Carrying a laptop on a 6th Gen?

Hi all. I need to carry my laptop on my bike, but don't want to use a backpack. Does anyone have any suggestions for a safe waterproof laptop carrier that can be bike mounted? At this stage I can't afford a big topbox, unfortunately.

TIA

 

Any bag with a padded laptop case would work well with a bungee net, however I think that the bumps and jarring of any motorcycle less than full touring status would eventually kill your laptop. I think your best bet would be one of those special backpacks with padded laptop cases and carry some supersized ziplock bags (they do exist) for those rainy days. that's as about low tech low budget I can think.

 

Before I put on the touring bags I used a Computer laptop bag. The straps on it were elastic near the shoulders that helped with bouncing around on my back. Also I strapped it to the rear seat with a net to keep it in place. If you are planning on long term carry I would consider the hardshell bags and a padded case for your laptop

 

I have just a short commute (about 12 miles each way) and just use a backpack. I hate having it, but I have a really nice targus case and don't really notice it there unless I load it up with a lot of crap. Call my lack of experience of any luggage skeptical, but I think I would rather carry it this way and not have to worry about losing it unless I'm knocked off the bike or go down. Secondly, depending on what you get if you make a short pit stop you'll want to make sure it goes with you and not just leave it sitting out.

 

My laptop in its carry bag will fit into my Ventura bag.

 

before I got hard cases, I used a courier bag instead of a backpack. I used the same bag for meetings, put the cellphone and keys in as well. Bag on your back may reduce the amount of jarring bumps compared to a bike mounted bag/case or bungie.

I guess it comes down to how much do you care about your 'puter's longevity after your wallet and style factor.

Prosit,
Paul

 

Get a Ventura rack and bag like most VFR's including mine seem to sport, pad the Laptop anyway to be sure. :smile:

Ventura link:
http://www.ventura-bike.com/english/products/pack_system/index.html

 

I just bungee my padded notebook case on the rear seat with two short bungees crossing the case from franken bolts to the hook on the passenger hand rails and I make sure one running through the handle just in case. I have never had any problems. The only thing that does happen on bumpy roads is the case will tend to creep up on you from behind and start pressing on the small of you back. Better it creeping toward you than away I guess. I just slide back on the seat a little to get it back in place. Never had a problem.

 

I need to figure out a way to carry my banjo on my 07VFR. The main problem is the weight (about 40 lbs.)

 

:biggrin:

Can you put it on your knee ? :biggrin:

 

Why didn't I think of that?

 

I can't believe no one has suggested a good ol' regular tank bag. I have a large hd one than can even carry a 12 pack (ahemm, softdrinks of course) with ease. Some come with a shoulder strap for better off bike portability. Throw a layer of foam all around it and you'd be good to go.

To put money where my mouth is: on trips I carry both photo and video cameras, tools, rain gear and other items worth more than 2 or 3 laptops. It's a magnetic type and hasn't bothered any media. Make sure the mags are capped; most name brands will be.

No way I'd carry one on my back. Think about the implications of falling on one in a get off.

 

I award John 10,000 points for his informative post... and he's likely not even coming from Alabama

 

:music: I'm coming from Tennessee with a banjo on my...bike?

 

Definitely don't hail from Alabama, did visit it when a friend from Georgia took me through Sth & Nth Carolina, Alabama and Tennesee, was great to get out and about to see a different parts of America than just Cities, he was proud to point out parts Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance were filmed. :smile:

 

Cortech Sport Tail Bag was my laptop solution

I work for a large corporation and ride my VFR to work all year long. I use the Cortech Sport Tail Bag to carry my laptop.

 

+1 on the Cortech sport tail bag

 

you just need to switch from knee to knee in the corners ? i have been looking for saddle bags for my 87 vfr700f so i can careie my laptop ? whats good ?

 

I also use a Cortech tail bag mounted on a rack I made. It has plenty of room for a laptop or two.

 

Thats a nice Rack you made also looks like a good spot for weight distribution.