How to safely pack for motorcycle transportation of camera gear?

[cayenne]

Hi all,
I recently bought a new motorcycle...a nice cruiser. I'm excited to have something that will get me out and about more...and I wanted to take camera gear with me...
But then, I started thinking ...riding a bike and strapping some gear to the rear luggage rack (solo seat with rack over rear fender)....that will be rough, especially with what we call "streets" here in the New Orleans area.

So thinking a bag....but even with a bag...that's a lot of jostling around for DSLRs, even mirrorless and lenses with all their mechanisms....
So, does anyone else here regularly load up some gear on their motorcycle for going out to shoot....and if so, what are your best practices? Is there a good bag that will help...is there anyway to minimize the bouncing around?

I not only have canon gear...but also a couple of Fuji GFX cameras and a couple Leicas...and especially those last ones worried about knocking those rangefinders out of alignment.

Does this pose a risk to the IBIS mechanisms in modern mirrorless cameras?

Anyway..thought I'd throw this out there for discussions....

Thank you in advance for any and ALL info and suggestions !!

Cayenne

 

[kaihp]

Motorcycles are notorious for vibrations, so pack with shock absorbing foam around the gear.
I would put the camera in a tank bag with said foam.

 

[Sporgon]

Perhaps the best thing to do is save up and buy a car ;-)

 

[cayenne]

Motorcycles are notorious for vibrations, so pack with shock absorbing foam around the gear.
I would put the camera in a tank bag with said foam.

Thank you!!

Do you have any recommendations for said foam brand/type and packs?

C

 

[kaihp]

Do you have any recommendations for said foam brand/type and packs?

Many moons ago, I reached out to Uncle Roger asking about packing for flying, as the airlines decides to gate check your otherwise carry-on luggage.
Here's what he replied:

I totally agree. I get that sinking feeling every time I get to a gate and see they're 'gate checking' all of the carry ons.

The trouble is I'm not sure what works best - even after 5 years of this. We know for shipping layers are critical (small bubble wrap, big bubble wrap, foam). I think that's because layers would help reduce shock transmission. After that, though, I'm almost at a loss.

For example, pelican cases would seem to be a great idea because you can't crush them and they're waterproof. They probably are a great idea for baggage check. But for shipping they have a slightly higher damage rate than cardboard. My theory is the hard case transmits shocks more than the cardboard box, but I'm not sure.

For motorcycle storage, space is at a very high premium. What I'd do would be to use standard dividers from normal camera bags on the bottom and sides, and maybe leave out the top foam (if the bike is upside down, you're having a bigger problem than a couple of lenses).

The pocket cameras I used to have in Ye Olde Days I just stuck in a fanny bag that goes around my waist.

Enjoy the ride and taking photos. ATGATT.

 

[Del Paso]

Perhaps the best thing to do is save up and buy a car ;-)

Highly recommendable: Mercedes- Benz S Class with Airmatic pneumatic suspension or a Lexus LX. Any Rolls Royce or Bentley would also do the job.
Better order as soon as possible before those bigly wonderful tariffs become reality!

 

[Del Paso]

Hi all,
I recently bought a new motorcycle...a nice cruiser. I'm excited to have something that will get me out and about more...and I wanted to take camera gear with me...
But then, I started thinking ...riding a bike and strapping some gear to the rear luggage rack (solo seat with rack over rear fender)....that will be rough, especially with what we call "streets" here in the New Orleans area.

So thinking a bag....but even with a bag...that's a lot of jostling around for DSLRs, even mirrorless and lenses with all their mechanisms....
So, does anyone else here regularly load up some gear on their motorcycle for going out to shoot....and if so, what are your best practices? Is there a good bag that will help...is there anyway to minimize the bouncing around?

I not only have canon gear...but also a couple of Fuji GFX cameras and a couple Leicas...and especially those last ones worried about knocking those rangefinders out of alignment.

Does this pose a risk to the IBIS mechanisms in modern mirrorless cameras?

Anyway..thought I'd throw this out there for discussions....

Thank you in advance for any and ALL info and suggestions !!

Cayenne

Wouldn't you better carry your photo gear in a backpack? The luggage rack is one of the worst places for cameras. Even the fuel tank would be a better option.
(My 2 centimes...)

 

[Sporgon]

Highly recommendable: Mercedes- Benz S Class with Airmatic pneumatic suspension or a Lexus LX. Any Rolls Royce or Bentley would also do the job.
Better order as soon as possible before those bigly wonderful tariffs become reality!

I have a Mercedes Benz GLE with air suspension as well as an old Land Rover Discovey, also with air suspension. It does make for a very smooth ride, especially noticeable on bumpy, rough roads, but also on very long journeys even when roads are smooth.

 

[Del Paso]

I have a Mercedes Benz GLE with air suspension as well as an old Land Rover Discovey, also with air suspension. It does make for a very smooth ride, especially noticeable on bumpy, rough roads, but also on very long journeys even when roads are smooth.

The only real trouble with air-suspension is when they fail.
Replacing an airmatic suspension costs a little fortune, often more than the residual value of the car itself. A former colleague had to scrap his (also badly maintained) Mercedes-Benz SL...
I remember the first time a car suspension really impressed me. It was in the late seventies, when a neighbour bought a Ctroen CX.
Compared to the best suspended conventional cars, like Jaguars or Mercedes, this car was a class apart. So, also best suited for camera transport!