Luggage/laptop carrier

I have started a new job in which I will be taking a laptop home every day with me. I have an 1150 GS, and plan to commute almost every day. My problem is with the stuff I carry to work: laptop, shoes to change into at work, lunch, and maybe other stuff from time to time.

I have soft luggage bags which strap on, and my saddle bags but they are not the optimum solution. The laptop won't fit in the saddle bags and the strapping in and taking off the luggage bags which can fit the laptop is a pain to do twice a day.

What would be perfect would be a quick release bag large enough to take the laptop, my shoes (size 13), lunch and other essentials. I was at the motorcycle show last weekend at San Mateo and saw such a bag from Lee Parks company (he was giving a talk on his bike handling course). Has anyone out there tried that bag? How was the quality?
I also purchased an Aerostich rider bag, the kind that slings over your shoulder, but it doesn't have a padded container for the laptop.

Any suggestions out there, based on what you've done or heard of?

Thanks

Bill

A Givi or similar hard trunk would work. Large enough for the laptop and extras, plus you could cut foam to fit for extra protection. I bought a Bestam brand (Givi knockoff) that came with the mount that you bolt onto your existing rear rack. Works great, is easily removed, or can stay locked on the bike. Mine has been through a number of rain storms and never any moisture inside.

I just happened to be browing through the Whitehorse Gear Catelog from Whitehorse Press and found several candidate tail bags that ought to work. The best ones clip on and off easily, but are secure while mounted.

Check out Pelican Cases. They are extraordinarily tough and can be found on eBay at some great pricing.

For a useful thread on Adventure Riders click here.

Try searching for the Givi T450 Commuter bag...looks interesting.

Bill2 said:

I also purchased an Aerostich rider bag, the kind that slings over your shoulder, but it doesn't have a padded container for the laptop.

Click to expand...

Padded sleeves for laptops are available that will protect the laptop in any bag. I saw some today in the rider wearhouse catalog recently received in the mail.

http://www.aerostich.com/packing-it-in/laptop-bags-briefcases

for example, includes a water resistant bag for laptops that looks to be made by seal line.

Is it best to carry laptop/netbook in saddlebags, tankbag, or rear trunk?



Roc

What about a backpack? Timbuk2 and Eagle Creek make some nice laptop backpacks that are structured like a brief case. On occasion, I use my Timbuk2 bag as a brief case for non-motorcycle travel.

Hey Bill,

I had a similar question last Spring and received a lot of helpful suggestions and comments.

I wound up purchasing a Spire Dart padded case for my 17" MacBook Pro. The laptop traveled with me in my right system case for over 2300 miles (many of them twisties), from NYC down the Suches, GA to Johnson City, TN and back. Never a problem. I use the Dart bag all the time in my travels around NYC. It's well padded and has ample additional pockets and I like the fact that it's in an atypical vertical format.

Good luck with your search for the best solution.

I carry mine laying flat in my Jesse topcase. 30,000 or so miles that way by now with my Lenovo and I have had no issues. When traveling I can also plug it in to a 12v outlet in the topcase and charge it while going down the road.

For daily commuting I ditched my laptop "briefcase" and replaced with an upscale laptop backpack. They seem to be accepted in all but the most conservative offices these days. Balance while riding is very good and an unexpected benefit is that it's much easier to carry through airports than the briefcase.

Talmadge

my 13' mac fits perfectly in the lid. I have a surplus dry bag incase of rain.

I haven't had any problem stowing the comp in the case. I do turn it off if traveling long distance. Been good for 22,000 miles this season.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o3rYL_aKdyjCNbgs8fBtQA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUlLxCsQNp0/SxVllYP1rTI/AAAAAAAABB4/uKqWQeOKkAI/s800/case1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/houstonmcintyre/Random?feat=embedwebsite">Random</a></td></tr></table>

Kriega makes the best motorcycle backpacks; many sizes, waterproof, foolproof harnesses, etc.

Wintertime Computer Commuting

A related issue in the wintertime ...... my computer repair-person cautions against starting up the computer if it is cold from a winter bike ride. He says doing this will jeopardize the motherboard. He advises to let the computer come to room temperature first.


____________________
'07 R1200RT

calmil said:

A related issue in the wintertime ...... my computer repair-person cautions against starting up the computer if it is cold from a winter bike ride. He says doing this will jeopardize the motherboard. He advises to let the computer come to room temperature first.

Click to expand...

good point