View Full Version : Do you commute to work on your bike?
Hey Kiwibikers,
I am just starting the research phase for my Unitec product design project where I will be exploring possible solutions for problems faced by the commuter motorcycling community.
At the moment I am probably going to be looking towards storage solutions, although I am open to addressing any issues at this stage, but I've got 16 weeks to come up with a highly resolved finished product, so I need to keep it fairly simple and do-able.
I dearly need the help of communities like Kiwibiker to steer me towards the real needs of real people. I have created a quick survey to get an idea of what's currently happening and where I can head to from there. Your opinions will be crucial to get me started and will be of continual value throughout the process. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete, and please do let me know of any other insights, criticisms or anything... any contribution will be useful!
Link to survey: *removed*
edit: Thank you all so much for participating in my survey! It has definitely given me some golden nuggets to work with. I will be getting back to some of you in the coming weeks too. Much appreciated!! -sarina
Thanks heaps!!
Sarina
Are there more than 13 questions?
If there are, when you hit "Next" you get a new blank to start the survey.
Haha, thanks I was wondering what was happening!
There are meant to be 22 questions!
I think I had a phantom page inserted in there somehow? I think I have fixed it.. I hope :weird:
release_the_bees
5th July 2016, 16:25
How long ago did you fix it? I just had the same problem.
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How about using Google Forms? :sunny:
P.s. Survey filled and submitted. Hope you got it?
Do I get a cookie? :D
Yes I commute to work on my bike, most days, most countries. If I have a bike stored there.
If not, I shamefully drive some POS like a Yaris or a Yugo that's been rented for me. It's paid for, but even so... dang.
Life is flawed.
Haha, thanks I was wondering what was happening!
There are meant to be 22 questions!
I think I had a phantom page inserted in there somehow? I think I have fixed it.. I hope :weird:
If that's the case, then those that have only 13 questions answered need to be removed from your data set as they will introduce a bias which will invalidate your results.
You then have to ask if those people would complete the complete questionnaire again.
old slider
5th July 2016, 16:52
Yes I commute to work on my bike, most days, most countries. If I have a bike stored there.
If not, I shamefully drive some POS like a Yaris or a Yugo that's been rented for me. It's paid for, but even so... dang.
Life is flawed.
This is not a Yaris in the background, well actually it is, but the wife loves it for around town. Don't think I will tell you what my 4 wheeled ride is. lol
322812
jim.cox
5th July 2016, 16:57
Done - all 22 questions...
If i had a job i would commute.
This is not a Yaris in the background, well actually it is, but the wife loves it for around town. Don't think I will tell you what my 4 wheeled ride is. lol
322812
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do :yes:
jim.cox
5th July 2016, 17:13
If i had a job i would commute.
Careful - they might give you a company car - maybe a Corolla like some of our staff have to suffer
Careful - they might give you a company car - maybe a Corolla like some of our staff have to suffer
"A Corolla? You were LUCKY!" (said in Yorkshire accent, obscure M Python reference...)
TheDemonLord
5th July 2016, 17:16
Done.
I'm a serial commuter.
Voltaire
5th July 2016, 17:19
So when is the heated coffee cup holder coming on the market?
Nope...thats been done...
http://3wheelmotorcycle.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/motorcycle-cup-holders-for-sale.jpg
Beer holder?
http://i51.tinypic.com/2e2dzxu.jpg
Travel Gear?
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEyhyxvanfY/URVOOmYC6kI/AAAAAAAAAQc/rT-ONh_m458/s1600/sissy+bar+bags.jpg
Virago
5th July 2016, 17:25
I'm a serial commuter.
A serial commuter? Is that someone who eats their breakfast on the way to work?
Big Dog
5th July 2016, 17:53
A serial commuter? Is that someone who eats their breakfast on the way to work?
No. Just one with omnidirectional communication.
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Gremlin
5th July 2016, 20:55
Other bikes you've owned? You assume you own the bike you commute on.
Some of us have bikers for bosses, and they give you a company bike :woohoo:
Big Dog
5th July 2016, 21:40
Other bikes you've owned? You assume you own the bike you commute on.
Some of us have bikers for bosses, and they give you a company bike :woohoo:
Yes, but if guess you are more an exception than the norm.
Meh, who wants to be normal anyway?
