Tool Tube for my CRF1100

10043 Views 27 Replies 14 Participants Last post by DoubleThumper, 4 mo ago

RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · Mar 19, 2021 (Edited)

90% of the time, I will ride with my TouraTech EVO hard cases. However, when I decide to challenge myself on shorter, more technical terrain, I'd rather not risk dumping the bike on $2000 of aluminum and I often don't need that much carrying capacity when training on difficult terrain.

Under-seat storage simply doesn't have enough room for all the tools and first aid gear I want to have with me on all rides, and I don't want to be forced to carry a backpack.

So... taking from a very unoriginal idea, I decided to fashion a tool tube, and I'm satisfied with the result.

For roughly $20, I got a 2-foot length of 4" ABS tubing, an end cap, a clean out cover with female adapter, some cable clamps, stainless fasteners and some T-nuts. I also had some spray-on truck bed liner laying around.

I chose the typical spot, inside my TouraTech luggage rack on the opposite side of the exhaust. Found the appropriate angle, measured twice and cut once, resulting in about an 18" tube.

Using some ski straps, I fixed the tube into place and marked spots to drill holes for the T-Nuts. I drilled through the double-layer of the pipe and the end caps to ensure a durable mount point. Four holes for four cable clamps.

I filed down the pointy bits of the T-Nuts and mounted them in the tube with my favorite waterproof adhesive

Finally, I sprayed on about four coats of the truck-bed liner to give it a nice, even appearance. Then I fastened it onto the rack. This tube is bomb proof. It's very solid on the bike and doesn't move or rattle one bit thanks to the secure rubber-coated clamp straps.

Due to the mounting hardware of the EVO cases, there's an accommodating gap between the cases and rack with room for these clamps. I think the tube is subtle and works well with cases on and off.

After a brief test ride, I am convinced this tube will be attached to this bike for the long run.

Now if anyone has good ideas on how to lock the cover to this tube, I'm all ears...

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DoubleThumper

· #2 · Mar 19, 2021

Looks good.

Clears the rear tire upon suspension compression?

TheMKoi

· #3 · Mar 19, 2021

David Rahbany said:
90% of the time, I will ride with my TouraTech EVO hard cases. However, when I decide to challenge myself on shorter, more technical terrain, I'd rather not risk dumping the bike on $2000 of aluminum and I often don't need that much carrying capacity when training on difficult terrain.

Under-seat storage simply doesn't have enough room for all the tools and first aid gear I want to have with me on all rides, and I don't want to be forced to carry a backpack.

So... taking from a very unoriginal idea, I decided to fashion a tool tube, and I'm satisfied with the result.

For roughly $20, I got a 2-foot length of 4" ABS tubing, an end cap, a clean out cover with female adapter, some cable clamps, stainless fasteners and some T-nuts. I also had some spray-on truck bed liner laying around.
View attachment 61313

I chose the typical spot, inside my TouraTech luggage rack on the opposite side of the exhaust. Found the appropriate angle, measured twice and cut once, resulting in about an 18" tube.
View attachment 61314

Using some ski straps, I fixed the tube into place and marked spots to drill holes for the T-Nuts. I drilled through the double-layer of the pipe and the end caps to ensure a durable mount point. Four holes for four cable clamps.
View attachment 61315

I filed down the pointy bits of the T-Nuts and mounted them in the tube with my favorite waterproof adhesive
View attachment 61316

Finally, I sprayed on about four coats of the truck-bed liner to give it a nice, even appearance. Then I fastened it onto the rack. This tube is bomb proof. It's very solid on the bike and doesn't move or rattle one bit thanks to the secure rubber-coated clamp straps.

Due to the mounting hardware of the EVO cases, there's an accommodating gap between the cases and rack with room for these clamps. I think the tube is subtle and works well with cases on and off.

After a brief test ride, I am convinced this tube will be attached to this bike for the long run.
View attachment 61317
View attachment 61318
View attachment 61319
View attachment 61320

Now if anyone has good ideas on how to lock the cover to this tube, I'm all ears...

Nice work on the tube!! I like how it has 4 spread out mounting points, hopefully this will help prevent any rotational movement while aggressive riding.

