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I think my main complaint with my ST4s is that there is no place to attach a bungee net. About once a week, I need to transport a spare helmet, jacket or something, and the only option I have is a backpack. Of course, it’s no problem when the panniers installed, but in my case that’s rare.
Also, my main concern with bungee nets is that the hooks can’t contact the paint. My paint is in great condition and marks from luggage aren’t an option.
So, after a couple of hours of staring at the bike and thinking back to the system on a ZX6R I used to have, I came up with this solution.
Required tools & parts:
Drill with 3/16” bit
Pop rivet tool with 3/16”x1/2” aluminum rivets
4 large washers w/ 3/16” hole
Luggage strap (I found these at Walmart for less than $4)
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First, cut the straps to length. Sorry, but I didn’t measure these prior to installation, so you’ll need to test fit to find the correct length. I heated the ends after cutting so they wouldn’t fray. I also used a wire heated with a plumber’s torch to make the attachment hole in the end of each strap for the same reason. Finally, it seemed like a good idea to wrap my drill bit with masking take about 1/4” from the tip so I wouldn’t accidentally drill too deep. It would be a major pi55er to drill a hole completely through the seat cover.
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Here’s a shot with the straps riveted in place. This demonstrates how you’ll need to test fit before cutting to length. The front straps should be long enough to extend about 1-1/2” past the edge of the seat and the rear should extend about 1/2” past the edge. This will make a little more sense when you see the next photos.
This view is without the wheel lock in place, but it still fits with the straps installed. The lock retaining straps and tab do a nice job of stowing the bungee straps when not in use.
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Done! If I had it to do over, I think I'd make all the straps about 1/2" longer, but otherwise it works pretty well.
The attachment to the seat doesn’t appear to be exceptionally strong, but I’ve been using this for a couple of months now with no problems. Let me know what you think.
Also, my main concern with bungee nets is that the hooks can’t contact the paint. My paint is in great condition and marks from luggage aren’t an option.
So, after a couple of hours of staring at the bike and thinking back to the system on a ZX6R I used to have, I came up with this solution.
Required tools & parts:
Drill with 3/16” bit
Pop rivet tool with 3/16”x1/2” aluminum rivets
4 large washers w/ 3/16” hole
Luggage strap (I found these at Walmart for less than $4)
First, cut the straps to length. Sorry, but I didn’t measure these prior to installation, so you’ll need to test fit to find the correct length. I heated the ends after cutting so they wouldn’t fray. I also used a wire heated with a plumber’s torch to make the attachment hole in the end of each strap for the same reason. Finally, it seemed like a good idea to wrap my drill bit with masking take about 1/4” from the tip so I wouldn’t accidentally drill too deep. It would be a major pi55er to drill a hole completely through the seat cover.
Here’s a shot with the straps riveted in place. This demonstrates how you’ll need to test fit before cutting to length. The front straps should be long enough to extend about 1-1/2” past the edge of the seat and the rear should extend about 1/2” past the edge. This will make a little more sense when you see the next photos.
This view is without the wheel lock in place, but it still fits with the straps installed. The lock retaining straps and tab do a nice job of stowing the bungee straps when not in use.
Done! If I had it to do over, I think I'd make all the straps about 1/2" longer, but otherwise it works pretty well.
The attachment to the seat doesn’t appear to be exceptionally strong, but I’ve been using this for a couple of months now with no problems. Let me know what you think.
j/k...I know it's for a "spare" helmet. Nice work!
