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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: krash7172 on June 19, 2014, 12:35:55 PM

Title: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on June 19, 2014, 12:35:55 PM
We all know the storage compartment is not good. Honda, as usual, has figured it out (NC700). The silly thing has blown out once and I've repaired it 3 times. I'm done. I'm in the process of making my own custom lid for what should have been a great storage compartment from day one. Enough negativity...

I have a question for the ZERO gurus. I want to use screws to attach a hinge for the lid. Is there anything I might hit? I want to install a hinge on the seat side and some kind of catch to use the factory lock.

Thanks!!

Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on June 19, 2014, 07:29:11 PM
hello

looks great 8) this will be a big improvement

have you got my mail?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DesignerDan on June 19, 2014, 10:57:03 PM
I want to do something similar to my bike. Are you going to add weather stripping or an O ring or something to keep water out?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on June 20, 2014, 02:04:26 AM
Looks good, Krash. Wanna' make second one for me? :D

Any plans to mass(ish) produce?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on June 20, 2014, 02:53:19 AM
If it didn't take hours to hand cut, form, assemble and sand, I'd make several. I still have to add hardware and a gasket just to see if it works. I made it out of stainless steel only because I have access to stainless scrap metal. It weighs a hefty 2 lbs. Aluminum would be better or maybe even vacuum formed plastic in large quantity. I'll gladly send the templates to someone willing to give it a go.

If I can attach the hinge to the inside of the compartment with adhesive foam tape, there will no no mods to the bike itself. I'd like to use a couple of screwes to help secure it but I don't want to damage anything inside.

I plan to add a foam gasket mainly to provide a cushion and resistance when closing the lid. I am not trying to make it water tight. I have drawn where the gasket will be with a black marker. Red marks are where I need to mount a hinge and a catch for the lock.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on June 20, 2014, 08:32:19 PM
Dang. That looks --really-- good. Hats off to you, sir.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on June 21, 2014, 08:35:47 AM
Good news and bad news. I got the hardware temporarily installed and it works. The fit, clearances, gasket just don't meet my standards with a hinge. I am going to shoot it matte black and leave it on the bike for now. Ride with it a bit and see if there is anything else that needs to change. I have a backup plan to use a catch rather than hinge which means that when I unlock the lid, it comes completely off. I could try to adhere a part inside the compartment or cut a slot into the plastic for the lid to grab.

I am still wondering if there is anything that I could damage by cutting through the plastic or putting screws through it.... anyone?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: NanoMech on June 21, 2014, 11:25:48 PM
I've had my "tank" off many times for painting, installing EV sound system and lighting, etc. The tank is just a plastic shell to cover the battery on my 2014 DS. It does have some close clearances to the battery, and I would want to just drill a hole into the shell without checking to confirm nothing is behind it. It appears you don't have the extra battery, so may have room, although there are still power cables, wiring harnesses, etc., to contend with  in your excellent work.

The tank is only held on by 6 screws, although they can be easily damaged if the driving bit is not kept tight during the process.

Your replacement insert looks really good! Others without similar metal working skills may consider sending a design off to a 3D printer.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on June 22, 2014, 01:10:04 PM
I appreciate the compliments but OCD behavior is more of a curse than a skill! Hopefully my effort proves a good cheap accessory concept that Zero (or a 3rd party) might produce. They do read these forums right? They need to if they want to stay ahead of competition like Harley.

Pic of the lid installed. No mods to the bike at all yet :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on June 28, 2014, 05:53:32 AM
I gave up on the hinge and made a catch that works  :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on July 06, 2014, 12:17:08 PM
Done. 2 lids. Dubster is wrapping them :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Martin on July 06, 2014, 01:20:13 PM
I'd be interested in one if you would sell one. I sent you an PM.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on August 26, 2014, 08:50:54 AM
Got a teaser from Dubs. Part coming off vacuum.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on August 26, 2014, 02:35:34 PM
hope to finish the part this saterday krash7172, i'm in the spray booth then and want to finish it with high gloss varnish 8)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on August 26, 2014, 08:51:37 PM
So these are c/f wrapped aluminum/steel? Does anyone have any motivation to produce these for sale? My tank storage bag just failed yesterday - zipper shuttle jammed and came completely off when trying to unjam it. Stupid as it sounds, this vastly diminishes the utility of the bike for me as a commuter as that's where I held my work gear. I'm using an old tail bag for now but that still leaves me with an ugly open space that serves no purpose. I'd love to have a durable solid lid for the tank storage cavity.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on August 27, 2014, 09:18:03 AM
I'm limping along with a zipper that has been modified. It isn't good. It shouldn't be difficult for someone (ZERO) to make a production tank lid.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on August 27, 2014, 07:59:28 PM
I'm limping along with a zipper that has been modified. It isn't good. It shouldn't be difficult for someone (ZERO) to make a production tank lid.

