Securing equipment at stops
 

Hey, I have a big question: Where do you put your jacket and/or your motorcycle boots when you stop and leave your bike for a walk?

Of course, the problem is when the weather is hot and I can't walk with my jacket and my motorcycle boots on me. I have touratech's alu panniers but they are full at my trips and I don't want to leave my equipment unsecured out of the panniers. I have three thoughts:
1) to buy a top-case and keep it empty for storing my equipment at stops,
2) to use a stainless steel mesh to lock my equipment, but I don't think that it's a secure solution,
3) to carry my equipment in a backpack, which is a little uncomfortable...

In a trip we are planning in Canada we intend to use hiking boots to ride and to walk in. As for the helmet and jacket I am getting made up some plastic coated wire cable about 2 metres long with eyes either end to go through the helmets and the sleeves of the jacket, rear wheel of bike and up over the seat. This will serve 2 purposes, secure the gear and the bike. It will coil up and easily be stored in panniers or top box when not in use.
Nearly forgot, a padlock to secure the lot.

Glen

Pac Safe make things that will secure gear. www.pac-safe.com

For Glens cable idea try a bicycle shop - they may have light wieght cables for securing bicycles that may do the job.

Bar end helmet locks
 

You could buy bar end helmet locks for one or both bar ends. As for a jacket, you can bunch up one sleeve, slide it over the grip/handlebar, then lock your helmet to the end.

a solution
 

I saw somewhere a great idea. Instead of a normal top box, have one with the lid big enough to fit over the top and down the sides. when riding looks normal sized. but has the ability to be lifted so there is double height inside, and hence double capacity. When touring, it means you can ride with a normal sized top box load, and then just raise the lid to put your helmet etc inside. Lid has two locking positions, up and down. ie half and full capacity..

Very good! Do you know where we can find it? Manufacturer? Is the whole box plastic or it uses soft material?

I use one of those metal nets backpackers use to secure their packs. I keep it in the topbox and just get it out when I leave the bike unattended. It covers my tent, sleeping bag etc, and I stuff my jacket and pants under there as well. Looks messy, but it's convenient, effective and quick.

cheers
Brett

sorry for delay answeringthis, but was not until recently i found out how to look at old posts.

no idea who makes it, but was aluminium top box...