Now as for locking it, there are many ways to do it. A simple 2 hole bracket and some aircraft cable and electrical lugs can make a tether that can be locked, but you have to make it short so it can't be spun out. Another option would be a simple hasp, 90 degree version to go back to the tube from the lid, or a straight version to go down from your lid to the rack support. The easiest one would to take a stainless steel screw of your choosing, add a rubber washer and screw it in through the threads of the cap. Have the screw head on the pannier side of the tube so that only you can unlock the pannier to get at it. Just remember to have a multi-tool stashed elsewhere with the proper driver for the screw!!!

Matt

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RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 19, 2021

DoubleThumper said:
Looks good.

Clears the rear tire upon suspension compression?

Plenty of clearance on full compression… or at least as full as I could muster given most fun trails are still under snow here!

RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 19, 2021

TheMKoi said:
Nice work on the tube!! I like how it has 4 spread out mounting points, hopefully this will help prevent any rotational movement while aggressive riding.

Now as for locking it, there are many ways to do it. A simple 2 hole bracket and some aircraft cable and electrical lugs can make a tether that can be locked, but you have to make it short so it can't be spun out. Another option would be a simple hasp, 90 degree version to go back to the tube from the lid, or a straight version to go down from your lid to the rack support. The easiest one would to take a stainless steel screw of your choosing, add a rubber washer and screw it in through the threads of the cap. Have the screw head on the pannier side of the tube so that only you can unlock the pannier to get at it. Just remember to have a multi-tool stashed elsewhere with the proper driver for the screw!!!

Matt

Great ideas!

Bill J

· #6 · Mar 19, 2021

TheMKoi said:
The easiest one would to take a stainless steel screw of your choosing, add a rubber washer and screw it in through the threads of the cap. Have the screw head on the pannier side of the tube so that only you can unlock the pannier to get at it. Just remember to have a multi-tool stashed elsewhere with the proper driver for the screw!!!

Matt

Perhaps using an Allen screw which matches the hex wrench under the seat would save needing an additional tool.

Reactions: 2

TheMKoi

· #7 · Mar 19, 2021

Bill J said:
Perhaps using an Allen screw which matches the hex wrench under the seat would save needing an additional tool.

The problem with an Allen head screw is that the thread pitch will most likely be too fine. You would need to insert some kind of ferrule to thread into.

With say a pan head SS wood screw you could drill a piolet hole just smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the screw and allow the threads to cut into the plastic of the ABS pipe.

But all of these will only keep a lazy thief out. The ABS pipe can be smashed with a rock if someone really wants in.

Maybe I was lucky but I had a tool tube on my previous bikes and I never had anyone open it. Not my saddle bags and Action Packer top box would be routed through on a semi monthly basis.

Reactions: 1

DoubleThumper

· #8 · Mar 19, 2021

Smash that black ABS tube?? I would not succeed.

I'd just cut the straps and dash.

Tuono07

· #9 · Mar 19, 2021

I've been thinking of the same set up for my 2017 AT. I'm waiting for my Tusk racks to arrive along with the soft bags so I can install and take measurements. So the brackets completely circle the rack ? no rack drilling, correct?

Reactions: 1

RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 19, 2021

Tuono07 said:
I've been thinking of the same set up for my 2017 AT. I'm waiting for my Tusk racks to arrive along with the soft bags so I can install and take measurements. So the brackets completely circle the rack ? no rack drilling, correct?

Correct, ZERO drilling or mods to the rack. I only needed to remove a reflector from the rear fender...

Lt. Slow

· #11 · Mar 19, 2021

Bill J said:
Perhaps using an Allen screw which matches the hex wrench under the seat would save needing an additional tool.

Beat me to it.

ghorgan

· #12 · Mar 19, 2021

I did something similar last year. Fitted a tool tube inside the Tusk rack.
Plastic plumbing and spray paint. Simple hose clamps not prominent when the Tusk pannier is in place. I like the "Stand clear while in use" message.

My hands are small but can just reach down inside to grab small zipped cloth bags for tools and spares. Could fit long lever also.

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TheMKoi

· #13 · Mar 19, 2021

DoubleThumper said:
Smash that black ABS tube?? I would not succeed.

I'd just cut the straps and dash.

Ok so I have the Jaws approach and DT has the Karl Stromberg or Hugo Drax approach. Bwahahaha.

Any one else have any ideas to keep the goodies locked up?

InedibleRider

· #14 · Mar 20, 2021

TheMKoi said:
Ok so I have the Jaws approach and DT has the Karl Stromberg or Hugo Drax approach. Bwahahaha.

Any one else have any ideas to keep the goodies locked up?

