Packing the bike for camping trip, rack, no topbox

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

Just a tip, for if you don't want to spoil your rear plastics with bungees etc. Buy a roll of rubber mat from 'Instore' used to be 'poundstretcher' for a quid.

I've always just wondered, if you weren't particularly bothered by the aesthetics, if you could get a similar effect less likely to shift by putting a couple of layers of duct tape over the exposed bits that are likely to rub?

[yorkie_chris]

Yup works fine. Also makes them less likely to slip.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Yup works fine. Also makes them less likely to slip.

I thought so...

Any issue with damaging the paint with the adhesive side of the tape?

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

I've always just wondered, if you weren't particularly bothered by the aesthetics, if you could get a similar effect less likely to shift by putting a couple of layers of duct tape over the exposed bits that are likely to rub?

thing about duct tape is its reallly bleddy strong on stick. I have known people the ruin paint because of it. Once the matting is held down with the strain of the bungee it doesn't budge whatsoever. I have tried in the past, and I'd be hard pushed with a shoehorn TBH.
Rubber grips does it not, so why would it move once its loaded??

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

I thought so...

Any issue with damaging the paint with the adhesive side of the tape?

As above. Electric tape has less grip, I've pulled it off the plastics with no residue or damage left behind.

For a recent trip to France i got this Givi bag model T464 which is 33 L. Great bit of kit that has access to a pocket on one side and the inside of bag on the other (ideal for pulling bulky water proofs out). Bag looks much nicer than in pic! It sat across my seat cowl.



I attached it with the Zumo link straps i just got. These are fantastic. No chance of damaging any paint and they hold down your gear with ease.... i just passed it under the tail. The photo is just to show you the strap in action and not my bike.

http://tc3.smugmug.com/photos/587975286_578d5-L.jpg



Now when i go away for a week or more i will use that bag on the seat cowl again but also add my Renntec sports rack to which i can attach another smaller bag or sleeping bag etc.

Bag and 2 Zumo straps cost me less than 60 quid on ebay.

yes, but what can you do if carrying a pillion?.

Originally Posted by bluefishman

yes, but what can you do if carrying a pillion?.

I have had a bag of similar size on the rack and overhanging a bit onto the tail with a pillion at one point. This bag has many points to whicj you can attach other bits and pieces. the rack is very handy to have.

And now for something completely different ! I took a piece of aluminum plate (dump truck bed liner) , cut it to shape , cut a coupe of slots in it and hammered between the slots to replicate the seat hook . bolted on a latch pin from an old bandit seat . Cut a piece of plywood and bolted it thru the bag of my choice into the plate . Looks bitchin (no visible means of support) and changes from rear seat to pack in an instant using the key . U can also drill some bungee holes. In the plate for more versatility . Tools required are a hand grinder with a cutoff wheel , a drill , a hammer and wrenches . The plate is about 3/16 " thickl

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

As above. Electric tape has less grip, I've pulled it off the plastics with no residue or damage left behind.

I thought you were a thrifty northerner? You need eight strips of electrical tape to cover what two strips of duct tape will cover...

[dizzyblonde]

yes but its preferable to a respray when the gaffer rips off the paint when you decide to take it off