 |
|
15 Dec 2007
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
|
Cheap, sexy top box?
Any one any ideas? I want something hard and lockable and not too big. Enough to carry my rather excessive tool kit, a couple of tubes, maybe a light waterproof and some medium sandwiching.
I had one of those smallish ammo boxes (not the smallest one, the one up from that) on the back of the bike but it a) wasn't big enough and b) had nasty right angled edges and corners which just seemed to be waiting to crunch catastrophically into my spine during one of my not infrequent crashes. Having walked (OK hobbled, and it was a week later) away from one broken back I'm a little paranoid about it and would like something with rounded edges.
Oh, and it's got to look cool, I hate those black plastic bubbles which seem to be the only option in my price range. I need something which goes with my artfully distressed alu boxes.
I'm willing to spend up to circa £50.
I have a sheet of aluminium in the garage but think making curves might be beyond my skills.
Thanks for any input.
Matt 
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
15 Dec 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
Any one any ideas? I want something hard and lockable and not too big... I'm willing to spend up to circa £50.
|
Matt
Have you seen Lois' set-up for her Africa trip?
It's around your price range and if it's too big they might do smaller sizes.
Stephan
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
|
solution.
wrap the Ammo box in 3" thick foam from a cushion! job done, no broke back......... not very sexy though....... or you could try a look at these.... they are padded, cheap(ish) and have a way of fastening them down to a rack.( where the carrying strap normally goes) plus they don't smash YOU up if you come into contact with them during an 'Off'
Google Image Result for http://www.fishingwarehouseshop.co.uk/images/250_M_XOSC_ICGC1.jpg
|
15 Dec 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London but a bit everywhere
Posts: 183
|
|
|
a few ideas...
Just a few ideas... 
This is simple:
this is easy to find:
this I wouldnt guarantee on waterproofing but it has round edges  :
this one has interchangeable inner lining...:
this one is fun:
__________________
... and Nelly The Elephant packed the trunk and said goodbye to the circus...
|
15 Dec 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
|
|
|
Check this item out on ebay.co.uk 260190813257 The sale is for aluminium panniers but he is also advertising 2 different size top boxes for £40 and £50 pounds.
I bought the full set of panniers and top box from him a few months ago. They look very similiar to the Altos range and the example on Lois's bike above.
You can buy a fitted lock for a few pounds extra or use a padlock.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Hmm, thanks for the input guys, I especially like the mailbox. Having said that I'm not sure I want to be continually emptying my top box of free double glazing quotes and letters telling me I may have already won £20,000.
I like the look of Lois' box. It definately ticks the 'sexy' box but those edges...
Still could always try wrapping it in foam as suggested!
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleyrider
Check this item out on ebay.co.uk 260190813257 The sale is for aluminium panniers but he is also advertising 2 different size top boxes for £40 and £50 pounds.
I bought the full set of panniers and top box from him a few months ago. They look very similiar to the Altos range and the example on Lois's bike above.
You can buy a fitted lock for a few pounds extra or use a padlock.
|
Hi Harleyrider,
It's difficult to see much detail of the top boxes in his picture. Are they the same as the ones you bought and if so, how do you rate them?
Cheers,
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
|
|
Matt, you had a look at Pelican cases? Loads of bracket and mounting systems available - the Yanks love 'em...
Peli Small Cases - Waterproof-Cases.co.uk
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
|
|
|
I was looking at petty cash boxes to use as a tool box the biggist I saw was 12" not sure if they get much bigger, cost under £20
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
|
|
|
Hi Matt
I answered this post originally without realising it was you. If I remember correctly you bought some Altos or similiar panniers for your trip to the East. From what I've seen these panniers/boxes are very similiar to those. The material is quite thin (less than 1mm) and they are very light. I also think the panniers are too wide. When fitted to mine the bike is only a couple of centimetres short of 1 metre wide.
The material strength is not so important for the top box, so I actually think the top box is a better buy, but you do need to reinforce the base with some offcuts of aluminium when attaching to the rack.
ps Sorry to hear about your back injury. Is that something which has happened since you got back from Iran?
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Last edited by mustaphapint; 15 Dec 2007 at 20:58.
Reason: grammar
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleyrider
Hi Matt
I answered this post originally without realising it was you. If I remember correctly you bought some Altos or similiar panniers for your trip to the East. From what I've seen these panniers/boxes are very similiar to those. The material is quite thin (less than 1mm) and they are very light. I also think the panniers are too wide. When fitted to my mine the bike is only a couple of centimetres short of 1 metre wide.
The material strength is not so important for the top box, so I actually think the top box is a better buy, but you do need to reinforce the base with some offcuts of aluminium when attaching to the rack.
ps Sorry to hear about your back injury. Is that something which has happened since you got back from Iran?
|
Thanks for that, I have emailed the guy to see if he can give me any more info.
No, the back injury was a long time ago, due to intemperate snowboarding.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan 23
|
Hi Dan,
Yep, I'd thought about peli cases a while ago, and they seemed ideal except for the price. That link has some good discounts though, will take a closer look, thanks!
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
15 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
have seen a few use short sections of plastic drain pipe (pretty tough), with end caps. with your existing ali you could mount a small supporting bracket to the rear of your pannier. Some metal loops to prevent it being removed, could even loop into your pannier (though would need water-proofing) or onto the bike.
straight-forward to add some lock-able end caps. and weld an end on. I guess you could use the plastic piece as a template to make a decent curve out of your existing all, and just weld the seem. Or smash the insides out of an old metal flask?
There's all sorts of metal tubes in builders yards too.
if you are filling up two of those, then take less stuff :-)
Doug
|
16 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
|
Thanks for the input folks.
Have gone for the slightly expensive option and ordered a small peli case, which still allows for some bodging fun as I will have to make a bracket for it.
Hi Dougie, how's tricks? How did your trip on the V-Strom go?
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
16 Dec 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
v-strom is fine, thirsty and slow (and crap handling), but fine. it's even more SUV than a 1200GS. give me back an AT any day. never made it to Turkey or Libya in the end. girl problems...
considering cycling in SA next year. fortunately i'm doing a couple of days a week in barcelona at the moment, which is helping the spanish (my spanish, not THE spanish).
where are you off to with your shiney new top box?
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
