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:

This should raise some eyebrows…

My Motorcycle Larry ST1300 Riser Plate arrived today and I just finished installing it.  It should make my seating position much more comfortable. 

I also modified the top plate so that I could use my previously installed Powerlet outlet between the bars.  All you need is a custom kit from PowerletProducts.com; order the “ST1300 Panel Kit” but make sure you specify that you need the harness to be 80 inches long. Along with a drill and some courage, you’ll be all set.  Remove the steering stem cover, drill out for the Powerlet outlet, run the wiring down through the steering stem, up over the frame and around the side of the airbox, under the front seat bracket, and to the battery.

Here’s the riser plate before mounting, when I was test-fitting the powerlet. 

And here’s the finished product.

UPDATE 05/23/2007:  You can also add a RAM base along with the powerlet if you want.  I did some experimenting today and this is what I came up with. I used the RAM-BAR u-bolt RAM base.  Just remove the u-bolt and obtain bolts long enough to reach through the base and deep into the pre-existing threaded holes in the top plate to provide a solid mount. 

In the past I have expressed my opposition to mounting a GPS in this location, but I’m going to give it a try to see how it goes.