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R1150RT: Best Use of the Radio Compartment


MotorcycleWriter

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MotorcycleWriter

I've got the '02 and there's no radio but I do have an antenna - currently highly superfluous. That's a very nice space down there that currently just holds a couple of rags. I'm not sure it makes sense to have a full-fledged radio anymore with iPods and the like (my Nano is an FM radio) though I wouldn't mind getting AM sometimes.

 

Seeing as it's a wonderful space with a watertight cover, what brilliant ideas have some of you gurus come up with?

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Is the radio chassis still in it?

If so, the chassis and the associated wiring loom are easy to remove and will give you a ton of extra space.

You will need to get some duct tape to cover the wiring hole and wrap around the halves of the box to seal it up better :thumbsup: .

 

Oh! And I keep my G19 in my tank bag....easier to get at ;)!

Edited by philbytx
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Mrs. Caddis

Mine is full of stuff, (just like a mother's purse)! Roll of electrical tape, Kleenex, tire puncture repair kit, insurance info, ibuprophen, small first aid kit.... you get the idea.

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Mine was full of stuff I never took off the bike........registration/insurance papers, spare headlight bulb, air pressure gauge, cheap sunglasses, flashlight, repair log book, owners manual, electrical tape, extra fuses, extra earplugs, utility knife.....etc.

 

I didn't realize how much crap I had shoved in there until I bought my GS and had to find a place for everything. Now I keep all that junk in my top case and it irritates the hell out of me. One of these days I want to install one of those tool tubes somewhere on the GS so I have a place to stash it all again.

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Mine was full of stuff I never took off the bike........registration/insurance papers, spare headlight bulb, air pressure gauge, cheap sunglasses, flashlight, repair log book, owners manual, electrical tape, extra fuses, extra earplugs, utility knife.....etc.

 

I didn't realize how much crap I had shoved in there until I bought my GS and had to find a place for everything. Now I keep all that junk in my top case and it irritates the hell out of me. One of these days I want to install one of those tool tubes somewhere on the GS so I have a place to stash it all again.

 

big fat ditto!

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dirtdreamer50

The PO of my RT put a really nice Sony am/fm/cd player in the space, but the OFF button stopped working, so it is ON all the time and pulls down the battery. Currently unplugged and will probably be removed soon so I can either put a .380 or other stuff in there. dd50

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I use the radio compartment just like I would a glove box in a car. It holds all my miscellaneous small stuff that I might need on the road. My bikes an 04 RT so it never came with the radio stuff installed. I have headphones in my helmet and my Garmin Zumo 550 and mini amp let me listen to SiriusXM radio all day long.

 

Keith, If you don't have a tank bag now and want a place to store miscellaneous stuff, try one of these, http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/7452/252/ .

I have the Daypack model mounted on my RT. I was never one for tank bags, but I've found the Daypack to be nice for holding things that I want to have access to while still sitting on the bike, camera, water bottle, maps. It holds 7 liters of stuff and is easy on easy off when it's time to refuel. Another plus is that none of the tank bag touches any painted panels of the bike.

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Not to derail the thread, but mine had the chassis for a radio, speakers and antennae, so I thought I would try out having a radio and bought an inexpensive Kenwood. Listening to music through the dash speakers isn't very effective for me. A volume that is loud enough at cruise becomes embarrassing loud at stoplights. And, the remote control volume thingie is line-of-sight, so it doesn't work. I looked into a marine, wired remote which would work pretty well, but it's large and no place to stick it on the dash.

 

Thinking about only using the K'wood as a bluetooth 'hub' for iPod, phone, etc., and buying a Sena bluetooth headset.

 

As for what to do with the space sans radio, it's kinda deep and disorganized, but before I had the radio I had an important documents folder I kept in there.

 

Neal

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An extra battery - can be bothered to remove all the wiring.

 

If only i could keep a hand gun in there, you guys in the US have the right laws!

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Afternoon Caerleon

 

Hopefully in your country you don't need to carry something for added protection. There are parts of the U.S. here that you just can't comfortably go without personal protection. In fact a lot of us carry 2, one on the bike & one in a quicker access location.

