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Best Motorcycle Backpacks(Ideal for commuting)

By Teddy

ON A BIKE NO ONE EVER ASKS “ARE WE THERE YET?”

STACY WESTFALL

But your biking experience is at lack, if you don’t have a bag to carry your luggage around. Motorcycles do not accommodate a lot of stuff!

You need some sort of luggage at most of your rides. For instance, a ride to your gym will need you to carry an extra pair of shoes, and a towel, or a ride to your work-place makes a laptop essential. Even if you are biking for fun, you need to carry some luggage.

Various types of motorcycle luggage are available in the market. There are

  • saddle bags,
  • tank bags,
  • Windshield bags, to name a few

But none of these can be as handy as a backpack.

As the name suggests, backpacks are to be worn by the riders, and are not meant to be mounted on the bikes. Remember mounting any sort of luggage on your motorcycle, imbalances its gear, and makes your ride a little uncomfortable. And hence while riding, the best place for your possessions is your back and the best equipment for it – is your backpack.

Because of its essentiality and importance you need to choose backpacks wisely.

Here are four essentials that you should look for before buying a backpack:

1) Your body size

The best backpack is the one that fits your body the best. You need to consider two things, your torso length (not your height) and your hip size.

Choose a backpack which has adjustable shoulder and hip belts. These can be adjusted according to your posture, and can be used by any one.

A quick tip on how to wear backpacks:

  • Put the pack on. Now, adjust the hip-belt until the padding touches the top of your hip bones, and not anywhere above or below it. If the pack feels low or high, tighten or loosen (according to the need) the shoulder-straps. This will raise or lower the hip-belt. The most comfortable position of your wear is when the hip-belt is located at the top of your hip bones. In this position you will feel the least pressure.

2) Your luggage specifications

Choose a backpack which can accommodate your necessary luggage. If you ride to your office, you might need a backpack having a separate compartment for your laptop and a compartment for your files and other office stuffs. For this a medium size pack will do. Whereas if you need backpacks for your fun activities or terrain riding, you need to have a bigger size, which can have sufficient space for your clothes, shoes, and sometimes even a bed-roll.

3) Design

Design is a very important aspect when you are buying a backpack. Always prefer an aerodynamic built. Drag plays an important role in your biking experience. If your backpack is not of the best shape, it will affect your speed and ultimately the fuel consumption. And an aerodynamic shape will give you a cruising effect.

Second most important thing to look when selecting the design – is a helmet-strap. You will never prefer to ride without best head gears for your protection (Can be linked, with best Bluetooth helmets). This makes a strap for the helmet in your backpack a necessity and this is what makes a specialized backpack stand out from others.

Visual attractiveness has its importance too. You will never want to look dull, whether you are riding an expensive Harley, Ducati or even if you are riding an economic bike. So choose an attractive one, which will make commuters feel your presence on the road.

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4) Quality

It is very important to choose a good quality backpack. Primarily because it has to withstand weather conditions, dust and speed. Secondly you are not going to change backpacks often like your clothes or shoes.

Look for –

  • the quality and the type of fabric (I personally avoid leather ones),
  • the stitches (it should be sewed properly),
  • the sponges on the belts, (belts should be soft and thick)
  • waterproofing (if not completely, the front part should be essentially waterproofed)

Choose quality over price. A lot of low quality very economic backpacks are available in the market, but they do not withstand the test of weather and time. Do not throw away your dollars on backpacks which are not the worth.

Based on the discussion of backpacks above, I have selected five most interesting models currently available on the market, taking into account – their fit, their quality, their design and their sizes. These are the ones to go for from the many. I am suggesting them, because I have tried some of them myself – and have done a thorough market analysis for the rest.

Best Motorcycle Backpacks on Amazon

1) OGIO MACH 5 NO DRAG 24.17 LITERS

OGIO’S – NO DRAG series is very popular, and this is their latest addition.

Dimensions – 7″ D x 20.5″ H x 14.5″ W

Color – Stealth

It features:

  • an awesome aerodynamic built,
  • molded outer shell made of hard plastic,
  • helmet-strap, and thick shoulder straps,
  • water resistant fabric, with which you don’t need any additional rain cover,
  • reflective stripes, which shine brightly providing extra safety from getting hit from the back.

The best thing about this backpack is that it is expandable, which means you can easily carry a 15 inch laptop or other large stuff. Secondly it comes with many compartments and thick padded straps, which makes it perfect for your stuff and for your shoulders. The unique turtle shape design and color of this backpack is enough to turn eyes around.