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Mike.Gayner
5th July 2016, 21:48
What would anyone do with a cup holder on a motorcycle? Stop and think about that for a minute.
bogan
5th July 2016, 21:50
What would anyone do with a cup holder on a motorcycle? Stop and think about that for a minute.
Hold a cup? :scratch:
Big Dog
5th July 2016, 21:52
What would anyone do with a cup holder on a motorcycle? Stop and think about that for a minute.
Just think how much money you'd save if you bought a takeaway at the first café and just kept taking it to the next café?
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Madness
5th July 2016, 21:53
Isn't science just great?
Big Dog
5th July 2016, 21:54
To be fair my scooter has a pocket I have used to take coffee to stand in the wind and rain helping people do their drills when I was still associated with the NASS ride.
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What would anyone do with a cup holder on a motorcycle? Stop and think about that for a minute.
Buy it dinner and show it a good time?
Old Steve
6th July 2016, 09:56
When I saw the coffee question the first thing I thought of was one of those American football beer holder helmets, but I don't think it would pass NZS 5430.
Banditbandit
6th July 2016, 10:58
Yeah .. I would love to carry coffee on my bike - but how do you drink it with a full-face??? Let alone at very naughty speeds.
And then, I only drink small cups on the road - it runs through the system quickly (especially in cold weather) and then I have to stop to pee ..
TheDemonLord
6th July 2016, 11:29
Other bikes you've owned? You assume you own the bike you commute on.
Some of us have bikers for bosses, and they give you a company bike :woohoo:
And some of us are lucky Cunts....
TheDemonLord
6th July 2016, 11:31
What would anyone do with a cup holder on a motorcycle? Stop and think about that for a minute.
So that I can go through a drive through on my bike? (put the food in the Packrack and the cold drink in the cup holder)
So that I can go through a drive through on my bike? (put the food in the Packrack and the cold drink in the cup holder)
+1
Also would like to stop by at a cafe have a coffee takeaway. But that holder better be vibration proof as hell.
Yeah...And then, I only drink small cups on the road - it runs through the system quickly (especially in cold weather) and then I have to stop to pee ..
Know the problem... still chuckling though...
Gremlin
6th July 2016, 15:47
So that I can go through a drive through on my bike? (put the food in the Packrack and the cold drink in the cup holder)
I went through a drive thru on a bike, 2up. Guy barely blinked. Makes me wonder what they see...
swtfa
6th July 2016, 16:22
Done. Now time for a coffee :)
TheDemonLord
6th July 2016, 16:30
I went through a drive thru on a bike, 2up. Guy barely blinked. Makes me wonder what they see...
He was probably blazed as and only blinked after you rode off.
I am interested in the coffee thing, purely for selfish reasons - I go to Unitec most days and I stop in at the cafe to get coffee before class. I tape it to my tank with one long piece of whatever tape I have and then ride to class over the driveway with heaps of speed bumps. I used to get a cappuccino and it worked fine, but now I take it w no milk and it sloshes out on to the bike haha. I do the same with Mcdonalds cups and stuff, just tape!
There are heaps on the market but they are all pretty naff
http://imageshack.com/a/img922/3006/io1gMW.jpg
.. none of them look vibration/spill proof ! I'm trying to figure out if it's a pointless idea or not.. another idea I will play with is a fold-out (maybe like transforming or origami type thing) storage for sportsbikes, so folds down for slickness and expands to fit a box of beers / helmet sized storage volume (maybe bigger)? That's probably gonna be more useful..!
LOL reading the survey answers are hilarious! Thanks guys! Some great feedback, trending problems rain, cold and storage.
Do any of you store your helmet and/or jacket on/attached your bike? How?
jim.cox
6th July 2016, 21:13
Do any of you store your helmet and/or jacket on/attached your bike? How?
No
My bike does have a helmet lock - but I never use it
For those of you that didn't get the tail end of the survey - if you want to answer, this is what remained:
- Your favourite and least favourite things about riding.
- 3+ most useful accessories you own.
- Accessory wishlist.
- Comments / ideas
:scooter::scooter::scooter: thanks <3
Gremlin
6th July 2016, 21:39
Do any of you store your helmet and/or jacket on/attached your bike? How?
Top box takes helmet on one side, jacket rolled up on the other. Helmet usually goes in the top box, but jacket goes with me.
