I've just now hit my one month ownership of my new 06 Ninja 650R. I just made my first payment, for new plates for it too. I am so happy. I also just had my first incident. Exactly one month in. I didn't drop my bike, no one cut me off or hit me. My bike and I are perfectly fine. However, my new $175 SS jacket and my backpack.. not so well off. After I stopped at the DMV, I decided to take my jacket off because it's very very hot outside, and I was about 4 miles from my home. Bad idea. I strapped it and my backpack onto the backseat with a strap and took off. Got about two miles and then all of a sudden my bike shut off, my back wheel went to the left when I was still looking straight. Instinct kicked in and I corrected the bike, got it back straight up, and let it skid to a halt onto the side of the rode. I did not drop my bike. But after I stopped, I just let it fall over and I sat down. My strap had broken in two, and my jacket wedged in between my tire, swingarms, and muffler. I feel like an idiot. A nice cager gave me a ride home, I got the razor blades and cut my jacket to shreds. That was a close call. I learned my lesson.

Sorry to hear about your incident.
I've always been extra careful with strapping down stuff on the back seat because I've heard so many horror stories about things slipping off, and also saddle bags slipping all the way to one side, etc. etc.

I use a bungee net. In addition to that, I use adjustable length bungee cords. The adjustable length bungee cords are great because they are adjustable in length (and tension) so you can tighten them accordingly to the size of the object.

I know it is hot today(Also in Illinois) at 91 degrees by me. Why didn't you just unzip your jacket 80% or just put it in the backpack?
I'm not trying to be an a$$ either, really glad you handled it how you did and it shows a great presence of mind on your part.
I have a similar jacket, S&S Moment of Truth Mesh.

Hey you need to count yourself lucky that nothing worse happened and keep your head up! I have 5 years and 45,000 kms under my belt and I"ve strapped countless things to my rear, things I probably shouldnt have.... And then two weeks ago I used a tail bag I never have used without my saddles, strapped it to itself under the tail with a couple bunggees real tight... Didn't move for my 50kms commute in the morning, then on the way home I had some weight in it, it ripped off the back dragged into the wheel, broke my hugger, pulled my signals off, and stopped me dead (luckily I was just starting from a stop sign, didn't even make it to the other side of the intersection). I was bummed but when I realized what could have happened I was pretty happy about things in hind sight, now I have hard luggage and the rack has nice points to strap down to on top.

Moral of the story, you should wear your gear not your bike.

zr7: Yea, I've strapped a bag (The proper way) onto the back using tightening straps, that is large enough to handle everything I need. I'm going to order a tank bag and a net like you said online with my next new jacket..

CytokineStorm: I should have just opened the vents and unzipped it a little bit. I know. I have never riden without my jacket.. that's what I get for putting safety second.

Gryph: I agree, I am very very lucky that it's not me in tiny pieces instead. If I didn't know what to do, or even if I went into oncoming traffic, I would be a lot worse off. Eventually when I can afford to I'm going to invest in the hard luggage racks and bags.

Pepin007: Haha, exactly. Like I told CytokineStorm, that's what I deserve for putting safety second and "Comfort" first.

yeh, trust me, its hot here, southern florida, and i still manage to wear gloves, jacket and helmet every time i ride.... it sucks, but once you are moving its not soo bad lol

pepin007: I try and leave my gear on my bike (at home/friends house) so I cant "accidently" forget them inside. Im trying to make it a habit. Now I'm stuck with a leather cruiser jacket.. Good in the mornings, sweaty in 90 degree weather. Haha, karma I suppose.