What's in the saddle bags? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

suzuki joe · 10-04-2005, 11:49 AM

Howdy!

I just got my new C-50 last week and plan on starting to commute to work on it. It is a 45 mile hike each way. I can take either the freeway (I-35 @ about 6:30-7:30AM) or I can take surface streets.

I ordered saddle bags, and they should be coming in this week. So here is my question:

What should be kept in the saddle bags at all times? Tools? Rain gear? I look forward to learning from you collective wisdom.

PS: Any other advice you can offer is gratefully accepted.

axel_2078 · 10-04-2005, 11:51 AM

I use mine primarily for temporary storage, depending on how far I'm going. Nothing in them is really permanent except for a reflective vest, which I'm required to wear, and a velcro arm-band ID holder. I don't have any rain gear because I refuse to ride in the rain.

**Trapper** · 10-04-2005, 11:58 AM

A six pack in each side.

rappidrabbit · 10-04-2005, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axel_2078

I use mine primarily for temporary storage, depending on how far I'm going. Nothing in them is really permanent except for a reflective vest, which I'm required to wear, and a velcro arm-band ID holder. I don't have any rain gear because I refuse to ride in the rain.

+1... except for the vest and arm band..... I carry rain gear, meds, water.ect.....basically whatever you need at the time...
We have been taking short trips around New Mexico, Texas and Arizona....going to Arizona for Helldorado days in Tombstone shortly....I was raised in Bisbee, Arizona.. Are any of you going over to Tombstone???? Would like to meet some members in this area.....

oldgeezer · 10-04-2005, 12:03 PM

I ride my bike to work every day. Normally all that is in my saddlebags is my lunch. I do have a fork bag where I carry a few tools, fuses, bulbs and my garage door opener. I only live about 5 miles from work and it doesn't rain much out here in hooterville, so I don't carry any rain gear.

rappidrabbit · 10-04-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgeezer

I ride my bike to work every day. Normally all that is in my saddlebags is my lunch. I do have a fork bag where I carry a few tools, fuses, bulbs and my garage door opener. I only live about 5 miles from work and it doesn't rain much out here in hooterville, so I don't carry any rain gear.

arent you in Midland area????think about coming over?????

Fishpart · 10-04-2005, 12:12 PM

Tire gauge.

stp1971 · 10-04-2005, 12:15 PM

Raingear, extra gloves, cold weather mask, bandana in one side. The other side has suntan lotion, tennis shoes(if going to work or soemwhere hiking is in order), tool bag, and other nicknacks. The outside pockets on the saddlebags have a brush, my wheel lock, an air pressure gauge, and my keys are stored in there so I don't have possible impellment objects.

I keep a set of goggles and their interchangeable lenses on the triple tree/handlebar bag.

bud van houten · 10-04-2005, 12:16 PM

i agree with most of the posts. i carry a really neat compact socket set that i found at a big lots store here in kansas city for $4.99. no, i couldn't overhaul the bike with it, but if someting minor happened, thought it would maybe help. i don't ride in the rain...if i can help it, but i do carry a poncho just in case. also carry a small first aid kit and a small tube of sun screen. later, bud

**Trapper** · 10-04-2005, 12:39 PM

Seriously, bungee net, jacket liner, tire guage, bottle of water.

oklahoma_mike · 10-04-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzuki joe

Howdy!

I just got my new C-50 last week and plan on starting to commute to work on it. It is a 45 mile hike each way. I can take either the freeway (I-35 @ about 6:30-7:30AM) or I can take surface streets.

I ordered saddle bags, and they should be coming in this week. So here is my question:

What should be kept in the saddle bags at all times? Tools? Rain gear? I look forward to learning from you collective wisdom.

PS: Any other advice you can offer is gratefully accepted.

Is there a lot of traffic on I-35 that time of day?
I am more prone to staying off surface streets if I can more chances that someone will try to defy the law that two objects can not occupy the same space at the same time. as far as the bags go with the Savage I keep two small cresent wrenches two multy tip screwdrivers small Allen wrench set small mag light and fuses

**Clint** · 10-04-2005, 02:05 PM

I'm surprised more of you don't carry first aid. For the other guy. You have all that space, why not be prepared? When I tour I carry a whole EMT kit that my brother put together for me.

suzuki joe · 10-04-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oklahoma_mike

Is there a lot of traffic on I-35 that time of day?
I am more prone to staying off surface streets if I can more chances that someone will try to defy the law that two objects can not occupy the same space at the same time.

At the time of day I travel, it is a mixed bag (no pun intended). The first 20 miles are smooth sailing. Then it slows down to bumper to bumper. It then crawls through the "mix master" where (as the name implies) about half a dozen freeways intersect. That is where bedlam reigns.

Slow coming out of there for about 5-10 miles, then pretty smooth all the way to work. For those familiar with the Dallas area, the route is Waxahachie to Carrollton.

Will "fix-a-flat" work in a tubed tire" good to carry?

Very helpful stuff here. Please keep it coming.

chewbaca · 10-04-2005, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzuki joe

Howdy!

I just got my new C-50 last week and plan on starting to commute to work on it. It is a 45 mile hike each way. I can take either the freeway (I-35 @ about 6:30-7:30AM) or I can take surface streets.

I ordered saddle bags, and they should be coming in this week. So here is my question:

What should be kept in the saddle bags at all times? Tools? Rain gear? I look forward to learning from you collective wisdom.

PS: Any other advice you can offer is gratefully accepted.

How about some spark plug bits (you know those white ceramic bits) ?