Should have put heated grips on the love list, been enjoying them with the odd cold night recently.
Big Dog
6th July 2016, 23:08
+1
Also would like to stop by at a cafe have a coffee takeaway. But that holder better be vibration proof as hell.
Being handle bar mounted like the one in the earlier pic you might be in for a good time turning corners. Sat on the tank or hanging off the body work centrifugal force keeps it in the cup.... Unless you really fuck it up.
I'm sure some one will be along shortly to tell me out is centripetal.
Then a bun fight will ensue...
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Big Dog
6th July 2016, 23:11
I am interested in the coffee thing, purely for selfish reasons - I go to Unitec most days and I stop in at the cafe to get coffee before class. I tape it to my tank with one long piece of whatever tape I have and then ride to class over the driveway with heaps of speed bumps. I used to get a cappuccino and it worked fine, but now I take it w no milk and it sloshes out on to the bike haha. I do the same with Mcdonalds cups and stuff, just tape!
There are heaps on the market but they are all pretty naff
http://imageshack.com/a/img922/3006/io1gMW.jpg
.. none of them look vibration/spill proof ! I'm trying to figure out if it's a pointless idea or not.. another idea I will play with is a fold-out (maybe like transforming or origami type thing) storage for sportsbikes, so folds down for slickness and expands to fit a box of beers / helmet sized storage volume (maybe bigger)? That's probably gonna be more useful..!
Or you can take them a small thermos and put it in your bag / tape it to your tank.
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Gremlin
6th July 2016, 23:14
I'm sure some one will be along shortly to tell me out is centripetal.
Then a bun fight will ensue...
https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/centrifugal_force.png
Big Dog
6th July 2016, 23:18
https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/centrifugal_force.png
Very apt.
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Berries
6th July 2016, 23:51
For those of you that didn't get the tail end of the survey - if you want to answer, this is what remained:
I gave up at the tail end I'm afraid and did not bother submitting the survey. I commute on weekdays, I park my bike a block from work and most days grab a coffee when walking from the bike to the office. I don't drink on the bike because I wear a helmet and bikes take a bit more input than sitting on your arse in a car with the heater and the radio on and one hand free to hold a coffee.
Everyone I have seen in a car drinking a coffee has immediately registered on my wanker radar. People on bikes would be 2x.
Quite enjoyed the survey until the caffeine hit..........
Old Steve
7th July 2016, 08:32
Do any of you store your helmet and/or jacket on/attached your bike? How?
The helmet lock on my M50 was on the rear guard and became inaccessible once I'd attached the saddlebags and top box.
So I took it off the rear guard and attached it to the front guard support so that when I'm riding out with my wife as pillion we have the top box for her helmet and jacket, the helmet lock for my helmet, and I usually wear or carry my jacket.
Hey sars, concentrate on the fold out storage for the bike, forget the cup holder. You shouldn't drink and ride anyway.
I gave up at the tail end I'm afraid and did not bother submitting the survey. I commute on weekdays, I park my bike a block from work and most days grab a coffee when walking from the bike to the office. I don't drink on the bike because I wear a helmet and bikes take a bit more input than sitting on your arse in a car with the heater and the radio on and one hand free to hold a coffee.
Everyone I have seen in a car drinking a coffee has immediately registered on my wanker radar. People on bikes would be 2x.
Quite enjoyed the survey until the caffeine hit..........
Yep everything points to it being a definite shit idea! It goes against the entire culture completely and would be wanker lvl >9000!
It was worth a shot though, I'm sure I'll come up with hundreds of shit ideas before any good ones! I am going to concentrate on storage now. Almost 50% of respondents use bike mounted storage solutions.
Do you guys know if there are any/many sportsbike-specific storage systems? A lot of the responses were from sport bike owners.
Gremlin
7th July 2016, 14:19
Do you guys know if there are any/many sportsbike-specific storage systems? A lot of the responses were from sport bike owners.
Within storage, you have the debate of hard vs soft luggage. For both, there are manufacturers like Ventura and Givi, mostly making ranges of luggage, and then specific fitment kits to suit each model. Not every bike is covered, but most of the main ones. For the likes of Givi (one of the biggest manufacturer-independent luggage makers) they have several ranges of luggage.