 

Carrying something you might need in a hurry in the radio box that needs a door opened to access it is pretty useless in an emergency situation. If you have time to open the radio box & reach around in there then there was plenty of time to exit the situation before it escalates.

 

I would gladly trade you the option of " being able " to carry something for riding in a country that you didn't "need" to carry something.

 

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Well firearms are available here in the UK and are certainly increasing. Mainly it's a drug dealers tool of the trade, we have specialist units for this work, but it doesnt help when you enter a property and you see a M16 in the wardrobe.

 

As a Cop i have to deal with firearms incidents, from disarming with a swift move and the all too used 'Tactical Withdrawl' Option - basically i run away and get shot in the back! =)

 

Can a visitor carry a firearm in the US?

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----

 

Can a visitor carry a firearm in the US?

 

Evening Caerleon

 

That's a good question that I don't have the answer to. In most areas you definitely can't carry concealed (hidden firearm) but many areas in the U.S. allow open carry (exposed non hidden firearm) with out needing a permit or CCW (CPL). I don't think it matters if you are a resident or visitor but I don't know that as fact.

 

 

 

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Unfortunately, the laws on open and concealed carry are all over the place in the US, with states like Texas and Florida having very liberal laws and states like NY and NJ having very strict laws. I won't get into the whys on that, otherwise this thread will surely get shut down or moved. An overview of open carry can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_carry_in_the_United_States

and there's a link to concealed carry at the bottom of that page.

 

In my state they've made it really difficult (read: impossible) for law-abiding people to carry a weapon for self-defense.

Edited by NJNeal
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Having never owned a firearm, and having traveled all over the USA, I'd have to say yes. Let us know your route and schedule and I am sure there will be folks wanting to say hello.

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Thanks for the advice. I am planning a trip next year to mark my 40th.

 

Admin - Apologies for going off topic.

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You think an un-armed trip along route 66 without a Magnum 357 considered...safe..ish?

 

Evening Caerleon

 

Yes, for the, most part. It really depends on where you stay off to at night & what part of what city or area you might spend the night in.

 

If you tend to ride & live your life heads up & always aware of your soundings then no real issue. If you wander around unsure looking & looking like an easy mark then you might have an issue.

 

By far the best way to stay safe is to travel with others in a group.

 

I usually try to ride through the worst part of the worst areas early in the morning (after daylight though) as not much danger then.

 

A GOOD trusty GPS is your real friend as that can keep you on your route & from getting lost & wandering into areas you really have no business being in at night by yourself.

 

Rental cars & rental bikes that look rental or are marked as rentals are a sure giveaway that you are not local & are an easy mark.

 

If you plan on riding route 66 (I haven't done that in years) be sure to get a copy of the MOA anonymous book as that has the phone numbers of fellow riders along the away that will gladly come to your assistance (in some cases even with a trailer if needed) if you have mechanical problems or even need a place to stay the night.

 

 

 

 

 

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In addition to other things mentioned I wired a cigarette lighter

into my radio box so I can charge phone, camera etc in the radio box. Heater goes in the gun pocket of my jacket.

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Keith, If you don't have a tank bag now and want a place to store miscellaneous stuff, try one of these, http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/7452/252/ .

I have the Daypack model mounted on my RT. I was never one for tank bags, but I've found the Daypack to be nice for holding things that I want to have access to while still sitting on the bike, camera, water bottle, maps. It holds 7 liters of stuff and is easy on easy off when it's time to refuel. Another plus is that none of the tank bag touches any painted panels of the bike.

 

I have a tank bag, but I only use it when I'm traveling. Its too much of a PITA to deal with for daily riding. If it wasn't for wanting to charge my phone, a place to hold my camelback, and to hide my beef jerky, I probably wouldn't use a tank bag at all.

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The .45 and 3 mags are in the side box...thats because it won't fit in the tankbag with the 9MM and two mags. :wave:

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Boulder Dave

For the record, I own two guns.

 

I mean come on! This thread was about junk in the trunk, and you "gun folk" turn it into a weapon thread.