This backpack is best for office goers and college going students.

Limited edition OGIO MACH 5 is available in Red Color. It looks stunning and very attractive. Have a look here.

2) Seibertron Motorbike Backpack 37 LITERS

Almost two times more spacious than Mach 5, this is a backpack you need if you are carrying a lot of stuff.

Dimensions – 11″ D x 11″ W x 19″ H

Color – Black and Khaki

It features:

  • 37 Liters holding capacity, which can accommodate almost 5 days clothing and a pair of shoes,
  • chest belt, to provide extra protection from falling off,
  • waterproofed fabric, although the zippers and pinholes are not water resistant, (Mach 5’s zippers are also coated with plastic from beneath)
  • Molle (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) Design, which gives it a military look.

This product has a lot of straps and you can’t stop them from flapping around, but this is the only complaint about it. Overall it is the best economic backpack available in the market.

This backpack is best for adventure bikers and useful when you are going hiking, camping or travelling.

3) VELOMACCHI Roll-Top Waterproof Backpack 28 LITERS

Velomacchi Roll-Top is a premium brand backpack crafted with best fiber, having many additional accessories that other backpacks lack.

Dimensions – 12.5″ W x 19.5″ H x 8″ D

Color – Black

It features

  • highest level of waterproofing,
  • a magnetic roll top closing main compartment,
  • 3-Point harness system for better safety,
  • abrasion resistant construction,
  • camera mounting plate,
  • aluminum hands-free helmet clip,
  • anchor points for motorcycle tie down,
  • magnetic sternum coupler – for hands free harness closure,
  • and many more interesting handy equipments.

Even though it is heavy on price, this is a backpack I would suggest you should go for. Primarily this is a “go anywhere” backpack, i.e. you can commute it to work, use it for explore trails, mountain climbing, hiking and what not.

Secondly this is a “one-time buy” because it is least affected by weather and dust. And most importantly, it leaves an ever lasting impression.

This backpack is best for everybody, be it office goers or fun riders, and suits on both genders.

4) VUZ Moto Dry Tank Bag Backpack 22 Liters (Premium waterproof backpack)

This one is a very handy backpack by VUZ, and the reason is that it serves dual purpose – it is a backpack, as well as a tank bag. The moment you want to give rest to your shoulders, you can mount it on your tank. And don’t worry this backpack has a non-scratch mounting base which will protect your tank.

Dimensions – 18″ H x 8″ D x 11″ W

Color – Premium

It features:

  • a very durable and 100% waterproof fiber,
  • a clear panel to fit your cell phones in the front,
  • six strong magnets to attach it to a tank,
  • many versatile storage compartments.

Overall this is a beautiful backpack with a lot of positive reviews from the customers. What concerns me though is that – not all motorbike tanks are metallic, and on such tanks the magnets are of no use. Although, it serves as a backpack too, and hence you can always wear it on your shoulders.

This backpack is very handy for long distance riders.

5) Shoei Backpack 2.0 – One Size

If you are new to backpacks, this is the product for you. This backpack has all the basics a rider needs. What grabs my attention is that it has been padded thick for electronics, and can accommodate a 17 inch laptop.

It features:

  • removable helmet shield holder,
  • side pocket which easily fits your drinks and cans,
  • three-point buckle and flap system,
  • reflective piping at the back and shoulder straps.

Overall the backpack is amazing and very useful. Product quality is also recommendable. Although it is not completely waterproof, but you need not worry because it is still water resistant.

This product is ideal for those who are first timers in using a backpack.

I personally use VELOMACCHI Roll-Top and OGIO MACH 5, and I am more than contended with the two. But all the five backpacks reviewed in this post, are extremely useful and are of the best quality. You can choose either of them.

See you on the road then, with the best pick and the most attractive one.

Filed Under: Motorcycle Accessories

Harbor Freight Torque Wrench Review

By Richard Wisniewski

We can all agree that there is no better feeling than enjoying a beautiful drive on a warm spring day on your 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob. However, there comes in a time for each motorcyclist when something needs to be fixed, changed, or adjusted. In any case, we all understand the pain or hassle of having to bring our bikes into the shop.

This is where handy tools like a torque wrench come into the picture. If there is an opportunity to avoid bringing the bike into the shop, it’s safe to say, we all would. Perhaps with Harbor Freight’s Torque Wrench you might find all you need and more to get your motorcycle back on the road.