Sportbikes, by their very nature are unlikely to have strong demand for luggage, so little is available (and there is growing proof the sportbike market is actually shrinking). In contrast, adventure bikes for example have a massive range of luggage options available (with options continuously debated). Luggage mostly consists of Ventura tail pack on frame and panniers are the soft throw-over type. Occasionally you do see pannier frames, or even just support bars to support the soft panniers from folding inwards, but I think most, when wanting luggage, end up getting a different bike.
Part of the problem is the physical construction of sportbikes. If anything, the tail piece is getting smaller and shorter every year, and this removes options for mounting luggage. Couple that with most wanting pretty sportbikes, with no horrible frame attached to the side (some frames are quick removable for some bikes). Last time I wanted pannier racks for a bike with none available I took a generic set and had them altered to fit the bike.
Cloggy
7th July 2016, 19:09
When I had my Daytona 675 sportsbike I had this type of storage on it.
Called a Fastpack. Small and unobtrusive, yet big enough when zipped open if needed for lunch if commuting, some spare clothes, gym gear or whatever.
http://www.thecycleguys.com/fastpack-universal/
Big Dog
7th July 2016, 23:00
All day it had been bashing at me to get a standard thermos type travel cup ( or one of them cheap 12v ones ), fit a couple of neodymium magnets or a ring of them and a non scratch interface surface so I can just sit it on the tank between café and destination.
Be worth the effort just for the lolz when people see that riding around.
But if I was just after the coffee I'd cable tie a window mounted cup holder to my pack rack.
Behind me it is far less likely to burn my bollocks.
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WristTwister
8th July 2016, 01:24
When I had my Daytona 675 sportsbike I had this type of storage on it.
Called a Fastpack. Small and unobtrusive, yet big enough when zipped open if needed for lunch if commuting, some spare clothes, gym gear or whatever.
http://www.thecycleguys.com/fastpack-universal/
Hey that's pretty rad! plenty of space for my sammiches in there!
rambaldi
8th July 2016, 13:01
All day it had been bashing at me to get a standard thermos type travel cup ( or one of them cheap 12v ones ), fit a couple of neodymium magnets or a ring of them and a non scratch interface surface so I can just sit it on the tank between café and destination.
Be worth the effort just for the lolz when people see that riding around.
...
Just make sure you have a long straw so you can drink it while riding
pritch
8th July 2016, 13:36
I woulda filled in the survey, I'm good like that. Being retired as I am there's time. Then again, because of retirement commuting does not compute so... :whistle:
Banditbandit
8th July 2016, 15:01
I gave up at the tail end I'm afraid and did not bother submitting the survey. I commute on weekdays, I park my bike a block from work and most days grab a coffee when walking from the bike to the office. I don't drink on the bike because I wear a helmet and bikes take a bit more input than sitting on your arse in a car with the heater and the radio on and one hand free to hold a coffee.
Everyone I have seen in a car drinking a coffee has immediately registered on my wanker radar. People on bikes would be 2x.
Quite enjoyed the survey until the caffeine hit..........
That's harsh - my daily commute used to be 50 minutes - and I enjoyed a coffee while I was driving ..
Oakie
8th July 2016, 19:02
Do any of you store your helmet and/or jacket on/attached your bike? How?
No. Only time I ever did that was at a bike race meeting at Ruapuna. Thought well if it's not safe there it wouldn't be safe anywhere ... and then I thought "great, I've left my gear in a place where thousands of people who like bike gear are wandering around."
When I had my Daytona 675 sportsbike I had this type of storage on it.
Called a Fastpack. Small and unobtrusive, yet big enough when zipped open if needed for lunch if commuting, some spare clothes, gym gear or whatever.
http://www.thecycleguys.com/fastpack-universal/
Wow this is COOL!
Damn I feel like I'm maybe digging myself a grave with a project like this, I could make an awesome handy storage dohickey that would only fit a CBR unless I made like 20 different versions..? :brick:
I really want to invent a thing that fires projectiles at incompetent drivers. How about a bike holster? OMG I saw a bike parked up at Paeroa this year that had a mottley brown dog skin seat complete with tail and a tool holster made of the paw or something haha!
A problem recurring in the survey is RAIN and being wet/cold.
That could be an interesting problem to address perhaps..?! A curiosity sparked by the whiff of moist gloves..
Cloggy
10th July 2016, 08:41
A problem recurring in the survey is RAIN and being wet/cold.