Agreed, and I really hope they do, but I'm not holding my breath. I need to call them to see if they'll send me a new one under warranty or something, plus the bike has been flashing an error code on startup that I need to investigate. I'll certainly bring up a better storage option with them while I've got them on the phone, we'll see what they have to say.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on August 28, 2014, 11:55:48 AM
almost finished (realy hard to make some good pics at night from a part which has a 3D effect ...
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/DSCF5284_zps924af75d.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/klaasmartens/media/DSCF5284_zps924af75d.jpg.html)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/DSCF5283_zps13471720.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/klaasmartens/media/DSCF5283_zps13471720.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on August 28, 2014, 12:17:51 PM
Pics look good to me!  ;D
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Martin on October 22, 2014, 02:08:32 AM
@dubster How did it end up? I am still trying to figure out a way to accomplish the same thing.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Justin Andrews on October 22, 2014, 04:41:01 AM
Likewise, I'm starting an Aluminium cover this weekend after the zip went on my tank bag went. The carrying capacity of the tank is better without the tank bag, just needs a cover. Zero should do one as an aftermarket item... :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DesignerDan on October 22, 2014, 04:57:50 AM
Here's what I came up with. It's has the following features:

Carbon fiber lid
Lockable
Gasket seal (stays 100% dry inside even with pouring rain)
Strong (the hinges bolt directly to a metal bracket which bolts to the frame of the bike)
Pouch for paper work
USB port inside (for charging phones)
Universal garage door opener

All of this can be easily undone to return the compartment to its original state.


http://youtu.be/20xFhPePbgI (http://youtu.be/20xFhPePbgI)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Burton on October 22, 2014, 05:38:47 AM
ah 240p we meet again :)

Did you document the build process for this?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DesignerDan on October 22, 2014, 05:50:23 AM
Unfortunately I didn't get any pics of the build process :(
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on October 22, 2014, 11:21:35 AM
I don't want to throw Dubs under the bus but I don't have anything to contribute...
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on October 22, 2014, 12:19:50 PM
storage compartiment is ready, just have to pollish it, pics will be reade this weekend normally 8)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Martin on October 22, 2014, 10:52:50 PM
Here's what I came up with. It's has the following features:

Carbon fiber lid
Lockable
Gasket seal (stays 100% dry inside even with pouring rain)
Strong (the hinges bolt directly to a metal bracket which bolts to the frame of the bike)
Pouch for paper work
USB port inside (for charging phones)
Universal garage door opener

All of this can be easily undone to return the compartment to its original state.


Now that would go mainstream. I would pay for the kit right now. Im good with just aluminum painted black, but would take what I could get. I wish I had the resources to do stuff like that.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on October 24, 2014, 06:32:08 AM
Here's what I came up with. It's has the following features:

Carbon fiber lid
Lockable
Gasket seal (stays 100% dry inside even with pouring rain)
Strong (the hinges bolt directly to a metal bracket which bolts to the frame of the bike)
Pouch for paper work
USB port inside (for charging phones)
Universal garage door opener

All of this can be easily undone to return the compartment to its original state.


Now that would go mainstream. I would pay for the kit right now. Im good with just aluminum painted black, but would take what I could get. I wish I had the resources to do stuff like that.

