Ok, we all know how annoying it is when you decide you need to add or remove something from your ST1300 side cases while you have the bike running.  So, here’s an easy way to add convenience to the ST1300 luggage.

First, get two of copies of your ST1300 key made at a local locksmith/key cutter.  You don’t have to use a Honda blank, since they are expensive.  A standard ILCO X265 key works perfectly; that’s what I used.

Also get two plastic drawer/cabinet knobs.  Here’s the one I chose, found at the local Ace Hardware. Make sure that the base is wide enough to handle the width of your key; this one is 1/2 inch, which is just the right size.

Using increasingly larger drill bits, drill out the inside of the knob until it’s completely cleaned out.

Now, put the duplicate key into the side case and mark it at the top edge of the lock. Cut off the top of the key a little at a time, while continuing to test it inside the knob, until you get the length just right. The mark you made on the key should come right to the edge of the knob. The more accurate you are here, the better it will look on the bike, since the knob will sit flush on top of the lock.

I used JB Weld to attach the key to the knob, but there are probably other options as well. I used the JB Kwik variation, so that it would set up faster, because you need to adjust the key to make sure it’s straight as the epoxy sets.

The finished product. Just repeat for the other side.  Of course, you’ll probably want to take them with you if you plan to leave the bike for an extended period of time. 

My friend Tim just picked up his new still-in-the-crate 2006 ST1300 and he was ready to stretch its legs. A mutual friend of ours was attending a trackday sponsored by the US Desmo club at Carolina Motorsports Park, so we decided to ride down there and spectate.

Right after we arrived, a 17 year old rider (Nick) had a high side coming out of turn 1, and wasn’t moving after sliding down the track with his bike. The medical guys were there very quickly, and the chopper was there in no time. I later found out from Nick’s dad that he suffered a concussion, but is expected to make a full recovery.

A BMW LT was even in attendance.

Some still shots.

And some action shots.

The rest of the pictures can be found on the ConqSoft.com Picasa Web Galleries.

Took a trip to Deals Gap July 26th - 29th with my friend Tim. 

Here are the pictures from the pros. 

Killboy.com:

US129Photos.com:

I always find the need for power inside the protected area of my tank bag, so I always end up installing a Powerlet Products Powermate Tank Bag Power System into all of my tank bags. There are many ways to complete the installation, but this is the way I have found to work the best for me. 

You’ll need your Powermate Kit, a soldering iron, a phillips screwdriver, and a small adjustable wrench (or appropriate sized ratchet.) 

First, align the steel ring on the outside of the bag, making sure to check the inside of the bag for clearance. (Note: The steel ring is installed on the inside of the bag, but it makes a great template for the soldering iron on the outside.)

Once you have it lined up, use the soldering iron to melt a hole straight through all layers of the bag.

Repeat for the other three holes, and also the center hole. I usually push the bolts through the holes as I make them, just to hold the ring in place.  For the center hole I melt small holes all around the edge, then use the soldering iron in a circular motion to completely remove the bag material.  Remember, it doesn’t have to look neat since it will all be covered by the kit.

Feed the plug side of the kit through the hole from the outside, line up the holes, push the bolts through from the outside, place the steel ring on the inside of the bag, and install the nuts.

That’s all there is to it. I use a dual cigarette-type adapter for the inside of the bag, so I can use my standard cell phone, ipod, etc charging cables.

This should raise some eyebrows…