Tips for the Daily Commuter

[kopaka]

It took me a few minutes to figure out where I should post this.

I wanted to reach out to all those people that ride to work on their motorcycle.

What are some of your tips and tricks from going 2 wheels to the boardroom.

I ride a 2007 Honda CBR so anything I bring has to either, fit inside my jacket or on the back of the bike - I have a cargo net on the passenger seat. Which I recommend to anyone that has a sports bike. ( but I've heard tank pads are great as well)

Another thing I do is either leave some hair gel at the office to fix any helmet head I have or throw I'll throw on a ball cap.

When it comes to shoes I think I'll need some advice since I always where my beat up old dress shoes.

I'd like to hear some great ideas on what everyone likes to do to keep riding in the weekly grind.

[ramm]

I use a backpack to carry my shoes in. I also have a cargo net on my passenger seat, I use both. the net is usually good for taking layers off from the morning coolness, my liner, maybe an extra shirt I threw on, glove liners, etc...

[TroyBoy30]

i get to work in jeans and riding boots so I'm no help!

[ramm]

I can work in riding boots as well, they just aren't comfortable to be walking around in all day, and I do a lot of walking. :lol:

[BlueLghtning]

For commuting the biggest advantage is having some sort of storage. Now I know most guys on sport bikes technically don't have many options when it comes to storage, and in the past I've posted up where I've taken a 2nd back seat and attached a luggage plate to it so I could carry a Givi hard case. There are more options now with the JCWhitney knock off givi cases which Sears has started to sell also.

I posted this on ADV. These cases come with their own mounting plates you could attach right to a spare back seat. I would go for the large case which is about 46L in size. It will hold a full size helmet and then some other stuff.

The best thing about this setup is your bike stays stock and good looking for your weekend riding. But then for commuting its as easy as putting on the 2nd seat and attaching the case that now becomes very functional. Now you have somewhere to carry your shoes and other gear you might not wear on the way back home when its warmer then it was in the morning.

Check it out. - http://auto.sears.com/Product.htm?catalogId=10624&productId=2022700

$32.49 for the small one
$42.49 for the large one

http://bluelghtning.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Odd-Ends/Forums/Forums/SearsGiviCase/803289563_DK2Lo-O.jpg

[ninja6r]

I use a backpack to carry my shoes in. I also have a cargo net on my passenger seat, I use both. the net is usually good for taking layers off from the morning coolness, my liner, maybe an extra shirt I threw on, glove liners, etc...

+1 on the backpack...its makes a world of difference for the work clothes.

[kopaka]

Does anyone use a Tank Pad besides holding their PB&J?

[BlueLghtning]

Also, do you have somewhere at work to leave shoes? When I was commuting everyday, I kept a pair of dress shoes at work and just wore my riding boots in and home. When I got to work, I changed into dress shoes and I had my dress clothes on under my riding gear.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I've had nothing but a bike for coming up on 5 years now. I leave dress/work shoes at work, along with dress pants (to keep the crease) and shirt, and just wore jeans + gear to come in/leave.

[Lazarus]

My 600R had soft luggage bags which were great, could fit dress shoes, lunch, clothes, anything in there. I used that when I was consulting for 2 hospitals in NJ. Now I just throw a shirt in my backpack with a couple bottles of water and go to work. I were Timberlands and khakis so no need to change.

As far as gear for the commute, pack light freeze at night is my motto so as long as its in the 50s I'm riding with a hoodie and long john top which I'll pack in the backpack for the ride home.

[kopaka]

I'm wondering if I need to leave a bottle of cologne at work. Sometimes I smell like someones tail pipe in the morning.

[TroyBoy30]

I can work in riding boots as well, they just aren't comfortable to be walking around in all day, and I do a lot of walking. :lol:

these are

http://www.newenough.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/alpinestars/one_o_one_motorcycle_riding_shoes.html

http://cdn.newenough.com/image/path/8062/small/black.jpg

[wallypiper]

I can wear what I want at work so it all depends on the weather. But generally, it's either an Aerostitch or jeans/jacket. I wear boots and keep other shoes at work.

[kopaka]

Does anyone get neck irritation from their helmet strap? Any tips on that?

Leaving a pair of shoes at work is a great idea when it comes to having to haul your stuff home at night. And it's true there are some great riding shoes out there that are great to walk in. I have a pair of Diadora that are great.

[Looni2ns]

I keep a little touch-up kit at work w/hair brush, make-up, etc. so I can touch up when I get there. I carry my dress clothes (if it's not a jeans day), hand bag, laptop, etc. in my Cortech tail bag. A little water and a couple of paper towels in the ladies room will take care of my helmet hair. Spare shoes under my desk if they're not in my tail bag.

Dan's suggestion of putting a hard case on a spare rear seat is a good one. Only exception is that I can carry the Cortech tailbag into the building with me like a briefcase.

[Lazarus]

I keep a little touch-up kit at work w/hair brush, make-up, etc. so I can touch up when I get there. I carry my dress clothes (if it's not a jeans day), hand bag, laptop, etc. in my Cortech tail bag. A little water and a couple of paper towels in the ladies room will take care of my helmet hair. Spare shoes under my desk if they're not in my tail bag.

