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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods
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Message started by rijopiatt on 07/23/14 at 23:32:50

Title: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods
Post by rijopiatt on 07/23/14 at 23:32:50

I've gleaned a lot of good info from this forum the past two years, so I've decided to share my planning/mods and then highlights of the trip as I'm on the road.

I'm leaving next week from the Ft. Wayne, Indiana area (approx. 4 hrs. Southeast of Chicago) to north central Wyoming, with alternate bad weather routes to Colorado or New Mexico. I'm giving myself 2-3 weeks.

I hope you enjoy and/or find something useful. Over the next several days I'll add info and photos as I load up.

The bike-2012 S40 bought new in 2013 with zero miles and now has approx. 4,000.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685058-200.jpg
Cruz Tools tool roll-over the year I've forced myself to not use my shop tools so as to make sure (as much as possible) I have what I need in the roll. The only thing I eliminated from their package is the electrical tape, which I store elsewhere. I have added the items you see laying on the flap as I needed them. The third from right is a telescoping magnet. The rest are self evident.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685059-200.jpg
Zipper pouch- the small magnetic tray I slick to the bike and put parts I remove in so as not to lose them. Second from right is epoxy stick.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685060-200.jpg
Bicycle water bottle holder- has a rubber base and velco wraps around the fork. The bungee loop is not needed for the bottle but left on as it will secure a Starbucks-like coffee thermos. Very easy to reach even while riding.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685061-200.jpg
Ace hardware solid brass combination lock- used as a trip odometer with a rubber grommet installed in it's loop, allowing the analog clock to be bolted thru.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685062-200.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685063-200.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685064-200.jpg
Handlebar rack- left photo- I fabricated this from sheet aluminum and its mounted to the handlebars with after market windscreen clamps that accept sliding rods for adjustments. I've used 3/8" dia. bolts with the heads cut off and the threaded end used for bolting the sheet metal. Unseen are diagonal braces underneath that I added, as I was getting some vibration while riding. A Velcro strip on top secures a map case.

Handlebar rack-middle photo shows Wolfman Luggage small rollie bag mounted, which holds a spare front and rear tire tube, talc, leather rim protectors and a dedicated ratchet wrench for the front axle.

Handlebar rack-right photo shows an Aerostich map case mounted.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685065-200.jpg
Handlebar with cramp buster mounted (I've tried several others and this is the simplest and works very well) and bar end-weight (both ends) with integrated lock used for securing helmets. The weights dampen vibration.

A final note for today. I've switched-out the stock handlebars for drag bars with (if I remember correctly) 2" pull-back.

More tomorrow!

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (bike front)
Post by BalingWire on 07/24/14 at 03:44:44

A well thought out set up. Your bike exudes the Metaphysics of Quality (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance).

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (bike front)
Post by rijopiatt on 07/24/14 at 07:28:50

Thanks. I'm uploading a side view momentarily.

Title: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (left side view)
Post by rijopiatt on 07/24/14 at 08:39:41

This is a continuation of my previous post "2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (bike front)

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685147-200.jpg

Starting at the front- Suzuki engine guard. It probably won't help me, but maybe the exhaust and/or the engine is a fall and it looks ok.

Above my hand- seat has been raised 1", putting my hips slightly above my knees, being much more comfortable.

In my hand- a fused power cord/outlet grounded to the bike frame which is easier than to the negative terminal of the battery. both wires are easily accessed.

Chrome tool storage box- converted to storage for spare bulbs for all lights on the bike.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685148-200.jpg
USB adaptor- plugs into the power cord/outlet, allowing me to charge my cellphone while riding. The wire is routed to the cellphone sitting in the saddlebag.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685149-200.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/24/bikepics-2685150-800.jpg

Leather throw-over-the-seat saddlebag- with the strap cut off for a cleaner look and also eliminating trying to route the strap under the seat and dealing with the rectifier that's mounted on the fender.

Rear view of bag- shows it bolted to a 1/4" acrylic sheet with chrome spacers and washers positioning it for easy removal and installation against a stock Suzuki hold-out. The bolt closest to the shock absorber coil spring has an "L" bracket that is loosened to release the unit.

This bag stores my rain jacket, rain over-boots, rain gloves, closed cell kneeling pad for road-side work and a jack.

That's it for now. More to come!

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (left side view)
Post by verslagen1 on 07/24/14 at 09:52:14

Don't rely on the stock bag brackets as your only mounting.
I had one break on me, lucky no bags at the time and only one leg.

And I think they're only meant to keep the bag outta the spokes, not actually hold up a bag.

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (bike front)
Post by rijopiatt on 07/24/14 at 13:11:03

Hmmm, bad weld or ????

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods (bike front)
Post by pgambr on 07/24/14 at 14:53:29

Verslagen is right. Most pannier racks for dual sports use 3/4 steel tube with 4 mounting points and a brace across the back as well.

http://www.happy-trail.com/images/1/KLR650-SU-m.jpg

Title: Re: 2014 Wyoming trip prep/mods
Post by rijopiatt on 07/25/14 at 05:30:05

Left side photos
http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/25/bikepics-2685323-800.jpg
Raptor petcock installed.
Spare keys zip-tied to wiring behind the S40 cover plate. The single screw located at the top right of the cover plate (sorry-was more noticeable before copied and pasted) is easily accessed with a miniature ratchet wrench- no need to take the seat off.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/25/bikepics-2685326-200.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/25/bikepics-2685327-200.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/07/25/bikepics-2685329-200.jpg
Left-spare oil carried behind left saddlebag.

Middle- Twisted Throttle fuel bottle bracket (for a round 30 oz. bottle) attached to saddlebag hold-out.

Right- side stand plate being pulled out of it's pocket that's velcroed to the back of the saddlebag. Its easily accessed and put under the side stand from the sitting position.

Next post will be of a very versatile rear rack.