In today’s article, we are going to explore this handy torque wrench, offer valuable insight as to the pros and cons, the product features, the cost-to-value, and whether or not this torque wrench should be considered.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

Pros

  • The Harbor Freight Torque Wrench is considered a great and sturdy torque wrench. Many consumers who have purchased and used this product proclaimed it one of the sturdiest of the competition.
  • When it comes to torque wrenches, accuracy is a crucial feature and component. Many professionals and hobbyists believe the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench to be one of the most accurate in its price range.
  • Out of the many different torque wrenches on the market today, this tool is probably the most cost-effective and friendly.

Cons

  • Those who have purchased a Harbor Freight Torque Wrench to perform maintenance on their motorcycles complained that the wrench only lasted a few months after servicing.
  • It’s important to inspect the wrench before use. There are some people who have received faulty products.
  • Give the nature and price point of the product, the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench does not offer the bells and whistles that other products do.

Who is Harbor Freight?

Prior to jumping into the formal part of the review, it’s critical to understand who the maker of the tool is. Harbor Freight is a famous provider of quality tools. The company was founded well over 40 years’ ago, helping to support their claims as being a leader in the industry. Today, Harbor Freight sells well over 7,000 different tools and accessories for motorcyclists, car mechanics, and even landscapers. The company mentions on their website that their primary goal is to offer the highest quality build for each tool and the absolute best customer service, should there be a problem.

Notable Features

  • Accuracy within +/- 4%

The single reason why the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench is making lists as one of the best torque wrench for motorcyclists is because of it’s precision and accuracy. Due to the heavy-duty cam and pawl mechanism built into the wrench, many users tend to make this tool their go-to tool for any project when torque is needed. If you are new, this product is considered a click-type torque wrench as well. In the industry, click wrenches are known as the most precise mechanism.

  • Lifetime Warranty

One feature that is most certainly worth sharing is the warranty. Harbor Freight is currently offering a lifetime warranty on their torque wrenches, should there ever be a problem. On the company’s website, they promise to bikers that this tool will not break or have any defects during the maintenance process. Should there ever be, there is a section on the company’s website that explains how to get a replacement.

  • Reversible

If there is one feature that helps the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench stand aside from many of the other competitors in this tier, it’s the reversibility factor. This click-type wrench empowers users to perform maintenance on their bike at whatever convenience with their Harbor Freight Torque Wrench. This feature does not impact the torque ranges, which are standard between 20-150 lbs.

Cost and Value

One of the most important factors to take into consideration before purchasing any torque wrench is the cost and value. What is great about this torque wrench is that it’s incredibly cheap. In fact, many people who look at the price of this product for the first time are quite shocked by how cheap it is. Additionally, after holding and using this tool on your motorcycle, it can be exciting. However, the opportunities and options with this product are limited. While the product is built nicely and can handle simple tasks, it’s features are limited, making it a simple and basic torque wrench.

Customer Reviews

In efforts to provide the best possible review of the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench, we thought it would be important to include some insight from previous customers. Typically, this product is mostly well-received, receiving 4.5-5 stars by every consumer. Many motorcyclists tout the great price, accuracy, and ability to handle tasks quickly. Additionally, many people have said that the product was easy to use and learn, given it’s simple nature. With the ability to torque up to 150 lbs, this product has become a best friend to many bikers. However, there are some people who have complained. The most common complaint of consumers was that this product often needs some calibration. Additionally, it can be unreliable and break if not properly taken care of.

Is the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench Worth It?

Overall, the one question that many readers are asking is, is the Harbor Freight Torque Wrench worth the money? The truth is, this torque wrench is already considerably cheaper than many of the other products on the market. With that being said, costs are not a major concern or thought. Considering this, the quality of this tool matches the price. So, if you are seeking a product that is simple and performs the task at hand, the simple Harbor Freight Torque Wrench is most certainly worth it. However, if you are in need of a more sophisticated tool for your motorcycle, you may need to upgrade and look for one with better features and quality.

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Filed Under: Motorcycle Accessories

Garmin Zumo 590LM Review

By Anthony

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Regardless what type of vehicle you are driving, it is nowadays taken as standard that you have an up to date GPS system. This is the case not only with cars but also motorcycles. For your guidance as well as the comfort of knowing your bikes location at all time, it has now become a prerequisite of bike ownership. The latest model we will analyze is the Garmin Zumo 590LM.

