Tool tube

You want to transport your tools in a dry spot (due to rust hazard) and if possible at a low point on the motorcycle. We carry about three kilograms of tools in total. To pack them all in your tank bag is probably not the smartest idea, because the center of gravity and handling is not ideal. So we finally came up with the idea of building a tube tube with a sewage pipe (Geberit pipe), which is installed in front of the engine. Since we also wanted to have our tire levers (big and heavy) down there, the tool-tube has to have 35cm inside dimensions.

Material

Sewage pipes are easy to get at any sanitary company. We found ours at Gloor Gebäudetechnik AG, where they helped us to build our idea. This way we knew that these tubes will last forever, as it is hard to seal the pipes correctly by yourself and have a proper lid for it.

We made a small sketch and Daniela Gloor gave us good advice with the material selection. Shortly afterwards we were able to pick up the finished product. Cleanly processed and accurate in millimeters. Just what we are used about working with  them.

Thanks again Daniela for your support!

Installation

With the pipe clamps, the tubes have been screwed to the motor protection plate (XTR) or through the crash bars (XTZA). It is important that the front wheel, even when fully loaded and if you break hard, has still enough space to allow the wheel to turn. As we park the bikes often in random places, we wanted the tube to be lockable. Therefore we drilled two holes in the lid and threaded a 3/4mm steel wire cord covered in PVC and fastened it with a simplex clamp in the lid. At the other end of the steel cable we have turned a loop, fixed with a further simplex clamp and covered it with a shrink tube. This allows the lid to be locked and secured with a stainless lock. Theft was not actually our main concern, but we wanted to close the cover in the first place, so we could be certain nothing can be lost. With this solution, we have locked down all the canisters, bottles and bags, which are mounted on the panniers.

Now we have one tool tube per motorcycle. In one we transport our tool roll and the other contains the spare tubes, break pads, screws and a towline. Next to that, we also carry a bag with all other spare parts, aids and our compressor stored in one of our panniers.

Here you can find what kind of tools we carry with us.