My family still talks about the time I took my bandit to the auto wrecker's and picked up a transmission for my car. I strapped that sucker on tight, and drove down the highway a good 50 kms before arriving safely at home.
I've also carried a large pond filter on my bandit. That was a little awkward, it took up so much space that I was uncomfortably pressed against the gas tank.
But...the most unusual non-sentient cargo (bikego) would have been on my CX500 (yes, a Honda) I went to an auto wrecker to get car parts...and strapped a front moulded bumper, with headlights and blinkers etc across my lap and drove home. That must have made an odd impression seeing me coming head on.
Oh, I've also carried the water softener salts, they are easier to carry than a passenger. And for golf clubs, I throw the strap over my shoulder, shift the bag slightly behind me, and away I go.