3Dachs · 10-04-2005, 03:16 PM

I go with a jacket liner, extra gloves, my other visor (clear/tinted), baseball hat and microfiber cloth for removing bug casualties from my visor.

stp1971 · 10-04-2005, 03:35 PM

Hey wait a minute,,, Suzuki Joe,,, are you in Georgia???? If so then you are not that far from my house. There is a Carrolton and a Dallas right near me,,or are you in the Texas area????

I don't know about the fix a flat,, I have heard good and bad things about it. Depends if you have a tube or tubless tire also.

**drgibson** · 10-04-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

Hey wait a minute,,, Suzuki Joe,,, are you in Georgia???? If so then you are not that far from my house. There is a Carrolton and a Dallas right near me,,or are you in the Texas area????

I don't know about the fix a flat,, I have heard good and bad things about it. Depends if you have a tube or tubless tire also.

Ok Sean I35 should tell you something.

**drgibson** · 10-04-2005, 03:41 PM

I keep 2 tiedown bungies, Rainsuit, towel, flashlight and the rest is for temp storage. I think I might through in a band aid tonight when I get home so I can be a first responder.

oldgeezer · 10-04-2005, 03:53 PM

Is there a Waxahachie Georgia? That'd be weird.

So, I'm reminded of the two aggies who were traveling up I-35 and stopped in Waxahachie for a burger. They politely asked the lady taking their order, "how to you pronounce the name of this place?" She said, "DAIRY QUEEN."

**drgibson** · 10-04-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgeezer

Is there a Waxahachie Georgia? That'd be weird.

You in Waxahachie?

10-04-2005, 11:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
suzuki joe Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 63	What's in the saddle bags? Howdy! I just got my new C-50 last week and plan on starting to commute to work on it. It is a 45 mile hike each way. I can take either the freeway (I-35 @ about 6:30-7:30AM) or I can take surface streets. I ordered saddle bags, and they should be coming in this week. So here is my question: What should be kept in the saddle bags at all times? Tools? Rain gear? I look forward to learning from you collective wisdom. PS: Any other advice you can offer is gratefully accepted.

10-04-2005, 11:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
axel_2078 Sit speling cheker Joined: May 2004 Bike: 2003 Marauder 800 Location: Fairview Heights, IL Posts: 1,668	I use mine primarily for temporary storage, depending on how far I'm going. Nothing in them is really permanent except for a reflective vest, which I'm required to wear, and a velcro arm-band ID holder. I don't have any rain gear because I refuse to ride in the rain. __________________ "Rome didn't win wars by holding meetings. They did it by crushing those who opposed them." - unknown Everyone has a dark side. Mine's just a little closer to the surface.

10-04-2005, 11:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	A six pack in each side. __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

10-04-2005, 12:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
oldgeezer Handlebar Consultant Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 646	I ride my bike to work every day. Normally all that is in my saddlebags is my lunch. I do have a fork bag where I carry a few tools, fuses, bulbs and my garage door opener. I only live about 5 miles from work and it doesn't rain much out here in hooterville, so I don't carry any rain gear. __________________ Oh, he's very popular Ed. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, d!ckheads--they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude.

10-04-2005, 12:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	Raingear, extra gloves, cold weather mask, bandana in one side. The other side has suntan lotion, tennis shoes(if going to work or soemwhere hiking is in order), tool bag, and other nicknacks. The outside pockets on the saddlebags have a brush, my wheel lock, an air pressure gauge, and my keys are stored in there so I don't have possible impellment objects. I keep a set of goggles and their interchangeable lenses on the triple tree/handlebar bag. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

10-04-2005, 12:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fishpart Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: 2007 Harley Davidson Electa Glide Location: York, Pa Posts: 783	Tire gauge.

10-04-2005, 12:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
bud van houten Ditch Magnet Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2000 intruder lc 1500 Location: kansas city, mo. Posts: 175	i agree with most of the posts. i carry a really neat compact socket set that i found at a big lots store here in kansas city for $4.99. no, i couldn't overhaul the bike with it, but if someting minor happened, thought it would maybe help. i don't ride in the rain...if i can help it, but i do carry a poncho just in case. also carry a small first aid kit and a small tube of sun screen. later, bud

10-04-2005, 12:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	Seriously, bungee net, jacket liner, tire guage, bottle of water. __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

10-04-2005, 03:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
3Dachs Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 C50 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 59	I go with a jacket liner, extra gloves, my other visor (clear/tinted), baseball hat and microfiber cloth for removing bug casualties from my visor. __________________ Relax! Don't worry! Have a homebrew! If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!

10-04-2005, 03:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	Hey wait a minute,,, Suzuki Joe,,, are you in Georgia???? If so then you are not that far from my house. There is a Carrolton and a Dallas right near me,,or are you in the Texas area???? I don't know about the fix a flat,, I have heard good and bad things about it. Depends if you have a tube or tubless tire also. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

10-04-2005, 03:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
drgibson Antebellum Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,742	I keep 2 tiedown bungies, Rainsuit, towel, flashlight and the rest is for temp storage. I think I might through in a band aid tonight when I get home so I can be a first responder. __________________ “Please Remember to Kazoo Responsibly.”

10-04-2005, 03:53 PM	#19 (permalink)
oldgeezer Handlebar Consultant Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 646	Is there a Waxahachie Georgia? That'd be weird. So, I'm reminded of the two aggies who were traveling up I-35 and stopped in Waxahachie for a burger. They politely asked the lady taking their order, "how to you pronounce the name of this place?" She said, "DAIRY QUEEN." __________________ Oh, he's very popular Ed. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, d!ckheads--they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude. Last edited by oldgeezer; 10-04-2005 at 03:56 PM.

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