New rider thinking about those day trips..

[mrcrlee]

So I'm picking up a used 08 650r tomorrow and I'm already thinking about how I'm going to go on those day/day/night trips with my girl considering she likes to bring more than a keys and a smile.

Where on the net can I find some examples of available bags for the 650R?

Or, what are my options in bringing bags I already have (duffel) etc..?

Thanks and glad to be here on the forums!

[BhamJune]

I have considered your question thoroughly and made some calculations that may be helpful. As a woman, I feel best qualified to say that your girl should bring (in this order of importance): the smile, cell phone, mascara, lipstick, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and fresh drawers, leaving everything else, including the keys behind. This should require about 36 cubic inches of luggage space (the hairbrush makes or breaks it). Personally, I think I could do with 20", but let's be reasonable, because you don't want to lose that smile. Packing light makes it more of an adventure. If she wants to bring more, tell her to strap it on her back and see how important it is after a few hours.

I am partial the wide selection of bags at motorcycle-superstore.com. There are a couple that look like they would do nicely for y'all (even if she added powder & blush). I hope you will have lots of fun riding together!

[Ericthejet]

denniskirk.com

Always back as light as possible, carry an extra $20 and make sure the cell battery is fully charged.

[SixFiveOh]

Long trip on a 650R? Nah, never done that...

Twisted Sisters Ride

[messer00]

The rear seat on the 650R is terrible. Anything more than a few hours and your girlfriend will be hating life (and you for talking her along).

A simple backpack works great. If you are riding solo and have the space for more gear, Cortex (Tour Master) makes some great stuff.

[jaseman]

If your a new rider, think about putting some more solo seat time in before even considering a passenger. A pillion adds a whole other dimension to riding.

[RichLockyer]

+1

New rider + passenger (often =) painful experience.

At LEAST a year and 8-10,000 miles before even considering putting a passenger on the back, and then, preferably someone who is an experienced passenger or rider.

[skewterdewd]

Originally Posted by BhamJune

I have considered your question thoroughly and made some calculations that may be helpful. As a woman, I feel best qualified to say that your girl should bring (in this order of importance): the smile, cell phone, mascara, lipstick, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and fresh drawers, leaving everything else, including the keys behind. This should require about 36 cubic inches of luggage space (the hairbrush makes or breaks it). Personally, I think I could do with 20", but let's be reasonable, because you don't want to lose that smile. Packing light makes it more of an adventure. If she wants to bring more, tell her to strap it on her back and see how important it is after a few hours.

I am partial the wide selection of bags at motorcycle-superstore.com. There are a couple that look like they would do nicely for y'all (even if she added powder & blush). I hope you will have lots of fun riding together!

Now that there is one finely rendered bit of advice. I wish my woman shared your opinion.

[Mandachan]

We use a backpack. (at wal-mart, the heavy duty hiking one that snaps across your chest, for 19 dollars).

And I ride on the back of our 650 R all the time - the trick is how you hold yourself on the seat. I scoot back, and hold on with my legs (much like you would if you actually were driving) - i put my hands not even around my husbands waist, if we are stoping, generally i have to put on hand on the tank so i don't slide too much forward and hit his helmet.

Overall, i wouldn't recommend riding more then an hour on the bike, she'll get sore pretty quick.