What do you do for storage on your Katana, if anything?

[CStradling24]

I bought this bike mainly to save on gas money so I don't feel so bad throwing money into my V8 SUV that gets 12.4MPG.

I have a book bag that I hope to be able to take to class with me since I am in college but I have a large XPS M1730 laptop that fits int he book bag and it gets heavy quick. I would also like to be able to run general errands on my bike but theres not a lot of storage on it. I was looking into the magnetic tank backs but I fingered I would ask around and see what everyone on here does, if anything. If you have pictures please post :mrgreen:

[Spud]

Just a thought but if you are carrying your laptop, you may want to avoid a magnetic tank bag.

[CStradling24]

Thanks, thats what Dells Complete Care if for

[philwecksr]

I've got a nelson rigg strap down tank bag for big things (not big enough for my 15.4 HP though), nelson rigg saddle bags (also no hp), and a small nelson rigg magnetic bag (gets a couple bottles of water)... Just as a note, if you get a magnetic tank bag, its really neat to be able to stick them to the side of the gas pump while you pump to get it out of the way. So neat even, that you forget that you put it there, and then go riding for an hour or so, and then its gone... You only do that once...

[Fox Fader]

Strapped tank bang, unclip it and take it with you. It's expandable, it'll carry 3 gallons of oil with room to spare.

[zuma]

I have large Nelson Riggs expandable saddlebags that are around 22" in length, but only use them when needed. I have the matching tail bag which I use along with them for extended trips.

I have the matching tank bag, but it's not magnetic, and I'd have to release a plastic fastener and swing it up every time I refueled. The real drawback with the tank bag is that it seems to hamper my steering and generally disbalances my ride, therefore I don't use it.

I will on occasion wear a $15.95 backpack (orange and black with flames for greater visibility) and eliminate the need for luggage altogether when I can.

[Fox Fader]

Yeah, I'll backpack it too if need be. If I pull my straps up tight the backpack dosen't get heavy.

[DumbLuck]

I have a good sized day pack i cargo net to the passenger part of my seat. I have a new Corbin Gunfighter with a detatchable backrest that should make this easier. if it's a grocery run or somesuch, i'll take the LTD, it's got saddlebags

[Fox Fader]

Yeah I miss the Panniers on my Aprilia Futura I had.

[zuma]

I do the same with my VTX1300, Dumbluck. I installed some EZlocks and all I have to do is slide them on and slide them off (leather soft bags).

[catfish]

saddle bags are key for commuting. i find working around a tank bag annoying for around town

but i mostly use my North Face backpack for stuff, or a Timbuktu messenger-type bag for carrying the laptops around

[jgust25]

i have an ogio backpack that has a side pocket that is right against your back for a laptop, it also has a clip across the chest so it won't fall off. the laptop against your back makes it so you can hardly feel it.

http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=573

I recommend it highly.

[Brosh187]

I just use a trusty backpack atm. I'd like some saddlebags eventually.....they look pretty sweet, and the tank bag's just obnoxious to me.

[Honorabledog]

I also like the Nelson Riggs Saddle Bags. Rode for years with everything either bungeed to the seat cowls or in a backpack. Wished I'd had the saddle bags then. They have various sizes to suit your needs. I have a couple of tank bags but none as convienent as these clip-on types I'm hearing about. But my one fall back is always a backpack. I have one that I can put a broke down AR-15, 400rds of 5.56(HEAVY), glock23,300rds of .40 and all my necessary range gear in and ride 10 miles through some decent backroads and combine rideing with gun club time. Where theres a will theres a way

[Londob5]

i have an ogio backpack that has a side pocket that is right against your back for a laptop, it also has a clip across the chest so it won't fall off. the laptop against your back makes it so you can hardly feel it.

http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=573

I recommend it highly.

I use the Indigo Metro version of this. I also recommend it highly. I have a 17" Sony notebook, btw, and am usually carrying 3-5 schoolbooks on a daily basis, and we're not talking TV guide sized. I'm talking about 1-3" thick textbooks that are really heavy. Best thing about the Metro is the built-in spine protector. Ogio makes great motorcycle backpacks.

If you're not interested in the backpack route, might I suggest a tail bag? Tank bags can get too tall and obstructive of things like the speedo in my opinion (cuz I'm short), whereas a tail bag can carry 2-3 times the shiat, and you don't have to worry about viewing the dash or taking it off when you fuel up.

JMHO