Incognito/low-profile gear storage?

[DocRid_imp]

Any ideas?

I have a magnetic tank bag but dislike leaving it on or carrying it around when I jump off the bike. I don't like the looks of saddlebags or the luggage rack, nor do I need something that big, so those are out. The under-seat tray is annoying to get to, so I don't use it. My current solution is a backpack, which is obviously annoying to ride around on.

 

[kennyw]

I think you have successfully ruled out all options. Now out is time to compromise. What are you willing to give up for storage space? I use a top box mounted to the Honda rack, hard saddle bags, and a waterproof dry bag. Everything except the saddle bags and rack are easy to remove.

 

[kennyw]

On my wife's new CTX700N, we went with a small Kreiga US-20 tail bag. It fits oon the rear passenger seat and comes with straps to hold it down. It can fit a jacket without armor and a pair of gloves. However, we still added saddlebags and a rear rack within a few weeks because it wasn't big enough.

 

[the Ferret]

Any ideas?

I have a magnetic tank bag but dislike leaving it on or carrying it around when I jump off the bike. I don't like the looks of saddlebags or the luggage rack, nor do I need something that big, so those are out. The under-seat tray is annoying to get to, so I don't use it. My current solution is a backpack, which is obviously annoying to ride around on.

What are you trying to carry?

Yea if you eliminate tank bags, tail packs, trunks, luggage racks and saddlebags you have seriously narrowed your options for transporting "stuff".

 

[emptysea]

I'm with kenny. I have a smallish Nelson Rigg tailbag that straps under the passenger seat. Mine has zipper pulls that can hold a luggage lock, but I don't use it. I just don't keep much of value in there if I'm parking where I can't see the bike.

If you are concerned about theft, though, why not just get a couple of bungee cords (I recommend ROK Straps) or a bungee net and strap down your backpack on the rear seat? Then you can take that with you and just toss the straps in the pack. I do that with my briefcase sometimes when I ride to work.

 

[DocRid_imp]

Any ideas?

I have a magnetic tank bag but dislike leaving it on or carrying it around when I jump off the bike. I don't like the looks of saddlebags or the luggage rack, nor do I need something that big, so those are out. The under-seat tray is annoying to get to, so I don't use it. My current solution is a backpack, which is obviously annoying to ride around on.

What are you trying to carry?

Yea if you eliminate tank bags, tail packs, trunks, luggage racks and saddlebags you have seriously narrowed your options for transporting "stuff".

My bad, I should have specified the items being carried. I'm talking about small stuff, basically things that can fit in pockets. I like riding light without my pockets stuffed with my phone, wallet, keys, combo lock for a gym locker, sunglasses, etc.

Maybe a carrier like these attached images:

 

[Houtman_imp]

I use Harper Chase barrel bag on my bikes to carry the small items (flat tire kit, lock and bike insurance /registration papers ) it fits on the right side of my carrier but could fit somewhere else.

 

[kennyw]

What about a leather side case that is the same size as the side cover but only about an inch thick?

 

[12milesout]

That leather bag is friggin sexy. I wonder how they attached it. Marine-grade canvas snaps on back sides of the frame rails?

 

[flynrider]

Any ideas?

I have a magnetic tank bag but dislike leaving it on or carrying it around when I jump off the bike. I don't like the looks of saddlebags or the luggage rack, nor do I need something that big, so those are out. The under-seat tray is annoying to get to, so I don't use it. My current solution is a backpack, which is obviously annoying to ride around on.

What are you trying to carry?

Yea if you eliminate tank bags, tail packs, trunks, luggage racks and saddlebags you have seriously narrowed your options for transporting "stuff".

My bad, I should have specified the items being carried. I'm talking about small stuff, basically things that can fit in pockets. I like riding light without my pockets stuffed with my phone, wallet, keys, combo lock for a gym locker, sunglasses, etc.

Maybe a carrier like these attached images:

I have something like that. I picked it up at Target. As I recall it's designed for a bicycle. It attaches to my grab bar with two long velcro straps. I know you don't have a rack, but you could probably use the handlebar or anything else you can wrap the velcro around.

I use mine for sunglasses, air gauge, gloves, etc....

Here's the rear view.

 

[WK57ABF_imp]

DocRid - i carry small items in a sissy bar bag mounted like a saddle bag and also a fork bag - both made by La-Rosa - see post 10,Seat Time,Scottish Tour.

 

[iamheero_imp]

Since you've eliminated most of the things out there, but haven't specified how weather-proof it needs to be... a simple bungie net (usually pretty cheap, 6 hooks for the CB's luggage mounting points around the rear seat) is what I'd recommend. I have one in addition to the ROK straps and I keep both in my top-case, with that combination there's approximately nothing I can't carry on the bike.