That could be an interesting problem to address perhaps..?! A curiosity sparked by the whiff of moist gloves..
You're going to attempt to change the weather?
jim.cox
10th July 2016, 08:45
You're going to attempt to change the weather?
Nope, just wrap us with a glass and metal cage, add a couple of extra wheels, an extra seat or two, some cup holders and call it an automobile :(
RGVforme
10th July 2016, 13:41
All day it had been bashing at me to get a standard thermos type travel cup ( or one of them cheap 12v ones ), fit a couple of neodymium magnets or a ring of them and a non scratch interface surface so I can just sit it on the tank between café and destination.
Be worth the effort just for the lolz when people see that riding around.
But if I was just after the coffee I'd cable tie a window mounted cup holder to my pack rack.
Behind me it is far less likely to burn my bollocks.
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Got a hot/cold drink bottle that takes large drive though fizzy amounts max and a soft side saddlebag for the takeout I can access without getting off the bike..Most are good and will serve you on a bike and fill my own bottle coffee/cold if I ask.Those that haven't have said yes when I have explained its all good(never been told no twice)....The looks I get at the BK drive though.:eek5:
I have one of these on the engine bars of the touring bike - works very well. I have a 'Fat Willie' cupholder on the bars of the commuter bike. Both take styrofoam cups, off-the-shelf bottles, even a slim (Stanley) Thermos - good for cocoa-fueled runs up the Paras in winter...
Big Dog
10th July 2016, 16:44
Got a hot/cold drink bottle that takes large drive though fizzy amounts max and a soft side saddlebag for the takeout I can access without getting off the bike..Most are good and will serve you on a bike and fill my own bottle coffee/cold if I ask.Those that haven't have said yes when I have explained its all good(never been told no twice)....The looks I get at the BK drive though.:eek5:
On longer rides I take a thermos, shorter ride cbf.
Million ways to put a thermos on a bike... but the what if factor has made me think of a few creative ideas over the years but action very few.
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Waipukbiker
14th July 2016, 06:08
Just get one of these. Plenty of places to hang stuff.323078
RGVforme
14th July 2016, 10:06
Just get one of these. Plenty of places to hang stuff.323078
Bruns Waipuk if they did bikes would still give it a wof....:killingme
Maha
14th July 2016, 15:00
On longer rides I take a thermos, shorter ride cbf.
Million ways to put a thermos on a bike... but the what if factor has made me think of a few creative ideas over the years but action very few.
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Th CB has the most room under the seat than any bike I have *seen/owned. Normally you can fit a phone and rag at a stretch. The CB1300 will carry food and drink for a day.
*ok the Burgman will fit the contents of your flat.
Big Dog
14th July 2016, 15:27
Under the seat = wet weather gear (daily commute not a toy) a puncture repair kit (since the little adventure a couple of months ago seems prudent) and standard tool kit.
To be fair there would be room for a thermos as well if my wet weather gear was 3 sizes smaller.
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Banditbandit
14th July 2016, 16:46
Just get one of these. Plenty of places to hang jokes.323078
Fixed it for you
nerrrd
14th July 2016, 16:47
Heh I win! Although technically not under the seat. They're loaves of bread, btw.
http://nc700-forum.com/forum/attachments/nc700-general-discussion/22472d1423028377-2015-whats-your-frunk-2014-12-24-12-24-55-jpg
GrayWolf
14th July 2016, 17:09
Heh I win! Although technically not under the seat. They're loaves of bread, btw.
Lol do I HAVE to get serious, and take a picture of the canam 'boot'?? :innocent:
Lol do I HAVE to get serious, and take a picture of the canam 'boot'?? :innocent:
Go on... if you show yours, I'll show mine... :eek5:
nerrrd
14th July 2016, 17:15
Lol do I HAVE to get serious, and take a picture of the canam 'boot'?? :innocent:
Two wheels good, three wheels bad?
GrayWolf
14th July 2016, 17:30
Two wheels good, three wheels bad?
got both, no four wheels.. soooo ??? :bleh::bleh::bleh:
Boob Johnson
24th July 2016, 19:04
Living inside my business = a short walk down the stairs, so no fossil fuels burnt on my commute :Punk:
mouldy
28th July 2016, 10:33
If i had a job i would commute.
Always by bike when I had a job , no other way to get around Auckland that made sense .
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