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Is there a "bungee cord" rule of thumb for length?

20K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  WayneDW 
#1 ·
I got a 33" long bag weighing about 12 pounds across the rear seat on the GT. A tape measure around the rear passenger's grips and the bag measure 22" on one side and 28" on the other side.

Looking at 24" bungee cords online, they appear much shorter than 24" in length. Is that their maximum stretch number when buying? Anyone know how and what length cords I should use from the above numbers?

Tia.

Mack
 
#3 ·
Thanks Wayne, but I don't want to use straps as the case has a heavy hard foam exterior and I need to keep tightening the nylon straps (been there already). I think the "self-tightening" ability of a bungee cord is better in this case, but I'm not a fan of them in general and would rather use straps if I could.

However, I did go to the local OSH store and found some that are now interwoven with a steel cable so they are harder to break and only about $1 more than the normal types. Better and larger hook too. I see the length is from open end of the hook to the other end of the open hook and not the cable itself which appears shorter depending on the hook design. Stretch warning label says no more than 50% of the 'cable length' (e.g. a retail version of a 24" end-to-end bungee with a 20" cable between the hooks goes out to 34" max.). I could get a couple of hog rings and shorten it if I need too or just tie a knot in it.


Mack
 
#4 ·
GMack said:
Thanks Wayne, but I don't want to use straps as the case has a heavy hard foam exterior and I need to keep tightening the nylon straps (been there already). I think the "self-tightening" ability of a bungee cord is better in this case, but I'm not a fan of them in general and would rather use straps if I could.

However, I did go to the local OSH store and found some that are now interwoven with a steel cable so they are harder to break and only about $1 more than the normal types. Better and larger hook too. I see the length is from open end of the hook to the other end of the open hook and not the cable itself which appears shorter depending on the hook design. Stretch warning label says no more than 50% of the 'cable length' (e.g. a retail version of a 24" end-to-end bungee with a 20" cable between the hooks goes out to 34" max.). I could get a couple of hog rings and shorten it if I need too or just tie a knot in it.


Mack
Mack ... I suggest you reconsider...

+1 on the Rok Straps. They are a combination of a strap and a strong elastic (bungee-like, only better).

I used bungee cords and bungee nets for a long time. After using Rok Straps, I would never go back.

In my opinion, bungee cords and nets are dangerous in many different ways. Quite honestly, I have experienced several different bungee failures, any one of which could have easily resulted in injury or even death. The Rok Strap design reduces or eliminates many of those risks.

I keep two pairs (one large, one small) of Rok Straps under my seat, in case i get an unexpected package to take home on the pillion or rack when the cases aren't attached.

I bought them here:
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554292
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554291

Highly recommended, in case it isn't obvious. Get the ones with the loops at the ends (as shown in the above links), not the ones with the hooks.
 
#5 ·
XMagnaRider said:
Mack ... I suggest you reconsider...

+1 on the Rok Straps. They are a combination of a strap and a strong elastic (bungee-like, only better).

I used bungee cords and bungee nets for a long time. After using Rok Straps, I would never go back.

In my opinion, bungee cords and nets are dangerous in many different ways. Quite honestly, I have experienced several different bungee failures, any one of which could have easily resulted in injury or even death. The Rok Strap design reduces or eliminates many of those risks.

I keep two pairs (one large, one small) of Rok Straps under my seat, in case i get an unexpected package to take home on the pillion or rack when the cases aren't attached.

I bought them here:
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554292
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554291

Highly recommended, in case it isn't obvious. Get the ones with the loops at the ends (as shown in the above links), not the ones with the hooks.
Okay. Those look very promising as a flat strap won't cut into the bag as much as an 8mm bungee cable. Wayne's link dead ended for some reason with a "Not found" in Firefox until I used Internet Explorer 9 to open it. :confused: This is a working link - I think? Wish I could find them at the local Cycle Gear or someplace closer though.


Mack
 
#6 ·
GMack said:
Okay. Those look very promising as a flat strap won't cut into the bag as much as an 8mm bungee cable. Wayne's link dead ended for some reason with a "Not found" in Firefox until I used Internet Explorer 9 to open it. :confused: This is a working link - I think? Wish I could find them at the local Cycle Gear or someplace closer though.


Mack
Mack,

Yes - that's the company link. Click on products. What you want is the Motorcycle or Cruiser (same thing, only black). They are adjustable straps with loops at the ends. They come in small and large sizes - the smaller are shorter and narrower. The larger are wider and longer.

To remind you, I bought mine here:
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554292
http://www.chromeglow.com/catalog.asp?prodid=554291

I have seen them for sale at various BMW dealers, the Long Beach Motorcycle Show (every December), and via mail order. I recommend that you take a chance and order a pair mail order - you won't be sorry.
 
#8 ·
+3

Rok straps Rock. Bungees are not optimal IMHO. :boom:
 
#9 ·
There are more places that sell Rok than what their web site suggests. I first saw them and bought them from a vendor at the International Motorcycle Show here in Minneapolis. I also saw them at a local store up here called Mill's Fleet Farm, which isn't even a bike shop.
 
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