Getting daft about it......or not????

[Mark Hooton]

Hi guys, if any one wants to express an opinion I am happy to hear it (as long as its not too daft, painful or offensive).

Basically I am wondering if there is any need to make something so that the RotoPak fuel system can be fitted to a GSA pannier?

Personally, my GSA has sooooooo much range anyway my sad ass will give out long before I need fuel HOWEVER it might be a good idea for the hard core guys who laugh at crossing Siberia (crossing Tesco`s car park tends to be my level of adventure..........).

Ironically, the GS (which could possibly do with the extra range) is difficult to sort out as the panniers are collapsible (or the OEM ones are anyway).

All I am going to do is design a good sturdy bracket to mount the RotoPak system (the bracket supplied isn`t the best, especially with some clearance needed around the rear......) - I`m happy to do it for myself just in case all the garages are shut for a straight 400 miles (ha ha ha ha - bit of daftness there).

Here are some images - I`ll fanny about with a mounting system for a GS if anyone wants me to but in the meantime any thoughts would be appreciated!

Ta.

Mark.

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rear by cymarceng, on Flickr[/IMG]

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offside by cymarceng, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[rocky burns]

Not sure on the side mounted one as the bike is wide enough as it is..
How about the front of the top box for none passanger bikers(may be an idea) or is the rotopax to large??

 

[team duvet]

Legal

Hi Mark,

Great idea but I wonder where you/we stand legally with fuel strapped to the side or any part of the bike? Guess somebody on here will put me reet on this matter!....but you know what the boy's in blue are like at the mo.

Not forgetting your insurance etc

Just my penny's worth

Good luck

TD

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Another unnecessary thing on bike with a 300 mile fuel range

 

[Big Nick]

Another unnecessary thing on bike with a 300 mile fuel range

Seems a bit pointless to me as well

 

[JayC]

As it's been 17 days since I emailed and PM'd you about the possibility of you undertaking a manufacturing task for me, and 17 days since you said "will get back to you shortly", and I've still not heard any more from you I am guessing that any input I had here would...actually I can't be bothered to finish the sentence!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Pointless for the GSA Mark as the range is enough for anywhere. I'm getting 420 plus up in Canada and Alaska.

However, there would be a limited market for the standard GS in the US as even the 22 litre tank range, things can get very close A lot of bikes with standard size tanks do carry extra fuel up here so a standardised pannier mounting bracket may be a seller

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

However, there would be a limited market for the standard GS in the US as even the 22 litre tank range, things can get very close A lot of bikes with standard size tanks do carry extra fuel up here so a standardised pannier mounting bracket may be a seller

Just carry a plastic can from a Gas station, job done

 

[WindyChuffer]

Good idea. I'd buy one. Would use it for when I bomb down to Spain and push things a bit with 'bollox will make it to the next services'.

 

[Fanum]

Is there a need for it? absolutely not.

Will they sell? maybe, a few.

TBH I reckon you'd find another and much more viable product to make and sell by whacking up a 'What would your wishlist new product list include?' and see if there's a theme you can pick out from the answers

Or go look at the Touratwat catalogue and re-design something that sells a lot that strikes you as being too expensive/poorly designed

(rather a lot of choice then )

Aerostich used to do a sub-topbox mounting stash box thingy...went inbetween the rack and the topbox or could be used on its own......I always used to fancy one but I ended up making one up using a steel petty cash box (IE with a lock on it)

Maybe something like that would be a better option ?

Pillion peg lowering kits?

Adjustable Gear change lever? (I love mine, even though it's TT )

pivot pegs with a bit more adjustability?

A cheaper, more finished version of the Desierto fairing?

 

[paintman]

In 2010 I rode a 1200 gs to The Gambia with some other tossers, heeding advice from more experienced, several containers of extra fuel were carried all the way there without the need to open them. My well used steed will do a minimum of 200 miles to the tankful and up to 250 when ridden more sympathetically so I don't need one.

 

[EggChaser]

There is already a kit to fit those to an SW-Motech rack (and then strap soft luggage outside them available here

http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/...pax-mounting/5d9330ebfc8e76fd866dc51050af0b10

So
a) I guess there is a market
b) probably no issues with UK law and carrying fuel that way.

