Creative packing?

[Promethean]

Perhaps I had best start at the beginning. My car died this Thursday without warning on the freeway with my puppy in the back seat. So I guess it's just me and the R for now.

It will take me a couple of months to research, price and buy a new 4 wheeled vehicle. Carrying groceries and such is going to pose an interesting challenge even though I have the city cases.

Do any of you have suggestions on how to carry bigger items? Perhaps top case/mesh net/ bungee cords etc?

I would appreciate any suggestions you would have. Thanks

-Promethean

[BobFV1]

Cheapest bike alternatives for now would be to get a larger set of lids for your city cases, and/or get a large size, soft bag to strap to the rear seat. I have a larger rear seat bag and a larger tank bag for my Ducati and I can take it on a comfortable weekend tour and bring back a few souveniers. Check out a Cycle Gear if there is one around you - I got some nice soft-sided bike luggage there.

Good luck with the car search.

[bakernks]

A 15"x20" Eagle Creek duffle and a 6-8 hook cargo bungie can get you through. A more expensive option ($160), but actually worth every penny, is the soft 2 piece luggage BMW offers for the F650. If you have the luggage rack on the R1150R, this two piece set fits perfectly. Pick up a couple female half buckles and get a length of 1" nylon webbing to make a couple loops on your City case rails, and the 2 piece BMW luggage set can be anchored in 6 places, and becomes very usable. Both pieces at once, or singularly, are really handy, they have waterproof duffles sewn inside, and my set after a year's use is still perfect. You can use the pair as a large backpack, it has sewn in backpack straps also. I run the City cases also, as I don't care for the really wide look, and this F650 soft case set has been the best luggage I've ever owned. I find it curious they don't offer it for the R1150R, it fits as if it was tailored for our bike.

[darthrider]

If you're carrying something long & skinny you can attach a strap on the item like a rifle sling. Sling it diagonally across your back and you're down the road.
For good supplemental carrying capacity get a bicycle/motorcycle messenger's dispatch bag. They come in several sizes and are comfortable to carry (I hate backpacks but they work too).
I've seen pannier bags for the gas tank but can't say where. They are ugly as hell and awkward looking but would carry more stuff.
I have sat on flat things to carry them.
Get a girlfriend with a van...

Your pup OK?

[Promethean]

Thanks Bob & Bakerkns for the info.

Bakerkns: Would it be in bad form if I PMed you about the BMW soft luggage and the way it can be lashed onto the bike? or would you rather prefer that I ask on the board?

Dave,
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think the backpack might work though. I wear a Joe Rocket Mesh and an HJC FF helmet so it would be awkward. I'm becoming more resourceful in carrying stuff on the bike though. I was able to transport an oil drain container (empty of-course) by stuffing it partway in the jacket.

Oh. By the way, the puppy's fine, just a little frisky.

Girlfriend with a van. Hmmm...that's the best idea I've heard so far.

-Promethean

[marko]

I found for grocery shopping when carless or incapacitated, i do my grocery shopping online and they deliver to your door for a reasonable fee. A good short term solution and alternative to lugging weighty items on a bike.
I have used them once when i was carless for a short period, and again when i did my knee and could not move for a week!!!

No doubt you guys have similar services where you are.


http://157.155.162.22/

[pinecone]

Too bad about your car, but you're right. This is the start of a new adventure. How big's the pup? Any thoughts on teaching it to ride?

I've seen pannier bags for the gas tank but can't say where. They are ugly as hell and awkward looking but would carry more stuff.

I have the tank panniers from Aerostitch (came with my bike). You can get standard or large and they come in black or hi-vis. I have standard black. I've have actually received quite a few (positive) comments on them. They hold tons of stuff and are nice when you want to access something quickly (phone, cup of coffee!, wallet)

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?pr ... 256&page=1

[Promethean]

Thanks guys.

The puppy's an 8 month old yellow Labrador Retriever. He's already about 60 lbs or so and only getting bigger. It's unlikely that he'll be able to stay on the bike unless I have a sidecar attachment with him strapped in.

I have a pal who rides an R1100R with his terrier stuffed in his tank bag with just the head poking out. It's a hoot watching them ride.

You folks have been very helpful. Thanks again.

-Promethean