+1, even ABS would be fine with me.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on October 27, 2014, 12:18:12 PM
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/klaasmartens/DSCF5363_zps86eb2619.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/klaasmartens/media/DSCF5363_zps86eb2619.jpg.html)

ready to send back to krash
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: firepower on October 27, 2014, 02:26:44 PM
Where the like button? Thats great design. 2 Thumbs Up!
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: chdfarl on October 27, 2014, 08:40:24 PM
Id gladly build one for one of you guys as a proto type for free. Then if others like it ill sell it at cost + labor that should be streamlined. I typically use aluminum sheet or fiberglass on projects like that but carbonfiber could be an option too. 
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on October 27, 2014, 09:41:38 PM
Where do I sign up?  ;D

(http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/264/200/acb.jpg)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on October 27, 2014, 11:24:19 PM
Well done, dubs! Can't wait to see it installed :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Martin on October 28, 2014, 03:18:52 AM
Id gladly build one for one of you guys as a proto type for free. Then if others like it ill sell it at cost + labor that should be streamlined. I typically use aluminum sheet or fiberglass on projects like that but carbonfiber could be an option too.

I'd be interested.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: chdfarl on October 28, 2014, 09:08:06 AM
PMs sent to you both.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: MadwitTY on October 29, 2014, 09:05:25 PM
I'd also be interested in purchasing one when you get the prototype nailed down. I can't stand the tank bag  >:(
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Justin Andrews on October 29, 2014, 10:10:06 PM
I would also be interested.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: tommi on October 29, 2014, 10:12:09 PM
+1
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on October 30, 2014, 02:24:58 AM
I'll buy when ready; the tank bag does not handle Seattle winters satisfactorily. I'm having to air it out every other day to avoid mold/etc.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: chdfarl on November 01, 2014, 07:07:23 PM
Would any of you be open to doing a mold of your tank well so I have a shape to work off of. No I don't have a Zero but I am a motorcycle mechanic/fabricator and build to suit but I couldn't build an accurate part without something to fit it to. Here's the concept in lue of an actual bike to reference (if there is someone in the New England or NYC area Id go to them) it would be nice if one of you would do a mold of your tank. It would be a simple process that id walk you through the steps. With that a positive mold could be build to form the part but I cant do it without a reference. 

I did a quick sketch of the design. The latch for the lock would be molded into the compartment itself.
The point of this design is so that you don't go drilling or screwing your stock tank but the compartment is slightly larger at the top is water tight and has a durable hinge and lock. If you'd like a lid only design that would be fine but would require drilling or screwing a catch for the lock or a hinge.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Patrick Truchon on November 02, 2014, 11:12:06 PM
Would any of you be open to doing a mold of your tank well so I have a shape to work off of.  [...] It would be a simple process that id walk you through the steps.

Hey chdfarl, Can you give me a short description of what would be involved to create the mold?  If it's something I can do, I'd be happy to help out.  Your project seems very interesting and I would definitely pay for a proper storage cover.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: chdfarl on November 03, 2014, 02:00:10 AM
PM sent
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 03, 2014, 10:58:43 AM
Great to see the effort. I'll post when I get my lid back from Dubster. I will provide final dimensions or a template if you like it.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: chdfarl on November 08, 2014, 12:14:36 AM
That is very appreciated Krash! Does yours seal to the sides of the opening towards the front and does it open fully without hitting the lock and all that stuff. Those were the two concerns that I saw with only a lid but if it functions on yours that does sound simpler and cleaner. Post some pictures when you mount it on your bike. 
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 08, 2014, 01:37:21 AM
Will do. If you look at early posts in this thread, I am actually using the lock to secure it and no hinge. Not nearly as functional or convenient as Designerdan's. As far as sealing, I plan to seal the entire upper flat area and I'll just have to mess around with the area by the lock to see how much of a seal I can get. I don't think it requires a 100% by the lock.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 21, 2014, 07:30:31 AM
Guess what I got today. Thanks Dubs!  8)

