Storage on a Katana - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

rteichman · 04-20-2004, 07:44 PM

I recently got a 96 Katana 750 and it my first bike, and yes I have taken the MSF and all that. OK I'm a noobie so these might seem like dumb questions but here goes:

1) When you stop and park your bike (like going into McDonalds or something) what do you do with your helmet? I know the bike has a helmet lock, but its inconvenient, and my helmet does not have D rings. To date I have been carrying it with me, but it seems like no one else does. It also seems like people just leave it on the bike unlocked. What do you do with your gloves?

2) I only go for rides that last a few hours, maybe half a day or so, thus I don't need to take a lot with me. However there are times when I would like to bring something along, or purchase something during my ride. What do you recommend for storage? It would be nice if it was secured to the bike so I could walk away from it for a short while without having to worry about it getting stolen. Ideally, in the summer I would like to store my jacket in there so as not have to wear it while I'm not riding.

**Clint** · 04-20-2004, 10:02 PM

1) I carry mine with me. I get some looks, but who cares? You don't see many other people carrying them because not many people wear them. The fact is, most people who're staring are because they're jealous of your lifestyle. The others can eat dirt.

2) I use a magnetic tank bag with a strap that goes around the frame. I think that theft from a motorcycle is rare, since not many people have the guts to mess with a "biker". Maybe it's different where you live/ride.

pitbull76 · 04-20-2004, 11:12 PM

For storage, you can also buy saddlebags. I have a set and use them to carry stuff to/from work and occasionally for short trips. Make sure to get some that are designed for sportbikes so they won't get too close to the exhaust.

rteichman · 04-21-2004, 08:45 AM

RowdyRed94,
I wasn't concerned about the looks I get for carrying a helmet but rather the nuisance of it. Especially going to the bathroom in a McDonalds, and trying to hold the helmet while taking a leak. There is no way I would want to put it down anywhere there

Again, I see a lot of people just leave it on the seat or hanging off the handle bar. Do people here do that?

Pitbull76,
Thanks for the saddle bag tip. What brand/model did you get? Also, what do you do if you decide to take a passenger (say you want to run out for lunch with a friend)?

**Uncle Bob** · 04-21-2004, 10:06 AM

I would never leave my helmet on my bike unlocked, not so bad if you live where helmets aren't mandatory but if someone was to walk off with my helmet I would be stranded.

Unfortunately too many aholes out there that just for the fun of it would walk off with the helmet .Plus there is the risk of having it drop. A top case ( rear trunk ) is a good idea, most have enough room for two full face helmets. Rigid saddlebags are also good since most can be locked. They don't keep you from carrying a passenger, although you mention that you might on a spur of the moment take a passenger for lunch, do you carry an extra helmet with you.?

rteichman · 04-21-2004, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

although you mention that you might on a spur of the moment take a passenger for lunch, do you carry an extra helmet with you.?

Ahhh there's the delima!

If I get something to carry the extra helmet how do I carry the passenger! What would be ideal is a small lockable tailbag that folds into a backpack or something. Or saddlebags that don't interfere with a passenger.

While I live in a state that does not require helmets, I would not want to ride without it. That's the real reason I have not left it on the bike unattended till now. Its not a valuable helmet (no fancy name brand, no flashy graphics, just good ol'protection).

**Uncle Bob** · 04-21-2004, 10:53 AM

Saddle bags should not interfere with carrying a passenger.

98corona · 04-21-2004, 11:10 AM

Anyone who leaves there helmet on there bike unlocked obviously doesnt live in the Wash. DC metropolitan area! I use my lock for short breaks. I store my celly and other items under the seat. You can also carry a empty pack on your back, the wind resistance and sound is annoying with the wrong kind.

**Clint** · 04-21-2004, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rteichman

Again, I see a lot of people just leave it on the seat or hanging off the handle bar. Do people here do that?

Doing that puts the helmet at risk of meeting the pavement, an interaction which can render it useless.

gsxrjeffro · 04-24-2004, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rteichman

I recently got a 96 Katana 750 and it my first bike, and yes I have taken the MSF and all that. OK I'm a noobie so these might seem like dumb questions but here goes:

1) When you stop and park your bike (like going into McDonalds or something) what do you do with your helmet? I know the bike has a helmet lock, but its inconvenient, and my helmet does not have D rings. To date I have been carrying it with me, but it seems like no one else does. It also seems like people just leave it on the bike unlocked. What do you do with your gloves?

2) I only go for rides that last a few hours, maybe half a day or so, thus I don't need to take a lot with me. However there are times when I would like to bring something along, or purchase something during my ride. What do you recommend for storage? It would be nice if it was secured to the bike so I could walk away from it for a short while without having to worry about it getting stolen. Ideally, in the summer I would like to store my jacket in there so as not have to wear it while I'm not riding.

