Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => Accessories and Modifications - C10 => Topic started by: Texanrider on May 15, 2011, 10:34:45 PM
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does anyone have one of these? if so, which one and what are your thoughts. I'll be going on a ride through most of Texas in July (prime time for heat) and I was wondering about getting one.
Thanks
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I didn't know they made them. Did you have a link to one in mind for us?
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I have this tank bag and it comes with a pouch you put the water bladder in:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/moto_centric/mototrek_19_magnetic_tank_bag.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/moto_centric/mototrek_19_magnetic_tank_bag.html)
You have to supply your own water bladder, but I got mine from Wally World.
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I've found that nothing stays very cool for very long sitting on top of the tank. It just gets so hot up there in the spring/summer when it's hot out already. I'm planning to try a hydration bladder behind me next time....maybe tucked in a duffel on the passenger seat just to try to keep it as far away from the engine heat as possible. Sucking hot water sux!
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Last summer rode with a guy who wore a camelback under his jacket. He said ice and water would stay cool for two hours and cool his back too.
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I picked up a hydrating tank bag at Iron Pony. I'm a big fan of it, but as another poster said, don't waste money on the motorcycle specific bladder, get one at WalMart.
Yeah the water doesn't stay cold for too long (I load it up with a bunch of ice cubes) and cleaning the thing is kind of a pain, but I'm still very happy to have it on board. I've poured bottles of water in it from a gas station so I can get rolling quicker.
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I was looking at this bag. There is a video of it on youtube and you can carry a lot of stuff, plus a water bladder. I already have one for my camelback but I hate wearing anything on my back while riding.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/3414/ITEM/Rapid-Transit-Recon-19-Magnetic-Tank-Bag.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/3414/ITEM/Rapid-Transit-Recon-19-Magnetic-Tank-Bag.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch)
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I just got my bag for motorcycle tore also but I elected for one not pack specified. Ended up with this one http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/2521/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Tank-Bag.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/2521/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Tank-Bag.aspx). which is large enough to pack a hydro pack. I think FOR ME the only reason I don't use a pack yet, is because when I think its time for me to get a drink in the heat, it's time for me to get off the bike and stretch my legs too and a potty brake. In the heat I usually un arse the bike once every 60-90 min.
Cheers
Ron
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Ron,
I agree. When I'm riding solo and I feel like I want to drink some water, go potty, smoke a cig, or even stretch my legs...I'll stop whenever. But I don't want to be "that guy" during a long distance group ride this summer. Hence the need to have a hydration pack. But I do agree with your riding habits and stop times.
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I got ya' Tex ;)
I have not ridden in a group yet, but I see your point
Cheers
Ron
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I've found that nothing stays very cool for very long sitting on top of the tank. It just gets so hot up there in the spring/summer when it's hot out already. I'm planning to try a hydration bladder behind me next time....maybe tucked in a duffel on the passenger seat just to try to keep it as far away from the engine heat as possible. Sucking hot water sux!
Drinking hot water does sux. I use a camel pack and love it. I keep it under my jacket and the ice does stay in there all day. It also keeps me cool. One thing to remember with any hydration unit is to blow the water back into the tube after each drink. The second drink will be very warm if you dont do this :P :P
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What kind of fitting do you guys have at your mouth? Is it a 90° valve? If so where did you find one?
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I have one camelback bladder with a valve in the line and one without. They just have a thing on the end you bite and then suck on.
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Well I bit the bullet and bought the bag that I posted a link for above. Should be here in a couple of days. I'll snap some pics with it on the bike.
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I've found that nothing stays very cool for very long sitting on top of the tank. It just gets so hot up there in the spring/summer when it's hot out already. I'm planning to try a hydration bladder behind me next time....maybe tucked in a duffel on the passenger seat just to try to keep it as far away from the engine heat as possible. Sucking hot water sux!
This is where packing for multitasking helps out. I use my insulated jacket liner to wrap up the bladder full of ice water, it generally stays at least cool all day. The liner also functions as a pillow, and of course a jacket liner. One item, three uses. Helps make room for the fold up lawn chair and beer cooler that I carry.
:chugbeer: :chugbeer:
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When I did my SaddleSore 1000 last year I used my Camelbak Chaos (bought for bicycle riding) to give me hydration. It worked great. What I did was fill up the bladder the night before and put it in the freezer and froze it. I didn't need to drink from it for awhile and once I started it had begun to thaw out. I had cool water most of the day. The pack itself has a bit of insulation so that helped.
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I have had a camel back for a few years but with a 62-64 chest I have never been able to wear it. However I found that it fit nicely between the my Nelson Riggs tank bag and the magnetic pad. I would just put the shoulder straps outside the zips that attach the pad to the bag and everything stays in place. I have used it behind me as well but unless I mount the hydropak on top of something I find the hose too short for comfort.
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I just got my bag for motorcycle tore also but I elected for one not pack specified. Ended up with this one http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/2521/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Tank-Bag.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/2521/ITEM/Fieldsheer-Contour-Tank-Bag.aspx). which is large enough to pack a hydro pack. I think FOR ME the only reason I don't use a pack yet, is because when I think its time for me to get a drink in the heat, it's time for me to get off the bike and stretch my legs too and a potty brake. In the heat I usually un arse the bike once every 60-90 min.
