Inner tube/tool storage

[Revnelli]

Hi,
I'm struggling with how to store a tube and pump and tire irons and a tow rope on my bike (DRZ400). I have a tool tube mounted on a rack opposite the muffler. But this stuff is too big for the tube - and it's full of tools. I want to keep it on permanently as I often ride to work and take detours on the way back.

The obvious is a front fender bag, but they're a bit small for all the stuff (correct me...). Plus I want to keep stuff off the front for better handling.

I don't fancy a tank bag for some of the above reasons. Plus I don't want it "in the way" (Correct me....)

I have a big rack over the back fender which prevents a rear mount fender bag. I could mount something on the rack - a tool box? A lunch box (old aluminum style?)? A soft bag of some kind?

So what are people's solutions?

[skidmark43]

I would caution that at some point, anything you have behind you will be lost. Bungies break and/or stuff just gets shaken off and you will be oblivious until miles down the trail. Tell me I'm wrong today, but please have the courtesy to let me know later that I was right...

I hate tank bags; they get in the way, bounce around, soak up fuel spills.

I use a front fender bag (Moose or MSR make decent ones). This holds my tube, irons and patch kit. Fairly heavy, so on my DRZ I fashioned a reinforcement out of checkerplate (thanks John V) - but I've seen this for sale at shops. Tow strap came in a neat package (also Moose) that fits on my crossbar. Tow rope and pump go in my backpack. I always ride with a backpack - a decent sports-type with a camelbak that can carry a first-aid kit and some tools etc.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[Mad Max]

Though I have yet to do it, I was going to drill two holes in each of my tire irons and bolt them on where my passenger foot-pegs used to be.Low center of gravity and they are always with you.I guess I'd better get a Round Tuit.Tubes will fit under some seats.

Max

[Phoenix]

I carry some stuff in the front fender bag, and have the welding rod tool tube replacing my stocker. The balance of my stuff has been in a cheap street tank bag used as a psuedo tail pack which has been destroyed this season but even with torn zippers etc the cargo net was the key element that prevented me from losing anything through the broken zippers. Caveat : I ride a DR650 like a big sissy.

You can see I just strap the cargo net over the stock grab bars(?) don't even have a rack.

Cheers Alex.

[Dan]

Make a bigger tool tube out of some 4" PVC and apropriate caps from your local hardware store and bolt it in place of the original

[old trials guy]

Easy dual sporting (FSR, some pavement, easy single track) I often use my Wolfman Tank Bag. Yes, it can get in the way but it is close to the center of gravity and I can see it if it comes loose or I forget to zip it up. Its not so big it is awkward and for the most part I don't know its there when I am riding. You can see it on my bike in my avatar.

If I am planning for a serious ride (single track, fast FSR, all day ride) I wear a Deuter Futura 28 Liter Daypack. Good suspension system, easy on the back, place for a hydration pack and room enough for 2 liters spare gas, tube, tools, camera, spare rain jacket, lunch and a couple of liters of water. I have put about 7,000km on one of these packs and find it pretty darn comfortable considering how much I am packing.

I hate most tail bags other than a really slim fender mount tool pack because I don't like getting smacked in the butt going through whoops etc. Front fender bags add to the steering mass and I prefer to keep the steering as light and neutral as possible.

Everyone has their preferences, for me the cheapest and easiest was the Deuter pack. About 90 bucks at MEC.

otg

[Revnelli]

I'm thinking about a tusk front fender pack - $20 from Gnarly (or $14 in USA) with 2 irons and maybe adapting it to fit on the back. Anyone got any experience of this brand?

[snackdaddy]

After many attempts I came up with a tailbag that works...
http://www.chaseharper.com/TankBags/...50&fr=0750.htm

I have place a metal cake pan on the bottom of the bag (With thick foam tape around the edges to prevent chaffing). I bolted that bag to the stock holes for the bag the drz came with.

This system has lasted 3 seasons with no issues.

Am I scared about losing stuff? Yah but I found a solution...Just ride with people who are slower then you.

[Revnelli]

FYI The tusk fender bag is small - 7.5 x 5 x 3 (!) I think (Forgot to write down what the guy at rockky mountain said). MSR fender bag is also small. Moose racing does two bigger sizes - regular (11.5"L x 6.5"W x 5"H) and Dual sport - 12.5 X 7.5 x 5.5. I'm going for the dual sport.

I need it secure - Nobody rides slower than me ;-)

[Buckethead]

Hey-

I too wanted a way to carry my pump/tools/tube/spare bits semi-permanently on my DRZ. I really like having all of my emergency bits -always- on the bike. I found bags unreliable (they fell off, I forgot them at home), and the welding rod holder I had on my previous bike was too small for the tube and well as the rest of my kit. Same problem with 4" pipe.

After a few trials, I found a solution that has worked quite well for me for nearly 7000ks of mud/rain/crashes/sand/whoops/crashes/rocks:

I took a piece of 6" abs and cemented a cap on one end. I then heated it in my oven (wife was at work ) at 200deg for about 15minutes. I then pressed it between two pieces of wood in my vice until it was a nice even oval shape about 4" wide. I then heated a 6" rubber cap with a heat gun and stretched it to fit the oval. It clamps on with a hose clamp and I have a 8mm socket as my keychain to take it off. I made some simple steel hangars (the original aluminum ones I made fatigued and broke) and it fits nicely on the left side (opposite the muffler). It is light, not too bad looking, and has been perfectly waterproof and durable despite crashing on it more time than I like to admit. It also doubles as a stand-off for my ortleib panniers.

I can take some pics if anybody is interested.

Cheers,
Matthew

[Shuswap]

I can take some pics if anybody is interested.

Please do!Thanks.....looking for a solution to this issue also

[franhoser]

hey matt,

take a pic i can picture what it looks like but like to see anyway. i may make something for the drz. i decided not to buy a ktm, i ended up geting dirt tires for my sm for now.

[blocker]

I used a 4" PVC pipe with cap glued on --did the oven bit made it into an oval and slipped a PVC cap (oval) over the end. Used hose clamps on the opposite the muffler to hold in plance. Old piece of innertube to hold the cap on. It is mostly waterproof and very secure. I have them on my KTM400 and KTM 640 Adventure.
blocker

[Buckethead]

Hi All-

Sorry for the delay in getting these up. Working for a living is highly over-rated.

It's a bit beat up after all of the miles, but it didn't look too bad when it was new. I originally had the helmet lock on which is why I used the furthest forward mount for the rear hanger. If I had to do it again I would use one of the further back helmet lock holes for a cleaner look.

DRZ Tool Holder 001.jpg

Back View:

DRZ Tool Holder 002.jpg

And with the panniers:

DRZ Tool Holder 005.jpg

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Matthew

[RayRay]

Hi All-

Sorry for the delay in getting these up. Working for a living is highly over-rated.

It's a bit beat up after all of the miles, but it didn't look too bad when it was new. I originally had the helmet lock on which is why I used the furthest forward mount for the rear hanger. If I had to do it again I would use one of the further back helmet lock holes for a cleaner look.

DRZ Tool Holder 001.jpg

Back View:

DRZ Tool Holder 002.jpg

And with the panniers:

DRZ Tool Holder 005.jpg

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Matthew

This is the best I've seen so far. I'm gonna build one of these babys and figure out how to mount it on my 2009 KLX 250s. Being as i'm new to single track and planning my first long trip i just have to figure out what tools to store in it...lol....Please post any suggestions on what works for you......(insert beer here)

[melliet]

What a fantastic system-thank you so much for posting about this.