylinder heads, that'll keep it warm and mushy.
Second, I recently had tires like that on a CB350 Honda from the 70's. Hated them. They were ok on dirt roads, but the bike seriously wasn't up to more than the occasional dirt road. On streets, however, those tires were squirrelly and dangerous. The bike rode 100% better once I put real tires on it.
So, looks cool in pictures but I would seriously make some changes for a daily driver.
Yep. I had the big 1000cc V-Strom with the engine guards, apocolyptic knob tires and that thing was a fuggin PIG. High centre of gravity, and a complete b*tch to ride in any high winds or real weather.
If I were to go that route again I'd slow down, get a more capable trail bike like the DR650 or one of the older, tried and true bulletproof bikes that can handle serious terrain...
What would those bitty leather bags astride the front wheel hold ? A serious question, not a motorcyclist - i.e. rider, just wondering what a real rider would carry there as necessary ?
Those bags outside the engine gonna get hammered from roadside brush, at least not without an engine guard in front of them.
I've been riding motorcycles since the 70's and I honestly don't know. They look pretty useless. Anything up there will be covered in dirt, grime, water, bugs, etc. so leather will hold up slightly better than canvas, but still not good enough for anything I'd want to put there.
I dunno A... but I wouldn't disparage them. Leather handles the crap weather a little better than canvas if you look after it. I'd put something little in them that would be the first thing off the bike when you stopped for the night. Maybe tobacco, or coffee... a fire starting kid, maybe maps? I'd have it all in Ziploc sammich bags too for added protection. There was a time I could give you an extensive list of things that would go in there... when you live on a bike as the intrepd explorers and adventurers do, you develop a method of packing that require unconventional means to make your life easier. You would want your essentials and often used materials and equipment easily accessible, and the other stuff packed deeper in your plunder depending on their usefulness. As an example - I'd pack the tent/tarp ropes, pegs etc - deeper in and more sheltered from the elements by the less important stuff like stoves, roadside repair tools, etc.
Back when I rode such bikes I knew guys that could have a punctured tire off the machine and replaced in less than 15 minutes - right on the side of the road.
R80GS... and yeah, abit top heavy... very high. A *trials* bike... likely *can't* get *both* feet down... and you steer with the handlebars, leaning don't do shit.... but I could make that thing do *anything*.... save predict oncoming traffic on blind curves...
That would make Bronson's motorbike stash look puny
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna go ahead and say it!!!
DeleteI think Bronson and Steve McQueen are tougher than Chuck Norris...!!!!
Blasphemy I say.
DeleteFitty
First, I had canvas bags on a bike before - less than a year and the canvas was knarly, groddy, moldy, and covered in bug juice that just wouldn't wash off. It might look cool and old-fashioned, but hard cases are the way to go. Also, be sure to keep your chocolate in the bags resting on the cylinder heads, that'll keep it warm and mushy.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I recently had tires like that on a CB350 Honda from the 70's. Hated them. They were ok on dirt roads, but the bike seriously wasn't up to more than the occasional dirt road. On streets, however, those tires were squirrelly and dangerous. The bike rode 100% better once I put real tires on it.
So, looks cool in pictures but I would seriously make some changes for a daily driver.
Yep. I had the big 1000cc V-Strom with the engine guards, apocolyptic knob tires and that thing was a fuggin PIG. High centre of gravity, and a complete b*tch to ride in any high winds or real weather.
DeleteIf I were to go that route again I'd slow down, get a more capable trail bike like the DR650 or one of the older, tried and true bulletproof bikes that can handle serious terrain...
What would those bitty leather bags astride the front wheel hold ? A serious question, not a motorcyclist - i.e. rider, just wondering what a real rider would carry there as necessary ?
ReplyDeleteThose bags outside the engine gonna get hammered from roadside brush, at least not without an engine guard in front of them.
I've been riding motorcycles since the 70's and I honestly don't know. They look pretty useless. Anything up there will be covered in dirt, grime, water, bugs, etc. so leather will hold up slightly better than canvas, but still not good enough for anything I'd want to put there.
DeleteI dunno A... but I wouldn't disparage them. Leather handles the crap weather a little better than canvas if you look after it. I'd put something little in them that would be the first thing off the bike when you stopped for the night. Maybe tobacco, or coffee... a fire starting kid, maybe maps? I'd have it all in Ziploc sammich bags too for added protection. There was a time I could give you an extensive list of things that would go in there... when you live on a bike as the intrepd explorers and adventurers do, you develop a method of packing that require unconventional means to make your life easier. You would want your essentials and often used materials and equipment easily accessible, and the other stuff packed deeper in your plunder depending on their usefulness. As an example - I'd pack the tent/tarp ropes, pegs etc - deeper in and more sheltered from the elements by the less important stuff like stoves, roadside repair tools, etc.
DeleteBack when I rode such bikes I knew guys that could have a punctured tire off the machine and replaced in less than 15 minutes - right on the side of the road.
They made me jealous... ;)
Much obliged for the effort to teach me Mr. Filthie - what you say above makes sense.
Deletehad one of those in this life. A real thumper. Could stand up at 50 in 3rd gear... and leave the freeway without an offramp.
ReplyDeleteWhat was your ride, Fido?
DeleteR80GS... and yeah, abit top heavy... very high. A *trials* bike... likely *can't* get *both* feet down... and you steer with the handlebars, leaning don't do shit.... but I could make that thing do *anything*.... save predict oncoming traffic on blind curves...
DeleteWhy not now
ReplyDeleteToo fat, old and slow, BC! ;)
DeleteIt needs a scabbard.
ReplyDeleteFitty
I am at the age where I would prefer an ATV or UTV.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like this guy just left home.
ReplyDelete