Making my life a bit easier.
On every trip I get frustrated by taking my compressor out of the top box never mind hearing it fall around inside there while being on that lekker off road we love doing.
So I decided to my make life a bit easier by permanently fitting the compressor onto the bike. I took mine which I bought from Midas many months back to see if it can be fitted.
The compressor
With the accuracy of my eyes I determined it will fit nicely in the back compartment where the red seat lever sits. Most guys put their tool sets in there.
Placed the compressor on top of the hole and saw that all I needed to do was to modify the feet of the compressor. With my favorite tool the angle grinder I went about smoothing and rounding it all around. Took all the plastic fittings off including the pressure meter.
The seat hook
The ring
I realized that the compressor was going to be sitting on top of the red seat lever and decided to drill a hole directly below the hook. Used some nylon string and fitted a ring onto it. Worked very well and now Shane do not need to open up anything to get below the seat.
Fitted the 6mm hose and electrical cable on the compressor prior to fitting it and slowly fed the cable and hose through a gap in the panels. With a bit of negotiation I managed to get the compressor in. I used some sponge to make sure it will not move and closed the lid.
The compressor
The cabling
I ran the hose to the side where the adjuster for the back suspension is. There is a nice square plate to keep the adjuster in place and has holes in for cable ties. I ran the electrical cable straight to the battery and in return ran it to the switch which I subsequently fitted next to the hose.
I ran it to the battery directly to assure me that I will not blow any BMW parts or fuses. However I did however fit an inline fuse holder and fuse (15Amps). This is to make sure I do not burn the bike out due to a short. I also deliberately used white electrical cable. This is to make sure that is is not part of the BMW loom and if anything I can trace it out quickly.
Switch and coupling
I fitted a 6mm female compressor coupling on the end of the hose. Used some cable ties to make sure that nothing moves.
Extension pipe
Made up a small hose with a male compressor coupling and a valve fitting on it. This is all I am now going to carry in my tank bag with my pressure gauge. No need to dig in the top box anymore.
To make my life more easier on the gravel road I decided to take Geoff's advice and invested in a doorstopper. I can not get to the back brakes while I am standing while doing that amazing off road.
All I can say is thank you Geoff. I works and I did not need to spend a lot of money upgrading the brake pedal lever. It does need a bit of adjustment but that can be done on our next ride.
The best stopper out
So now my next ride should be much easier and less stressfull.
By the way the compressor do not get that hot and there is natural holes within the compartment.
underneath your seat is far too clean... I got like 2 years worth of dust under mine.
To protect your battery don't let other people line up to inflate their wheels :-)
Okay, you and Andyman are officially in competition. Who has the most gadgets on his bike.
Now where is the capachino machine going.
I learnt this little trick: Just buy one of those CO2 cartridge valve jobbies with a closable valve tap. Then carry some CO2 cartridges for when you need to pump up your tyres.
I have found that I almost never need to inflate my tyres. After a day of off-road, when you hit tar again, typically you need fuel, and typically there is a garage nearby, and typically your tyres aren't so flat that you can't ride some distance on them.
I will take the coffee machine on my bike. Enter the new 1200GS EspressoMachine
Katoong - I will run the bike when pumping up my wheels but will not blow up everyone's else's wheels. However I will help those who get flat tyres just to get them where they need to be. I will watch the time that the pump runs. I do not want to burn it out on day 1. It was a mission to squeeze that pump in.
Warren I am busy playing with a camera now. A cheapy though - R400. If the novelity do not wear off then I will get the real McCoy of +-R3500. Saw this on Gumtree and Wilddogs.
.
This guy - graash56@gmail.com - said he has more stock.
It works OK for a R400 camera. Nice and small too + - the size of you thumb. No moving parts. Works with micro SD cards and with a battery life of +-2 hours. Comes with 3 brackets - beltclip ; car and helmet clip.
Brilliant in daylight but suffers with the night light.
In no way am I an agent nor do I promote his bussiness but for a cheapie it is worth it. He stays in Edgmead close to most of you.
View this to get an idea of the quality and what you can do with it.
The Club now has 2 McGyvers...............................
Leon how many "Lang Biere" for you to come and do the same to Noelene's bike?
For FREE.
Just get the following:
Compressor from Midas - R200
6mm petrol hose - 4 meters - R60
Inline fuse holder and switch from any componont place - BC compononts in Parow - R20
Bolt that will fit in place of the pressure meter - R2..pressure meter is to big and the hole must be closed.
Compressor coupling 6mm male and female - I got mine by the old Mica in Lakeside - R60......make sure it will fit the pipe.
Cabling - twin that handle 10Amps - +-4 meters - R30
I will bring my favourite tool "the angle grinder" and a soldering bolt. I will also make you a L bracket where the switch fits in and gets bolted to the adjuster. I will need the switch though.
Other option is I get everything.
Let me know when and where.
I already have one of thoise camera's Leon, have been playing with it for a few weeks now. In fact I video'ed the 4x4 "course" myself and Geoff went on last weekend. Let me tell you, for R400.00, it takes very good film. No need for the real mccoy imo.
Anne, do we need to bring our own cups.
I already have one of thoise camera's Leon, have been playing with it for a few weeks now. In fact I video'ed the 4x4 "course" myself and Geoff went on last weekend. Let me tell you, for R400.00, it takes very good film. No need for the real mccoy imo.
hijack
Warren, did you get the camera thru the same guy? Why I want to know is that I'd love to get one, but can't this month (am flying to Crete in August for 10 days - saving!) so am wondering if they're readily available?
Thanks
/hijack
Yes, same guy.
