opinions needed
Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 1:30 am
I would like to hear from those that carry tire repair tools onboard their KLR
Here's where I'm coming from...
I've been riding every Friday in the north end of the Ocala National Forest for the last couple months. I'm slowly outfitting my KLR to suit this purpose. I'll ride the KLR for errands and joy rides but during my forrest runs when I'm literally miles from any services (like a beer and a telephone w/antennae signal=:-) I need to be self sufficient in the event I get a flat tire. So lately I started carrying the minimum I felt I need to facilitate a tire R&R
The OEM tool kit has what I need to get either wheel off the bike (minus the center stand) so what I assembled has been a set of three tire irons, a bead buddy (Pro Motion), some tube patches, glue, sand paper to scuff the tube to prep for the patch, hand cleaner sheets...I think that's it. Oh!, and a hand operated air pump
I took a couple pics of how I have this stuff stashed on my KLR here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4609541262/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4608992331/
Admittedly, it's real rinky dink how I'm carrying this stuff but I figure if I'm in BFE and get a flat tire, I have what I need on board to get the flat fixed and be on my way. Not shown is a frame jack I just whipped up...okay, I'll load the pic onto flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611068280/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611071596/
Getting back to my querry, I'd like to hear from those of you that are carrying tools to repair tires...how are, or what are you, or where are you carrying these tools. There has to be a better way to carry tire repair tools, and tubes...are you carrying tubes?, where do you carry them? Yes I realize you can use a front tube in a rear tire so as to carrty only one tube (to save space)...but I'm getting to the point I would like to be able to carry this equipment, in a more permanent type of fashion
Pictures of how you are carrying this stuff would be nice. Typed descriptions are welcomed too
I've been thinking of rigging up some saddlebags for this purpose but have resisted spending the $$$. I have an old set of Chase Harper 'Stealth' saddle bags I could use that would look more out of place on the KLR than my duct taped front fender bag=:-)...but that would mean I have to figure out frame work to keep the bags off the pipe on the right side in back...and wouldn't want to mess up the purdy left rear side cover=:-) Again, more money spent on some luggage racks. I don't want to build side racks, I'm not a welder. yeah, happy-trail has a pair for $100
A tail bag is an option but, I've been lashing a soft luggage type of bag to hold my cold drinks on the luggae rack (bungied)...and I'm not really fond of that. It has fallen off when the ice gets low riding technical terrain (ie-bumpy, whoop de doo trails)...and I'm not liken that. I don't mind ghetto rig, so long as it is functional, but the duct taped bag on the front fender needs an upgrade, for when it rains...I need a water prroof bag up there, and a better way to fasten it...I'm all ears=:-) What are my options? School me peeps!
Jake
Reddick Fla.
"There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon.
http://www.shakinjake.blogspot.com/