(I don't have an extra helmet, so I probably shouldn't even reply :D )
I think they're kind of expensive. I think my helmet would fit in my old Eastpak from college and it's a lot cheaper. On previous bikes I just used a net and put it on the passenger seat. I rode with it infrequently and seemed to work rather well. Wouldn't it be possible to hook a net to the rails to hold the helmet?
I have the Frank Thomas backpack. I love it. I really comes in handy for trips where I dont wanna leave my helmet on the bike. I have a unique problem where I removed the passenger footpegs on my 98 VFR. The short story is I do not have a helmet lock anymore. Even when I go on long trips I put my Corbin Beetle bags on the helmet lock is virtually impossible to use. So I usually pack the backpack in my saddlebags and when I have to leave my bike in public parking I slap my helmet in the backpack and go.
My personal opinion about riding with backpacks is very negative. If you wreck with any objects in your backpack they are gonna impale you. Think about a helmet strapped to your back as you flop down the road at 70mph. Its gonna hurt real bad. I can imagine some severe spinal injuries. Even things like keys and wallet can put a hurting on your body in a spill.
But despite the negatives about riding with a backpack. I really like the FrankThomas setup.
I have the Icon bag. I really like it since it doubles as a tank bag, and converts to a backpack to hold the helmet. I don't think you could ride with it as a backpack and still have a helmet in it, since it holds the helmet below the actual pack in a sling. It takes a few seconds to convert the bag but it works!
My personal opinion about riding with backpacks is very negative. If you wreck with any objects in your backpack they are gonna impale you. Think about a helmet strapped to your back as you flop down the road at 70mph. Its gonna hurt real bad. I can imagine some severe spinal injuries. Even things like keys and wallet can put a hurting on your body in a spill.
My opinion exactly. �Wearing a helmet on your back sounds like a great way to maximize injury from even minor get-offs.
this topic was meant to carry your helmet while OFF the bike.
I want a backpack that I can still carry stuff ( like go shopping) and bring stuff home and have the ability to carry my helmet as I go around.
Hey BeringCvfr & Munky, how secure are the scrapes/etc that hold the helmet? Is it a good fit where you could possible run with the helmet in the backpack and not worry about it falling off?
How good are the magnets on the Icon bag?
I'm really considering getting the ICON bag cause it has multiple uses.
Glad you asked, I neglected to mention any of this. I have only actually had my helmet on the pack once to test the fit, and from what I remember it is a good fit. It is held in with a solid soft neoprene like panel that has adjustable straps. I don't think the helmet can come out.
The magnets are crap however! There are only four little flaps with magnets in them and they won't hold the bag securely. You can solve this one of two ways: (ok, probably more but I will suggest two!) One, you can get a large magnet from the internet to put in the bag, or you can do what I did and make a couple of straps to hold the back of the bag down. I used one ince wide nylon webbing and some little snap hooks and cam-locks. They attach from the back of the bag to the front part of the sub frame, below the seat. My bag is rock solid now. Pm me your email address and I will send you some pictures of my install on my '03. :beer:
The straps or pouch that holds the helmet is real secure. It is made of some kind of scratch proof material. I have used it during most of my AMA/WSBK/Formula 1 race events, School and work. Ive had the bag since 1997. It shows some wear but all the zippers and functions are still working. I bought my brother one also. It has some soft padding in the main compartment and straps for laptops. He uses for work everyday. Same year as mine.
Hope this helps. Sorry to ramble on about the safety. I guess that wasnt the point of the post.
heavenzjai, July 11 2004this topic was meant to carry your helmet while OFF the bike.
I want a backpack that I can still carry stuff ( like go shopping) and bring stuff home and have the ability to carry my helmet as I go around.
Hey BeringCvfr & Munky, how secure are the scrapes/etc that hold the helmet? Is it a good fit where you could possible run with the helmet in the backpack and not worry about it falling off?
How good are the magnets on the Icon bag?
I'm really considering getting the ICON bag cause it has multiple uses.
I don't think you could really run with the Icon bag holding your helmet because it would be smacking you in the a$$ as you go. �Like BeringCvfr said, the helmet is held below the bag in a sling. �I agree also that the magnets don't provide much stick-down force, but the bottom of the bag is the same neoprene sling that holds the helmet in backpack mode, and mine grips the tank really nicely. �The magnets combined with the neoprene keep the bag from sliding around, but may not keep it on in case of a crash. �Can't imagine a magnetic bag of any design would, though. You could maybe insert some more magnets into the straps that hold the original ones if you feel so inclined. beer.gif
I've been pretty happy with all their stuff. This one works as a backpack (auxilliary helmet holder for off the bike like the Icon) or as a tailbag with integrated bungee cords.
I have a nifty White Bros. Racing backpack and I've lashed my helmet to it (in the Shoei "sock" that came with the helmet) but, it was decidedly non-optimal.
I've been thinking about getting the aforementioned Space Pack, since riding with a backpack isn't so comfy. Although I'm less concerned about the wreck aspect ~ I was wearing the White Bros. backpack when I low-sided and it protected all my stuff (laptop PC included) without injuring me. I suppose all those years of Shotokan, Judo, and Aikido taught me how to fall. :shake:
End of thread · 10 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 17 May 2005