[RaceRocketRider]

I use a backpack to carry an extra helmet if I'm on my way to pick up my passenger. I place the helmet in a helmet bag before stuffing it in the pack to keep that faceshield scratch-free. Alpinestars makes a backpack that was designed to carry a helmet. It looked pretty neat but I didn't spring for one!

 

[RaceRocketRider]

Every bike I've ever owned only had one helmet lock on the bike. I carry a kyrptonite cable lock that coils up when not in use. When I park I can hook it through the passenger's helmet chin bar and to part of the frame or subframe. Usually there's enough cable left where I can just place the helmet with the cable lock on the seat. You can also use a cable lock to run it through your riding coat's sleeve (if the cable's long enough) so you can shed your coat on a hot day when you're off the bike.

 

[RaceRocketRider]

4Play,

I dug through my back issues of bike mags and I found the review of the Alpinestars backpack you mentioned! It was in the October 2001 issue of Motorcyclist. The model they tested was the Alpinestars Tech Pack. There is a "cargo net" that unzips from a compartment at the base of the pack. This net holds the helmet to the backpack via 5 rugged-looking plastic snap buckles. It also has chest and waist straps, padded back and shoulder straps and reflective piping. They called it "the coolest motorcycle backpack we've ever used". It was expensive at $139.95 but pretty neat looking. Dennis Kirk (www.denniskirk.com) is advertising the Tech Pack for $95.99, and I've seen it advertised by Chaparral Motorsports (www.chaparral-racing.com). I bet Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse (www.mawonline.com) and Competition Accessories (www.competitionaccessories.com) sell them also.

While searching for this article, I found a similar backpack for less money. This one was tested by Sport Rider in the February 2001 issue. It is made my Frank Thomas and is called the "Lid Lugger Max". While not as trick looking as the Alpinestars pack, they reported it held up well over 3 months of use and only cost $79.99. It uses three plastic clips to hold the helmet, which is in a soft nylon sack that protects the helmet's finish, in place. You can check it out at www.cyclegear.com.

 

[RaceRocketRider]

Let's see if the picture it attached......

 

[RaceRocketRider]

Here is a photo of the lid lugger....