Initial pics. Not yet properly installed. I'll get final pics in sunlight after I'm done and let you know how it works.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: firepower on November 21, 2014, 08:19:54 AM
Beautiful piece of work , matches well with your seat cowl. Good work.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment - LOOKS GREAT
Post by: Yon on November 21, 2014, 09:30:54 AM
Hi - Looks great. Who built it? At what cost?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 21, 2014, 10:44:09 AM
It's one of the two I made. Read the thread from the beginning.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 21, 2014, 01:33:12 PM
Stayed up and got the install done tonight. Its great :)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 21, 2014, 01:34:21 PM
Bottom of lid. I used a 3/16" foam gasket material.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: ammonsh on November 28, 2014, 05:19:15 AM
How much would you charge to make one for me?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 28, 2014, 09:53:25 AM
I love the interest I am not wanting to produce parts. One of my reasons for starting this thread is to inspire someone who is willing to do so. What I made is the most simple lid I could come up with that uses the factory lock. Dubsters fiber work made it look professional and not like something I made in my spare time. Because of that, it will be a permanent part of my bike. It's still far from perfect. The foam gasket I used tears because I have to slide the lid onto the catch. Still working on that. A hinged design is better. I only had 2 goals: 1) A solid locking lid, 2) A professional minimalist design that matches the look I achieved with my other mods. If function and mass appeal were important, I would have done something different. I am happy to share any info or answer questions about what I did.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Justin Andrews on November 28, 2014, 01:35:58 PM
Maybe in that case could you "open source" the project and post up the dimensional drawings here?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DynoMutt on November 28, 2014, 02:54:23 PM
Is this something that could be 3D printed and still safely used?
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Justin Andrews on November 28, 2014, 05:49:43 PM
Gimme an STL file and I'll let you know... ;)
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on November 29, 2014, 03:05:09 PM
The parts were hand made. I have no STL, DWG, DXF, etc  files. I'm a mechanical engineer and I made a cool part but it was all done by hand. No prints or files. I placed paper on the bike and traced the outline. I cut metal with a band saw and sent to Dubster for fiber. I worried about the final profile until Dubs finished his fiber wrap. I don't think that a production tank lid would even resemble mine and would have a hinge.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: dubster on November 30, 2014, 06:56:55 PM
Nice work, i'm happy that you are happy about the carbon finish 8)

It looks perfect with the red of the sr!!!!!
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DynoMutt on December 03, 2014, 04:00:15 AM
The parts were hand made. I have no STL, DWG, DXF, etc  files. I'm a mechanical engineer and I made a cool part but it was all done by hand. No prints or files. I placed paper on the bike and traced the outline. I cut metal with a band saw and sent to Dubster for fiber. I worried about the final profile until Dubs finished his fiber wrap. I don't think that a production tank lid would even resemble mine and would have a hinge.

Perhaps there's a shop nearby with one of these available to use:

https://store.makerbot.com/digitizer
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Cortezdtv on December 03, 2014, 05:05:01 AM
Is the piece bigger than 8 x 8?


That little 3d printer/scanner seems very cool I might have to buy one, I just wish it could print something a little bigger
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on December 03, 2014, 10:05:57 AM
Unfortunately, it is bigger and I doubt the materials the desktop 3d printers use would be acceptable unless a real carbon fiber wrap was applied for $$. I think vacuum forming with a vinyl wrap would be the way to go for production. The cost for a vacuum form mold would be about the same as several 3d printed parts but with a mold you could make the parts cheap.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: DynoMutt on December 03, 2014, 04:51:24 PM
Although a bit destructive, the answer is to segment the physical piece.  That way, each segment can be printed and then assembled.  Obviously, for something structural or requiring rigidity in particular directions, this needs to be done in a clever way.
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Martin on February 26, 2015, 05:56:29 AM
This is my rendition of the tank cover.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwQp0D92ardsfnBjRDY3aVBGUGZkTFp5T3RMX2R2UkU4MlR6eEI5NXQ3RkJwaVJkQl8yUmc&usp=sharing
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: krash7172 on February 26, 2015, 06:01:42 AM
I like it!!
Title: Re: Real Storage Compartment
Post by: Zorgalouf on February 26, 2015, 03:15:38 PM
It is nice! The small pocket is cool for cards and small wallet.

I dont know why but i think something can be made with thin bamboo, like fruit cups, but flat of course, in that style :
(http://www.couleurs-dailleurs.fr/boutique/217-591-thickbox_default/coupe-a-pied-bambou-rouge.jpg)
It will be light and solid, and could be nice on the bike, no?