 

[Mark Hooton]

Sorry

As it's been 17 days since I emailed and PM'd you about the possibility of you undertaking a manufacturing task for me, and 17 days since you said "will get back to you shortly", and I've still not heard any more from you I am guessing that any input I had here would...actually I can't be bothered to finish the sentence!

I'm sorry really really sorry that you feel that way - I try to keep everyone happy but I'm soooo busy I do tend to let the ball drop at times - please take into consideration all the folk who seem happy with my quality and service - I have many people saying as such.

If you kindly remind me I will be very keen to meet your expectations and once again I apologise if you feel I haven't given you the attention you feel you should have got

Regards

Mark

 

[Mark Hooton]

And I'll take this idea no further........

Thank you for all the feedback

Mark

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

In 2010 I rode a 1200 gs to The Gambia with some other tossers, heeding advice from more experienced, several containers of extra fuel were carried all the way there without the need to open them. My well used steed will do a minimum of 200 miles to the tankful and up to 250 when ridden more sympathetically so I don't need one.

Andres

PS Although reality has never stopped peeps buying unnecessary tat for thier GS's

 

[Edventure]

And I'll take this idea no further........

Thank you for all the feedback

Mark

Mark, I think it's a useful idea and I'd buy one. Having had a few "can't find any fuel" moments riding through Africa I would always carry extra fuel and I hate just lashing on a fuel can/plastic bottle.

 

[Reckless]

Mark

If you are after ideas for useful bits of kit I think a "cage" that would secure a Kenwood PMR radio upright on the bike would be a great idea. Mine is currently under the rear rack held in place by industrial velcro which is fine but not always worry free when the light-fingered are about! I would be happy to mount a cage on my pannier in order to get it upright and secure. Obviously the radio would need to be bike powered to make it worthwhile but I think most folks who would be interested in a cage probably bike power anyway. Perhaps a 2 piece cage that allowed access to the controls but prevented it being removed would work? Happy to provide measurements etc if you think it might work.

 

[Mark Hooton]

Mark

If you are after ideas for useful bits of kit I think a "cage" that would secure a Kenwood PMR radio upright on the bike would be a great idea. Mine is currently under the rear rack held in place by industrial velcro which is fine but not always worry free when the light-fingered are about! I would be happy to mount a cage on my pannier in order to get it upright and secure. Obviously the radio would need to be bike powered to make it worthwhile but I think most folks who would be interested in a cage probably bike power anyway. Perhaps a 2 piece cage that allowed access to the controls but prevented it being removed would work? Happy to provide measurements etc if you think it might work.

That's very kind of you and yes please, any sizes patterns etc would be appreciated. I'm very busy but If you didn't mind I would get on with it as soon as I could.

 

[Oldrat]

Hi Mark
I just wanted to thank you for producing top notch quality bits of kit. Once in a while you'll ocasionally take some flack on here for being busy or having what some might see as an odd idea, but persevere and keep having those ideas. That's what happens when you put your head above the parapet.

The idea about the fuel can doesn't seem to have legs, but the idea about the PMR radio certainly does IMHO. Just look at how little space there is under the seat to fit radio / autocom / centrex fuze bloc etc.

Something I think that would sell in bucket loads is this Camping stove setup, originally posted by Blues traveller. Looks spot on for your company. Put me down as customer #1 for both a PMR box and a stove set up

Good luck and keep pushing the envelope

 

[Mark Hooton]

Hi Mark
I just wanted to thank you for producing top notch quality bits of kit. Once in a while you'll ocasionally take some flack on here for being busy or having what some might see as an odd idea, but persevere and keep having those ideas. That's what happens when you put your head above the parapet.

The idea about the fuel can doesn't seem to have legs, but the idea about the PMR radio certainly does IMHO. Just look at how little space there is under the seat to fit radio / autocom / centrex fuze bloc etc.

Something I think that would sell in bucket loads is this Camping stove setup, originally posted by Blues traveller. Looks spot on for your company. Put me down as customer #1 for both a PMR box and a stove set up

Good luck and keep pushing the envelope

Thank you for your kind words and yes you are right - sometimes it is very hard to keep everyone happy. 2 jobs, a family and a drink problem does sometimes mean that I do fail - but very rarely and mostly people seem absolutely overjoyed with my performance.

yes, your thoughts are more than welcome and i think some sort of radio carrying thingy might be good!