 Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
First off let me say, I understand this is a pretty lame post  , but I bet there are still some lessons to be learned here as to what works good. I would like to mount it behind the front tire on the lower frame. I would like to have a few tools in it, but also have room for a lunch sandwich etc. For instance: leather or synthetic leather, round or rectangular, type of latching mechanism, how it mounts to the frame, overall size, protection to elimiante frame paint scuffing, etc. I like the Foxcreek Leather products personally. They sell a few nice ones. Does anyone have one they think it just perfect and why? Regards Glenn
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I like real leather, stitched and glued with side flaps that fold under the top flap. My small bag doesn't have the side flaps but the ones with them are best. Nothing can work out the side then. Also look for good quality thick leather. Then as soon as you get it home clean it with saddle soap and a brush, dry it well. Then get a product called Sno Seal and treat it with that. It won't clog the pores in the leather or promote rot like so many other leather products do. It conditions and water proofs the leather very well. Heat the leather and rub it in by hand. Cabellas sells it here but it can be bought at most good sporting goods stores.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Hmmmmm... I bought a tool bag once, it lashed to the lower tree with velcro straps. Not watertight or dirttight or anything tight. I wouldn't put a sandwich in it. Or tools. Or anything that I wanted to keep. Nope. Wouldn't do it.... and it had the side flaps and a front closure that drew the top down pretty darn tight. Recently, I got an email from Formotion, the clock people. They have a gizmo called a "Bag-It" that they are selling at a discount around $30. They no longer sell the matching bag however. This is a bent, Z shaped chromed plate that bolts to your license plate bracket and allows you to mount a small tool bag to the back of your bike. I bought a Saddleman's rectangular tool bag and mounted it to this bracket and it is a practical addition for me. I can carry small stuff, a bottle of (insert beveraqe here), and it is above the rear fender, essentially out of the elements. This won't appeal to everyone, but it works for me..... Bag-It
More flags
More fun!
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 208
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 208 |
I had that set-up on my last bike, won't do it again. It was a good solid bag, thick leather with a inner rain flap. I also did like dog33 did and used Sno Seal. Main problem was that it got filthy with minimal riding, especially in the rain, or just wet roads. If you didn't have gloves on when you opened it, hands would by just as dirty.
I'm back to a bag on the front forks, for good.
Jim F
Salisbury NC/York SC
"Are you a Mod or a Rocker?"
"No, I'm a Mocker!"
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
I did that lower mount thing for awile. It gets wet, gets dowsed with road kill juice, gets coated with tar, mildews and molds if uncared for, and collected dirt and road chips like nobody's biz. If you want to eat sandwich out of there, you're a better man than I. Keep it high. Keep it dry. I like that rear mounted concept. I've thought of putting one there myself but opted for a smaller sized roll bag instead and keep it on the rack.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 371 Likes: 2
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 371 Likes: 2 |
I bought one of those tool rolls off ebay and it sits in a tool bag on the front under the triple tree.
Works well and the bag gets dirty keeping the tools fairly clean.
A dog, a bike, a ute,
Now in the deep south.. Newcastle.
Cold winters, cold rain
Come on summer
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 371 Likes: 2
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 371 Likes: 2 |
Also a few blokes put those harley tear drop tool boxes on their bikes. I looked at it but the things are too expensive over here.
A dog, a bike, a ute,
Now in the deep south.. Newcastle.
Cold winters, cold rain
Come on summer
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390 |
Quote:
road kill juice
Now, there is a descriptive begging for a drink to be named after it, LMAO!!!  
Ezcue
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
See I knew even a tool bag couldn't be easy. Thanks for the replies so far. After reading the replies, I am going to re-think the bag location. Sounds like on the front of the frame is a bad idea. The forks don't sound too bad. The Bag It is really nice, but since I laid my plate down flat (did the 10 dollar MOD shown on this site) I think the bracket would hit my fender. Has anyone tried the bags that mount to the swingarm http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/Leatherworks/312L_NightTrain.html
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
My bag is attached to the sissy bar and sits just above the lic. plate. No dirt gets on it really and I keep tools and stuff in it and it stays dry enough for that. I can open my tool bag and close it again and my hands are as clean as they were before I did it. Nothing is ever that simple here, we all have different taste and live in different climates. What works for one doesn't work for another. All we can do is give you the best info we can and you have to decide what works for you. That being said, my way is always best!  
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
That being said, my way is always best!
If you don't believe him, just ask him.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95 |
I have just started using sno seal after some research and advise from the forums.It is excellent.It is much cheaper than some other beeswax base products. My research has caused me to move away from any silicon product/mink oil on my other leather goods. Also it comes in back and brown should the leather need some color later on. It looks identical to what Harley sells. Also use Dupont's Multipurpose Teflon Lube for your chain. It is excellent and only 5.00 for 12 ounces.
