Camera storage on a motorcycle

[cruzyn56]

Hi, does anyone have any suggestions for storing/carrying a camera, lenses, etc on a motorcycle? I have a Harley Roadking and am interested in something to store the camera in that will fit in the saddlebag. I have stored film SLRs wrapped in towels or sweatshirts, but I believe the vibration led to their demise (broken film advance mechanisms).

Thanks,

Greg

[GyRob]

bubblerap then a towel done that for yrs and been ok but i do ride a pan european V4 .

[Mr. Messenger]

Greg, I don't think you'll like this answer, but.....
I've found that having the camera in a small photo backpack, on your body works well. Your body absorbs the harmful vibrations. I wear my camera in this fashion, and only put the backpack in the saddlebag if it's raining or the bike is parked. I think that the bike should be carrying the load instead of the rider, but it doesn't seem to always work that way! If you put your hand on one of the saddlebags as you ride, you can feel the vibrations. I considered suspending a small photo bag inside the saddlebags with some small bungee cords, but never got around to seeing if it would work.

[Skip Souza]

Sorry man, I don't think anything can cancel out the vibes on an HD ;-)

[Andy_T]

Hehe, 'up'grade to a V-rod :twisted:

Best regards,
Andy

[Bruce Watson]

Hmmmmm...an HD?

I would wrap the camera in plastic, help protect it from leaking oil..........

Seriously, I carry cameras on all trips in my BMW K's tankbank, but wrapped in a sweater and I have the leather 'never ready' (as we used to call them) case on the camera as additional protection against vibration.

Having it in a tankbag makes quick shots at stops more feasible, but a light backpack is another option.

I would not carry it in the sidebag for two reasons, vibration and lack of access.

[alan sh]

My 20D fits into a Nova 1 bag - this goes into the top box of my HONDA VFR-800 (with the smoothest motor in the world)......

Seriously, a decent padded camera bag should be OK - but I have never ridden a Harley.

Alan

[cruzyn56]

Thanks for the replies.. Think I will try the bubble wrap, I haven't used a tank bag on the Roadking since the speedo is smack in the middle. If I traded it in for an ElectraGlide then a tank bag would fit. I usually ride solo since my wife has her own harley, maybe I could look at fitting the tank bag to the passenger seat. I like the idea of having the camera available.


Thanks,

[Skip Souza]

Sorry about the HD dig in previous post. I also Tamrac toploader camera bag and place it in my tank bag on my VFR750F. For your bike I might suggest a tail bag or one mounted on the sissy bar. A paded camera case and for extra protection some sort of damping under the camera bag.
Ride Safe and often.

[Bruce Watson]

Sorry about the HD dig in previous post. I also Tamrac toploader camera bag and place it in my tank bag on my VFR750F. For your bike I might suggest a tail bag or one mounted on the sissy bar. A paded camera case and for extra protection some sort of damping under the camera bag.
Ride Safe and often.


A little "fratenal" teasing is what makes motorcyling so great. I ride in at least one annual cross country tour with a group that includes Honda, Suzuki and a Kawi. Perhaps we will have a Harley in the group someday.

Sort of a non-denominational gathering, with much ribbing about brands.

To stay on topic, we all have Canon cameras though...........

[cruzyn56]

Sorry man, I don't think anything can cancel out the vibes on an HD ;-)
No dig on canceling out the vibes.

Remember:
Harleys don't vibrate, they throb.

[Skip Souza]

Remember:
Harleys don't vibrate, they throb.

Good answer :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: