Normally I bring my tank bag on my longer rides but today I left home without it and just used the FastPack. One thing was apparent: This thing has tons of capacity! In its collapsed form, my model measured 9.5 in. x 11.5 in. x 1.5 in. (width-length-height). After unzipping it, the FastPack expands to more than triple its size (6 in. in height) and had no problems storing my cell phone, wallet, digi-cam, shield wipes, MetRx bar and a 12 oz. bottle of water with room to spare. I even packed a turkey sandwich for lunch just because I could. It was also nice to have my tank clear of any baggage (namely my tank bag) which sometimes gets in the way of my body position when riding (ahem) more aggressively.

I made my way onto the highway to test the FastPack’s stability at highway speeds as I was concerned it might “flop-around” back there when it was fully extended. After getting off the exit to explore some of the back roads I checked the mounting to see if there were any issues. Thankfully the Cycle Guys designed it so that it stays perfectly still and my worries about it flying off or tipping over to one side were unfounded. Going through the twisties I didn’t even know the FastPack was there except when I went into a mini-tuck and my derriere touched it.

After a few hours of riding I returned home and removed all of my stuff from the FastPack, collapsed it and zipped it up. Nice and tidy and not obtrusive one bit. Of course the looks are subjective but in my humble opinion the FastPack doesn’t take away from the lines of any sport bike (in its collapsed form) compared to hard or soft luggage draped along the sides of the rear sub frame.

I do have to mention that without my tank bag I wasn’t able to use my GPS or EZ-Pass which was a drawback but one I knew I was going to make before I went out riding. I also had to leave my seat cowl at home since the FastPack is designed to use the OEM seat. So if you’re worried about not having that “racer look” be forewarned.

Something else worth mentioning is that the FastPack is not recommended for use while carrying a passenger. So if you're going to give someone a ride you’re going to have to remove the FastPack before doing so (which should take all of 2 minutes).

That said, the FastPack would be a perfect companion to a tank bag (I’m currently using a Joe Rocket Manta version) so you can get the best of both worlds – storage and convenience. I think the Cycle Guys did a fantastic job in creating a product that suits the needs of sport bike riders without charging an exuberantly high price tag to boot; the FastPack retails for $72.95.

So if you’re looking for some added space on your motorcycle and want a high quality product then the Cycle Guys FastPack have you covered.

Go to The Cycle Guys (www.thecycleguys.com) to learn more about the FastPack and other fine products they offer.