Mark A. Chambers

Changing the world, one image at a time…

Bike Blog #2

Tool Roll.

Hey there! This month’s blog post is all about a tool roll. I stumbled upon this awesome tool roll that
Freddie Dobbs made in the UK, and I was blown away! I was so impressed that I almost ordered one, but then I realized it would be a bit pricey in NZD when it arrived.

So, I started thinking, “Why not make my own?” I spotted a tool roll on sale at SuperCheap Auto, and it became my starting point. It had these cool elastic loops that keep it together when you roll it up, which was super practical and secure. The material was canvas-like, so it’s strong and sturdy, not quite as good as Freddie Dobbs’ ones, but it’ll definitely do the trick.

I picked some tools that I already had and thought would be useful for the kit. I grabbed a small pair of vice grips from SuperCheap Auto, which I didn’t have before, and that was it for now. I can always add more stuff later if I need it.

Since I’m putting this tool roll on my Triumph Scrambler, I remembered I had a Velcro Triumph embroidered emblem that I bought from Temu. It’s a classic emblem with a cool look to it. I removed the old ToolPro emblem from the tool roll and trimmed the Velcro sticker to fit. Now it has a more authentic look.

I decided to attach it to the frame on the right side and use some zip straps to keep it secure. The only obvious downside is that you’d have to cut off the straps if you ever need to use it in an emergency. But I’m thinking about how to work around that. Overall, I like the look, and it’s a great starting point.

Let me know what you think!


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Bike Blog #1

This is the first blog post in my new motorcycle series. It’s a pretty simple first post after a long time and all new in my motorcycle theme.
 
This post is about installing a Top Box on my 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400x. These are my views and my impressions of the install and the product.
 
It took me awhile to get the parts to begin with but I really prefer installing genuine accessories wherever possible. They just fit so much better with less problems.
 
Opening the boxes all the items are well packed and easily identifiable. A QR code will link you to the website where you can find the installation instructions. I had already searched these out and had them printed and ready to go. Or you can just read it directly off the internet to save on paper. The instructions are by no means lengthy but really are fairly short and simple to understand.
 
So with the instructions in hand off we go. First stage is to remove the grab rail at the rear of the bike. This does not require removal of the rear passenger seat but the whole job can be done with that seat left in place. Use a Torx  bit and I used my ¾ “ ratchet to do this job. Be aware that these fasteners do have thread lock on them so they can be a little tight so quite normal to feel some resistance when undoing them. Keep the fasteners and grab rail if you ever want to put the bike back to it’s standard form.
 
The luggage rack is the first item to install and you will receive two new grab rails to put in place of the old one including new fasteners to install and tighten to a set specification. Install loosely with the luggage rack plate so you can get things in the right position.
 
The next part is actually to not tighten down the plate as the plastic base for the top box needs to be installed all together with the plate. Also, a different set of fasteners are used in order to facilitate this. Line this all up and tighten to specified torque.
 
Into the final stretch and it is time to install the key lock barrel into the top box itself. This needs to be lined up correctly to get it slide into the holder and then you can remove the key. Make sure that you keep all the little biscuits in place in the lock barrel. Do not remove the key with the barrel out of its holder as the little biscuits will all fly out and you will have more trouble on your hands.
 
Putting the box in place is very simple as the front of the box slides into the holder on the rack, push it down and you can lock the key which will keep it all in place. Unlock the latch with the key and you can then lift up and off the box, if you would like to ride without it on.
 
Enjoy the top box as it is a nice addition to any bike and gives you a good large lockable area for items to be carried on the road.

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