2008 BA, Ageon Blue, roadster shield, light bar. tach, big bags, square engine guard, short sissy with rack. All Triumph parts. No mods.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
I was thinking I would make a homeade bracket to come off of the 2 extra holes in the lower triple tree and the headlight bracket hole. Use these to attach a bracket (kind of like the "Bag It" bracket, so the tool bag can bolt to it. This would hold it securely and keep it off of the forks. If made right it would look pretty cool also. Probably a nice laced flat bag would work nicely. It's hard when your trying to make the bike look simple and clean to have anything extra on it.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
Leather care = saddle soap to clean and tanners oil to waterproof. We use this combination on all our horse tack (saddles, bridles, stirrup leathers, etc...) and it works like a charm. The secret sauce is to warm the oil before application.
My tool bag is the Triumph tool bag that bolts to the lower yoke. If you can find one (Brent has sold them in the past) they are excellent.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
Now that I look at the link 1funride posted I like the idea of the swing arm bag. If someone could make a bag like that followed the angles of the shock, sproket cover etc... perhaps some type of hard mount for the finisher holes, strap for the swingarm, I think I would buy one. I really like that look on a stripped down solo bike.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175 |
I had this bag mounted onto the foot control bar and yes, they get a hard time down there... So... Quote:
I was thinking I would make a homeade bracket to come off of the 2 extra holes in the lower triple tree and the headlight bracket hole. Use these to attach a bracket (kind of like the "Bag It" bracket, so the tool bag can bolt to it. This would hold it securely and keep it off of the forks. If made right it would look pretty cool also. Probably a nice laced flat bag would work nicely. It's hard when your trying to make the bike look simple and clean to have anything extra on it.
This is exactly what I did, the bracket keeps the bag off your shrouds or in my case gaitors and also has aftermarket indicators mounts on it... A couple of chrome acorn nuts on the 2 bolts coming thru the triple trees...
This pic gives you the idea of what it could look like, I cut 2 slots in it for the straps to go thru and a little bend near the bottom to hold bag a bit...
Last edited by wildmike; 04/24/2009 5:31 AM.
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
Wilkmike, that looks really awesome! The turn signals really flow well on it. Thanks for the picture.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
|
|
I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
Hey Wildmike, Any chance of a couple of pics of the bracket without the bag. I have been trying to work out where to put a tool bag. I have mine under the oil cooler and its always dirty and looks c**p.  FrankW
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175 |
Quote:
Hey Wildmike, Any chance of a couple of pics of the bracket without the bag. I have been trying to work out where to put a tool bag. I have mine under the oil cooler and its always dirty and looks c**p.
FrankW
Here's a couple to give you an idea, can't wait till I have a few spare $$$ cause I got a heap of stuff that needs to go to the powder coaters, like half my bike, rattle can black just don't go the distance...
When I sent in my plan for them to make it I wanted a curved rolled edge at the bottom to fit the bag but they only did a single bend... Also should have had my slots 3/4" higher or so, but it's nothing that can't be fixed...
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
|
|
I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
Thanks for that Wildmike. I have some 2mm Aluminium sheet in my workshop that I think will do the job.
FrankW
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
Quote:
My bag is attached to the sissy bar and sits just above the lic. plate. No dirt gets on it really and I keep tools and stuff in it and it stays dry enough for that. I can open my tool bag and close it again and my hands are as clean as they were before I did it.
Nothing is ever that simple here, we all have different taste and live in different climates. What works for one doesn't work for another. All we can do is give you the best info we can and you have to decide what works for you. That being said, my way is always best!
+1 
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 176
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 176 |
I used some spare plastic piping I had lying around to put inside the bag so it kept the shape and then slotted it so I could get into the bag. I bent a piece of ali plate around the tubing and then bolted the plate to the 2 holes in the bottom yoke, cut a slot in the back of the bag and slid the plate inside it.
I can try and get some pictures if you want them, but I didn't take any measurements at the time.
It also has the advantage that you can rotate the pipe inside the bag to make it(relatively) weather proof
CHAOS, MAYHEM, DISORDER ................................ my work here is done
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
I have yet to decide where to mount the bag. I was considering a custom leather bag where the rear pegs go. Wifie hasn't been riding much and soon she will loose her pegs. If'n I mount it up front I was thinking of mounting the plate inside the bag and have a single vertical flat steel bracket bolted to the plate through a slit in the bag. This would hold it off the forks and look pretty custom. I don't ghet the tube thing, a picture is worth a thousand words.
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 176
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 176 |
There's some pictures on flickr (I don't know how to post them) http://www.flickr.com/photos/37874328@N04/The bag is 6 1/2 inch OD, and the pipe was either 7 1/2 or 8 inch inches OD I cut about a 3 inch strip out of the pipe (to match the opening in the bag, and the slot in the back of the bag was cut to match the bracket. Having looked at it today, I might put a couple of bolts through the back to fix it (it came off a lot easier than I remembered) Hope this helps Cheers Steve
CHAOS, MAYHEM, DISORDER ................................ my work here is done
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I was gonna post em for you but that's too many pictures, better just to click the link and have a look.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Tool Bag Recommendations
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51 |
OK I see, that is a nice setup. Great at keeping the shape and I am sure it is a strong setup. Really nice work. I like it.
|
|
|
|
|