Dan's suggestion of putting a hard case on a spare rear seat is a good one. Only exception is that I can carry the Cortech tailbag into the building with me like a briefcase.

:lol: I saw "I keep a little touch-up kit at work" and thought man this guy is metro is ever. Didn't realize you were a girl. :lol:

[wallypiper]

Does anyone get neck irritation from their helmet strap? Any tips on that?


Never has happened to me and I've done some 600 mile days in 90+ temps. Can you move your helmet when it's cinched down? If so, it's too loose.

[eddie98]

I have a top case on the Strom. I my dress shoes at work so I just change when I get there. I try to bring my lunch everyday so I don’t have to go out on the bike for lunch when it’s 90+. If I didn’t bring my lunch I find a coworker that is going out and just tag along.
I carry the Slime pump with me a tire plug kit on the bike just in case. Right now I’m carrying more gear since it’s still a bit cool in the mornings, so the ride home my case is full. In my tankbag I carry my electrics, just in case I forget to charge my phone I keep a charger there.

[BlueLghtning]

Dan's suggestion of putting a hard case on a spare rear seat is a good one. Only exception is that I can carry the Cortech tailbag into the building with me like a briefcase.

You could carry the hard case too. You might get some strange looks the first few times! haha. :D

[redciv1]

I generally keep a back pack either on my back or bunge'd to the the back seat. With temps where they are now, the back pack doesn't allow air to circulate around your back so back usually gets really wet. I then put it on the back seat and throw my work shoes, laptop in the bag. Then in a plastic storage bag, I keep a damp face cloth to wipe the face at work. I used to carry a brush with me also, but I started shaving my head and don't have to worry about that anymore.

[signguy]

Luggage is always a help when commuting... either for clothes or a laptop. I've found that these bags work for a sport bike..

463

[SlowMotion]

I keep a pair of dress shoes at the office for when I ride in. We have a fitness center at work that I keep all the "essentials" in. If I work out in the morning I'll pack my dress clothes and get a shower before heading upstairs. If I work out during lunch or after work I'll just ride with my dress clothes under my overpants and jacket and just throw some gel in my hair when I get there.

+1 on the cheap JC Whitney case. I have had one for 3 years and it has worked great. Used the spare seat idea on my old 636 and it was big enough for clothes and my laptop. Also use if for extra storage on the VFR. The hard case is also great for leaving your helmet with your bike (1 less thing to carry into the office).

[Looni2ns]

:lol: I saw "I keep a little touch-up kit at work" and thought man this guy is metro is ever. Didn't realize you were a girl. :lol:

Guess I need to load an avatar, huh? LOL

[eddie98]

I also carry some rain gear in the summer for those popup showers

[SlowMotion]

I also carry some rain gear in the summer for those popup showers

+1 Because peeling soaking wet jeans off sucks! Though riding in a summer rain shower is quite refreshing.

[SlimDizzleATL]

+1 on the backpack. I just carried my lunch and some extra shoes in my bag this morning. Done and done.

[rwm0268]

+1 on a quality tailbag.

I have a Fieldsheer Expander tail bad that I am able to pack the following in:
-slime pump
-tools
-laptop ( in an REI dry bag )
-clear shield in case I work late
-dress shoes ( put dress socks in one shoe and the power adapter for the laptop in the other )
-dress pants ( rolled up tight for no wrinkles )
-dress shirt ( folded neatly and placed near the top of the bag to lay flat )
-rain gear

I also have a Coretech Mini tank bag for the cell phone, wallet, sun glasses, etc.

Hope this helps

[kopaka]

Being that Summer is coming up. I know that Backpacks can get hot - even in the morning.

Has anyone used a Shoe slip over? I've only seen it once. It's a slip over for the left shoe so it doesn't scratch when your shifting. I don't know how many of my shoes have that famous clutch wear on them.

[Lazarus]

Being that Summer is coming up. I know that Backpacks can get hot - even in the morning.

Has anyone used a Shoe slip over? I've only seen it once. It's a slip over for the left shoe so it doesn't scratch when your shifting. I don't know how many of my shoes have that famous clutch wear on them.

The guys I ride with and I always wear Timberlands, butters. I wear older ones but one dude wore some decent ones so what he did was got a sweatband and put it across the toe of his boot.

[wallypiper]

I don't know how many of my shoes have that famous clutch wear on them.

How long ya been ridin', Tommy? Most of us use our hand for the clutch.

[BUD]

Backpack for the shoes. Tailbag sometimes but not in a while. I have some Khaki Sliders but not all that impressed with them. Usually wear leathers over clothes.

[Lazarus]

How long ya been ridin', Tommy? Most of us use our hand for the clutch.

:rofl: +1

[kopaka]

How long ya been ridin', Tommy? Most of us use our hand for the clutch.

Is that what I'm doing wrong?:duh: That explains the strange looks I get when I "Kick it, in to High Gear"
What I meant to say was the Shifter.