I have a "big trip" planned within the next 30-40 days.......if successful, will be gone 4-6 weeks, camping half the time. So, packing for a trip like this made me look for every nook & cranny I could use for: tools, spare parts (gearshift/brake pedals, levers, brake pads, fuses, tire kits), camping/cooking gear, food/water, apparel, rain gear, cold weather gear, hot weather gear, maps, etc, etc. I hope I never "need" some of it, but want to be ready in case I do. Yes, it adds a sheetload of weight but I have tried to lighten my bike where possible (removed passenger pegs/brackets, full Akro Exhaust)......and, have "tried" to pack items LOW on the bike to help with it being top-heavy. Some may say my added items are frivolous (umbrella holder), time on the road will tell.
Here are a few:
1. Rollie Bags mounted on back (not on top) of panniers......made a support "shelf" to keep them from sagging like Granny's Size 40 Boobs.
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2. Added 4" x 4" Plastic Fence Posts to each side of my Pelican Topbox.........can store my bike cover in one side, heated vest in the other. In retrospect, probably should have just installed a "wider" Pelican Topbox. Oh well.........it was fun building them.
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3. Spare Map Holder on top of Topbox.......keeps maps I am not using at the moment........dry storage area for them.
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5. Aftermarket Lockable Helmet Holder............I use a "Jacket Caddy" (plastic covered cable) to lock my jacket to this lock.
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6. One of my "most important" farkles...............everyone likes a "Beaver", right??
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7. The frivolous umbrella holder.....made from PVC Pipe. I read where one rider was held up in heavy non-moving traffic due to an accident....he pulled out his umbrella and made it more bearable. Also, to be used in campsites if raining.
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.........to be continued below............next post.