Cheers
Ron
Well I think I'm going to recant this observation. This past Sunday it was 91+ degrees here in Raleigh NC with the hi humidity of course. My girlfriend and I went two up for a nice ride and although we kept hydrated at stops we both wish we could take a sip of water before we had to get off. We found out we just needed to drink a lot more but wasn't really ready for the rest stop. Soooooooo I guess I'll be looking for a camel pack or sought for us. We'll need it for sure when we hit the BRP the first weekend in June.
Cheers
Ron
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Mayhem,
I just got my bag last friday. Havent taken it out on a ride yet but I can't wait to try it out. Texas heat is crazy. Saturday we had 93 degrees with 75% humidity so you can imagine how much water you NEED to drink in order to ride comfortably and avoid heat stroke. Anyways, I went out to take some pictures for you. Here they are. I already had a bladder for a hydration back pack that I've had for about 2 years from wal mart. works great and the bladder itself is cheaper than the one recon sells.
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTI1LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTI2LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTI3LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTI4LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTI5LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTMxLmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTMyLmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTMzLmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNTIzLTAwMTM0LmpwZw.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BU2FuIEFudG9uaW8tMjAxMTA1MjMtMDAxMzUuanBn.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BU2FuIEFudG9uaW8tMjAxMTA1MjMtMDAxMzYuanBn.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BU2FuIEFudG9uaW8tMjAxMTA1MjMtMDAxMzcuanBn.jpg)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac246/ndv21/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BU2FuIEFudG9uaW8tMjAxMTA1MjMtMDAxMzguanBn.jpg)
In the last picture I have a half helmet. It does close a little tight but at least it gives you an idea of the storage capacity available. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh, the magnets are pretty powerful as well. It does come with a built in rain cover which hides away easily in a hidden zipper pocket in the front. Very nice bag IMHO for a good price.
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The one I bought at the Iron Pony looks almost exactly like that one. Just a different brand. I really like it.
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Mayhem,
I just got my bag last friday. Havent taken it out on a ride yet but I can't wait to try it out. Texas heat is crazy. Saturday we had 93 degrees with 75% humidity so you can imagine how much water you NEED to drink in order to ride comfortably and avoid heat stroke. Anyways, I went out to take some pictures for you. Here they are. I already had a bladder for a hydration back pack that I've had for about 2 years from wal mart. works great and the bladder itself is cheaper than the one recon sells.
In the last picture I have a half helmet. It does close a little tight but at least it gives you an idea of the storage capacity available. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh, the magnets are pretty powerful as well. It does come with a built in rain cover which hides away easily in a hidden zipper pocket in the front. Very nice bag IMHO for a good price.
That looks very nice Texanrider, :thumbs: I'm going to get a water pack at Wally World and incorporate it in my tank bag.
Cheers
Ron
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I still dont see how the mouthpiece woul work in a full face helmet. I dont think I would have enough room to put the valve in my mouth without lifting the front up.
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I got that exact same bag.
I use a camelback bladder with a 90-degree mouthpiece. It just barely fits in under my Nolan N103 with the chinbar down.
I'm used to warm water bottles from the other kinda cycling, so thats not a big deal. When you're thirsty, you're thirsty.
I found myself not hitting it as much as I expected to - it's a nice-to-have, but I've never come anywhere near close to draining it. Usually theres a gas or rest stop where a cold beverage can be purchased.
Another drawback is the amount of space the bladder takes up. And it's a "bubble" - so it doesnt sit flat. Also beware of putting a cold/frozen bladder in there... it'll sweat!
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You can pick up the 90 degree valve at REI, BassPro, or Dick's Sporting Goods. Seal it to the end of the tube with a little Goop so it won't slide off and dump your water. The bite valves are good until they start leaking then it's a good time to put the 90 on.
I use a vinyl coated MSR bladder with this set up when I backpack and it's tough. Also, if you get the bladder with the same size mouth as the Nalgene bottles, they will screw onto a water filter and you can reach into them with a bottle brush to scrub. Rinse with a little chlorox solution (dilute pretty good with water) after use and let them air dry with the valve open and you will have better tasting water the next time you use it.
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I've also had luck "preparing" my water bladder for the ride by keeping it in the fridge the night before. I find my 2L bag in my TourMaster tank bag (has some modest insulation intended to retain the bags shape) keeps cool for most of the day. Frequently the hose sitting outside the tank bag will have warm water in it but if I drink enough I can get to the cool water. It doesn't hurt to drink a little more to get to the cool stuff. I need to make (or buy) an insulated sleeve for the hose to help keep it from absorbing heat.
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I too have the Rapid Transit Recon 19 bag. Haven't used it yet. I though it would be a great bag for X-Country trips. After reading this thread, I'm thinking of getting a piece of that pink Corning Insulation (it's like 1/4 thick) and trim it to fit under the bladder. Might help keep the rising heat at bay a while?