V1 proved the concept. It also revealed about twelve things that need fixing.
That's the point of a first prototype. You don't build v1 to get it right. You build it to find out what wrong looks like.
Here's an honest breakdown of what didn't work and what's changing for v2.
The mount system works
Before getting into what's wrong, this part deserves to be said clearly. The core idea — four G-hooks, four webbing loops on the seat, bag on and off in under thirty seconds without tools. Doable in gloves. No bungee cords. That's the whole concept validated.
Everything else is a materials and sizing problem. Those are solvable.
Problem 1 — The fabric
IKEA curtain cotton was always a standin. It has no structure, no weather resistance, and no business being on a motorcycle. It was what I had when I needed to test whether the conversion mechanism worked.
V2 changes this. Robic 420D for the main body (a nylon fabric used in performance gear that's significantly more abrasion resistant and holds its shape under load.) X-Pac for the front panel as a stand-in for Hypalon. Both are real technical fabrics. I'm also sewing in a liner this time so the interior actually feels like a finished bag rather than a fabric shell.
Problem 2 — The size
V1 is too small. I don't think a 16 inch laptop would fit.
V2 is going bigger. The target is closer to 20 liters. The bag needs to function as a genuine everyday carry option, which means laptop, charger, lunch, rain layer, the actual things a commuter carries. Not a minimal pouch that works beautifully but can't carry enough.
I'm curious what you'd want in terms of size. Would you go bigger than 20L or is that already too much for a daily commuter bag? Drop a comment.
Problem 3 — The laptop compartment
I want a dedicated laptop sleeve in v2. Separate from the main compartment, back panel access, sized for a 16 inch MacBook.
The question I haven't answered yet is weatherproofing. A separate compartment with a standard zipper isn't waterproof. The options are welded seams, a waterproof zipper, or an internal dry bag liner. Each has different construction requirements and cost implications at production scale.
This decision isn't made yet. It'll get its own build log when I get there.
Problem 4 — The shoulder straps
The straps are supposed to be fully removable. Which means they need a proper attachment system, and sewing a harness thick enough to safely carry a loaded bag is beyond what my current sewing machine can handle.
For v2 I'm using an existing harness from Code of Bell as a stand-in. It's a minimum viable solution that gets the bag testable without waiting on a machine upgrade. It won't be the final answer but it'll tell me whether the attachment points and load distribution are working.
Speaking of which — I'm probably going to need a better sewing machine soon.
What v2 needs to prove
V1 proved the conversion mechanism. V2 needs to prove the size and the structure. Can a 20 liter bag with real technical fabric mount and dismount as cleanly as the curtain version? Does the clamshell hold its shape under a full load?
Target completion is May 24nd. Taking it on a Memorial Day ride with friends to find out.