Garmin are a leader within the GPS industry and most predominantly in the motorcycle GPS area and the 590LM represents a substantial step up from predecessors in terms of quality and features which we will take a deeper look in to.

Seeing is believing

With its fabulous 5” dual orientation display, this model boasts a larger screen than many others on the market for convenient and crystal clear viewing on the move. This is also especially useful when navigating the screen whilst wearing gloves. The increased screen size allows for more freedom of movement and is also very responsive to even the thickest of gloves.

These features can help put a riders mind at ease, knowing that despite the situation, they will remain on course.

Exposure to the elements is a given in terms of a motorcycle GPS. The Zumo 590LM stands up well to all of these. It is waterproof and highly durable. This means that as well as its waterproof capabilities, it is also UV and fuel vapor resistant. Both are great advantages when it comes to a GPS, since they will likely encounter a much tougher environment than their in-car counterparts.

Get Real With Your Directions

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In terms of direction, the Zumo 590LM avails of a “Real Directions” feature, where, instead of using non-descript distance announcements which you hear from many systems and quite often irritate as well as confuse the rider, your directions will be based on actual street names and landmarks. This can be of fantastic help, especially to the directionally challenged and allow you to focus more thoroughly on the road instead of constantly searching for turns by distance.

Being from the Garmin LM series means that this model also comes with free “Lifetime Maps”. Constantly updating roads and surroundings make this a key requirement for navigation these days, ensuring that you maps keep up to date automatically with the latest changes and that your pocket is no lighter for this feature. There is also a wealth of information provided to the user in regard to points of interest, such as restaurants and fuels stops, a great help in maintaining awareness of your surroundings.

Staying Connected

All of this information, including your real-time directions can be communicated directly in to your helmet, courtesy of the Zumo 590LMs Bluetooth technology. This is an added bonus to ensure that you can stay fully focused on the road while receiving all the required information.

The feature laden Zumo 590LM also encompasses an MP3 player which can easily be synched with your iPhone or iPad device and streamed directly into your helmet.  With the best speakers this makes a perfect feature for music lovers to listen to their favorite tracks with ease while biking. The playlist and other music features again can all be operated by using the easy touch display screen. Again, this feature proves that convenience and comfort are top priorities for the Zumo 590LM.

                                                                                                      Long and Winding Road

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One of the more nuanced and rarely seen features which is unique to this model and will most certainly excite the avid bikers among us is the “Curvy Roads” feature. This routing technology allows the rider to select the route with the most twists and turns. By availing of this feature, the rider can be provided with the most unique and exhilarating possible from their route. This feature is a true game changer and enables the Zumo 590LM to be about much more than just speedy and accurate directions. Not only does the 590LM provide that but it also heightens your overall riding experience, a first for any GPS.

Another in the long list of helpful features provided by this model is that you can specifically program it with exact information about your required route, time or distance and as it does in many other areas, the 590LM will take care of the rest. This give you the extra freedom of mind to enjoy the journey and the wealth of features on board this device.

A final feature of note in the Zumo 590LM is the very convenient, service history log. This allows you to keep an instant and detailed history of any changes to your bike. This can serve not only as a helpful reminder when you need to get a service, but is also a fantastic source of confirmation to a prospective buyer if you ever decide to sell your motorcycle.

Conclusion

Overall the Zumo 590LM is a wonderfully sleek, easily accessible, large-screened device which is packed to the brim with excellent, cutting edge features, some rarely seen among the competition. Garmin tried to produce a beautiful, bold and forward thinking device and have certainly succeeded. This model is streets ahead of previous models in terms of functionality and its intuitive navigation system makes even the most complex journeys seem simple.

This is the perfect investment for a passionate biker who wants to spend comprehensive time in the saddle and also values technology and an in-depth appreciation of their surroundings. Due to its large screen size, it may be best suited to large bikes so as not to obscure any instruments.

Considering its wealth of features and advancements from many of its competitors in terms of technology, performance and convenience, the Zumo 590LM is well priced. It delivers on all areas including style and durability as well as the core navigation itself.

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Filed Under: Motorcycle Accessories

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Welcome to my Site!

Hi, I'm Teddy! I started this site along with two other friends and fellow roadhogs, Lee and Normberg. Together we document the state of the motorcycle industry, our travels together, and other random things. Enjoy!

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