Metal cap and a live wire from the battery?

Reactions: 1

DoubleThumper

· #15 · Mar 20, 2021

@ghorgan 's Tool Tube for my CRF1100 seems to tackle the "cut strap issue" with metal straps.

But he lures the lurker with winged nut access.

RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · #16 · Mar 21, 2021

Anyone willing to try to break the ABS or cut through the metal straps (good luck!) would be better served by a 5mm allen wrench. For that matter, an 8mm would yield the $400 rack in its entirety! I’m mostly interested in dissuading the lazy opportunist who would simply unscrew the cap and help themselves to my tools. Speaking of which, here’s what fits nicely in the tube. One of my favorite finds is the battery powered air compressor that’s smaller than the cardboard center of a paper towel roll. It can also run off of the 12 volt outlet on the bike.

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Reactions: 3

CorbinB

· #17 · 7 mo ago

RockyMtnRascal said:
Anyone willing to try to break the ABS or cut through the metal straps (good luck!) would be better served by a 5mm allen wrench. For that matter, an 8mm would yield the $400 rack in its entirety! I’m mostly interested in dissuading the lazy opportunist who would simply unscrew the cap and help themselves to my tools. Speaking of which, here’s what fits nicely in the tube. One of my favorite finds is the battery powered air compressor that’s smaller than the cardboard center of a paper towel roll. It can also run off of the 12 volt outlet on the bike.
View attachment 61407

Do you have a long term review on the air pump? Its only been 18 months since you posted but I was hoping you had used it a few times and could let me know your thoughts. I don't care how long it takes to inflate, I am more concerned about duty cycle, overheating, durability of the connection points.

RockyMtnRascal

Discussion Starter · #18 · 7 mo ago

CorbinB said:
Do you have a long term review on the air pump? Its only been 18 months since you posted but I was hoping you had used it a few times and could let me know your thoughts. I don't care how long it takes to inflate, I am more concerned about duty cycle, overheating, durability of the connection points.

In the past 18 months I've used the pump maybe 6 times (which, frankly is too many!) and it's worked flawlessly every time. The battery was dead after months of storage in the tube, but the 12V power cable easily reaches to the rear wheel. Given the form factor and price, this pump is a no-brainer. I am happy with it.

Reactions: 1

Reds

· #19 · 7 mo ago

RockyMtnRascal said:
90% of the time, I will ride with my TouraTech EVO hard cases. However, when I decide to challenge myself on shorter, more technical terrain, I'd rather not risk dumping the bike on $2000 of aluminum and I often don't need that much carrying capacity when training on difficult terrain.

Under-seat storage simply doesn't have enough room for all the tools and first aid gear I want to have with me on all rides, and I don't want to be forced to carry a backpack.

So... taking from a very unoriginal idea, I decided to fashion a tool tube, and I'm satisfied with the result.

For roughly $20, I got a 2-foot length of 4" ABS tubing, an end cap, a clean out cover with female adapter, some cable clamps, stainless fasteners and some T-nuts. I also had some spray-on truck bed liner laying around.
View attachment 61313

I chose the typical spot, inside my TouraTech luggage rack on the opposite side of the exhaust. Found the appropriate angle, measured twice and cut once, resulting in about an 18" tube.
View attachment 61314

Using some ski straps, I fixed the tube into place and marked spots to drill holes for the T-Nuts. I drilled through the double-layer of the pipe and the end caps to ensure a durable mount point. Four holes for four cable clamps.
View attachment 61315

I filed down the pointy bits of the T-Nuts and mounted them in the tube with my favorite waterproof adhesive
View attachment 61316

Finally, I sprayed on about four coats of the truck-bed liner to give it a nice, even appearance. Then I fastened it onto the rack. This tube is bomb proof. It's very solid on the bike and doesn't move or rattle one bit thanks to the secure rubber-coated clamp straps.

Due to the mounting hardware of the EVO cases, there's an accommodating gap between the cases and rack with room for these clamps. I think the tube is subtle and works well with cases on and off.

After a brief test ride, I am convinced this tube will be attached to this bike for the long run.
View attachment 61317
View attachment 61318
View attachment 61319
View attachment 61320

Now if anyone has good ideas on how to lock the cover to this tube, I'm all ears...

Reds

· #20 · 7 mo ago

Great Job, I love the Finnish. Ill try and find a simular pipe here in the uk, thanks for sharing.👍

Reactions: 1

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