This is a project that is definitely long overdue for me. I've ridden in Laos solo and though I got the tire plugger with me I didn't carry any pump. So essentially if I suffered a nail puncture I can very well plug it but no way to inflate. Brilliant bro, just brilliant....
I must say that I've been pretty lucky having ridden all over alone and not suffered a puncture, but I don't think I should be pushing my luck. So when a friend wanted to order Tool Tubes, I thought, yes, I should definitely complete my puncture kit project. I also want this to be permanently on the bike rather than only when I go overlanding as you could be riding to Bangsar and run over a nail.
So first, let me show you what is in the kit.
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| Contents of Tool Tube |
1. Topeak 160psi handpump. It's 10.5" long which leaves another 1.5" spare space in the tube
2. Topeak CO2 dispenser with cartridge
3. Topeak CO2 cartridges - 5 units of these bad boys in case I fuck it up.
4. Award winning (they claim la)
Stop N Go, Pocket Tire Plugger,
5. Long nose plier, at first it was the standard size pliers, but I found a smaller one that would be easier to fit.
6. PCL tire gauge - England mari I tell you
7. Good morning towel, beautifully made towel with multiple uses.
Now onwards to the installation. My plan is to mount it on the crash bar as all other locations have been explored and proven not suitable. Well there isn't much space on the 650 in the 1st place. The clamps provided with the Tube proved to be too small so a visit to Jaya Hardware fixed that.
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| Tube and the clamps |
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| 25mm clamps |
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| Galvanised steel bracket |
I also had a piece of galvanised steel strip cut out as the holes lined up exactly with the tube to act as the bracket and washer. This should stop the bounces and shakes of the bike from damaging the Tube's plastic holes that the bolts go through.
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| Bottom cable tied for now as the clamp won't fit |
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| The steel bracket |
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| Barely noticable as the engine and guards are also black |
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| Another view |
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| Sits higher than the bash plate |
The above you can see the final result with the tube in place carrying the kit that I showed earlier. So far it looks like it'll clear and not get damaged if I tip the bike over. It also sits higher than the bash plate so if my bike bottoms out the plate should get it first.
So there you go my little DIY project (well I did screw the clamps together what.)
By the way, I also leave you with a teaser of another DIY project, not mine but Husref's. Trying to put together Adventure Panniers carrying strap, which will cost you about RM250/300. He's doing it for less than RM100. Watch this space.