YOU DON'T HAVE D-RINGS? EVEN BIEFFE HELMETS WITH THE BUCKLE LOCK HAVE A D-RING FOR LOCKING YOUR HELMET. WHAT KIND OF HELMET DO YOU HAVE? YU CAN GET A RETARACTABLE CABLE LOCK FOR YOUR HELMET. YOU CAN GET THEM AT SKI SHOPS AND BIKE SHOPS. THE ONLY OTHER SUGESTION I HAVE IS GIVI MAKES A HARD TAIL TAIL TRUNK..

gsxrjeffro · 04-24-2004, 08:54 AM

http://ecom1.sno-ski.com/product180.html
http://www.giviusa.com/index.cfm?fus...&page_id=3

rteichman · 04-24-2004, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxrjeffro

YOU DON'T HAVE D-RINGS? EVEN BIEFFE HELMETS WITH THE BUCKLE LOCK HAVE A D-RING FOR LOCKING YOUR HELMET. WHAT KIND OF HELMET DO YOU HAVE? YU CAN GET A RETARACTABLE CABLE LOCK FOR YOUR HELMET. YOU CAN GET THEM AT SKI SHOPS AND BIKE SHOPS. THE ONLY OTHER SUGESTION I HAVE IS GIVI MAKES A HARD TAIL TAIL TRUNK..

Nope, no D rings. Its a Lazer (AGV now imag) helmet Centruy model. Its a neat helmet (flip up full face) and fits really well. Which was pure luck since I bought it as a Internet closeout. The shell is something called
I.M.A.C. (Impact Modified Alloy Composite) and its DOT approved.

04-20-2004, 07:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
rteichman Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 97	Storage on a Katana I recently got a 96 Katana 750 and it my first bike, and yes I have taken the MSF and all that. OK I'm a noobie so these might seem like dumb questions but here goes: 1) When you stop and park your bike (like going into McDonalds or something) what do you do with your helmet? I know the bike has a helmet lock, but its inconvenient, and my helmet does not have D rings. To date I have been carrying it with me, but it seems like no one else does. It also seems like people just leave it on the bike unlocked. What do you do with your gloves? 2) I only go for rides that last a few hours, maybe half a day or so, thus I don't need to take a lot with me. However there are times when I would like to bring something along, or purchase something during my ride. What do you recommend for storage? It would be nice if it was secured to the bike so I could walk away from it for a short while without having to worry about it getting stolen. Ideally, in the summer I would like to store my jacket in there so as not have to wear it while I'm not riding.

04-20-2004, 11:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
pitbull76 Found second gear by accident Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 330	For storage, you can also buy saddlebags. I have a set and use them to carry stuff to/from work and occasionally for short trips. Make sure to get some that are designed for sportbikes so they won't get too close to the exhaust. __________________ 1994 Kawasaki ZX-6E

04-21-2004, 10:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	I would never leave my helmet on my bike unlocked, not so bad if you live where helmets aren't mandatory but if someone was to walk off with my helmet I would be stranded. Unfortunately too many aholes out there that just for the fun of it would walk off with the helmet .Plus there is the risk of having it drop. A top case ( rear trunk ) is a good idea, most have enough room for two full face helmets. Rigid saddlebags are also good since most can be locked. They don't keep you from carrying a passenger, although you mention that you might on a spur of the moment take a passenger for lunch, do you carry an extra helmet with you.? __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

04-21-2004, 10:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Saddle bags should not interfere with carrying a passenger. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

04-21-2004, 11:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
98corona Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 81	Anyone who leaves there helmet on there bike unlocked obviously doesnt live in the Wash. DC metropolitan area! I use my lock for short breaks. I store my celly and other items under the seat. You can also carry a empty pack on your back, the wind resistance and sound is annoying with the wrong kind. __________________ 98 Corona Racing

04-21-2004, 08:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
rteichman Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 97	RowdyRed94, I wasn't concerned about the looks I get for carrying a helmet but rather the nuisance of it. Especially going to the bathroom in a McDonalds, and trying to hold the helmet while taking a leak. There is no way I would want to put it down anywhere there Again, I see a lot of people just leave it on the seat or hanging off the handle bar. Do people here do that? Pitbull76, Thanks for the saddle bag tip. What brand/model did you get? Also, what do you do if you decide to take a passenger (say you want to run out for lunch with a friend)?

04-24-2004, 08:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
gsxrjeffro Ditch Magnet Joined: Jan 2004 Location: SHADY SPRING, WEST VIRGINIA Posts: 185	http://ecom1.sno-ski.com/product180.html http://www.giviusa.com/index.cfm?fus...&page_id=3 __________________ HAVE A GREAT DAY AND RIDE SAFE..

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