 

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Removed all the radio stuff, including antenna, speakers, and wires. Sealed the radio box with black sealer and duct tape. Installed a 12V cigarette lighter outlet inside the box for charging my cell phone, MP3 player, etc. ( Use the old wiring for the radio which is already fused. ) Great glove box.

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Bruce (Bedford)
An extra battery - can be bothered to remove all the wiring.

 

If only i could keep a hand gun in there, you guys in the US have the right laws!

Caerleon - DON'T get them started on handguns... the thread will last for months and months and...

Sorry guys English humour (English spelling)!

Bruce

EDIT

Obviously I replied before I read on - & oh yes I was right!!!

Edited by Bruce (Bedford)
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MotorcycleWriter

Fun replies! I'll have to decide which of my firearms makes the most sense to carry on board, or maybe I'll pick up something stainless steel. Always been a fan of the Sig Sauer P-230. Or maybe I should just attach a heavy machine gun to the front fairing? The radio compartment would make an excellent magazine for a belt-fed weapon! That way I could eliminate annoying Harley riders while at the same time protecting myself from just about anything.

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Bruce (Bedford)
Fun replies! I'll have to decide which of my firearms makes the most sense to carry on board, or maybe I'll pick up something stainless steel. Always been a fan of the Sig Sauer P-230. Or maybe I should just attach a heavy machine gun to the front fairing? The radio compartment would make an excellent magazine for a belt-fed weapon! That way I could eliminate annoying Harley riders while at the same time protecting myself from just about anything.

 

I know your joking but...!

Are you really the author of Multiplayer? Not that I've read it!

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MotorcycleWriter

Yes, I am the author of Multiplayer. You should read it. You might like it! Silla Project and Viridis also, which will be coming out not too much longer.

 

And I agree, that post was a little skewed. A rocket launcher makes far more sense than a machine gun! :grin:

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And your point is....... ;)

 

According to most non-motorcycling folks, we are already riding two-wheeled weapons...... :rofl:

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In all seriousness, if you hit a deer/animal, sometimes a gun is a humane and quick way to end the critters pain and suffering.

 

Or I guess you could back up and run over them...

:lurk:

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Afternoon Caerleon

 

Hopefully in your country you don't need to carry something for added protection. There are parts of the U.S. here that you just can't comfortably go without personal protection. In fact a lot of us carry 2, one on the bike & one in a quicker access location.

 

Carrying something you might need in a hurry in the radio box that needs a door opened to access it is pretty useless in an emergency situation. If you have time to open the radio box & reach around in there then there was plenty of time to exit the situation before it escalates.

 

I would gladly trade you the option of " being able " to carry something for riding in a country that you didn't "need" to carry something.

I'm not sure where you're riding, but I've not felt that need, even here in rough ol' Jersey...

 

I use my compartment to store a dry rag, air pressure gauge, EZ-Pass, sunscreen, etc. It's a great little compartment for stuff that stays with the bike. You can fit a water bottle or two in there as well, depending on how you pack it.

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Afternoon Caerleon

 

Hopefully in your country you don't need to carry something for added protection. There are parts of the U.S. here that you just can't comfortably go without personal protection. In fact a lot of us carry 2, one on the bike & one in a quicker access location.

 

Carrying something you might need in a hurry in the radio box that needs a door opened to access it is pretty useless in an emergency situation. If you have time to open the radio box & reach around in there then there was plenty of time to exit the situation before it escalates.

 

I would gladly trade you the option of " being able " to carry something for riding in a country that you didn't "need" to carry something.

I'm not sure where you're riding, but I've not felt that need, even here in rough ol' Jersey...

 

I use my compartment to store a dry rag, air pressure gauge, EZ-Pass, sunscreen, etc. It's a great little compartment for stuff that stays with the bike. You can fit a water bottle or two in there as well, depending on how you pack it.

 

 

Evening Sweendog

 

Some riders don't feel the need to wear a helmet either.

 

Me, I kind of go by the old motto of --I'd rather always be prepared & not need to defend myself than to not be prepared & end up in a situation that I could quickly need to defend myself or someone close to me.

 

If you ride in your own area most of the time it's probably not a big issue as you know where & what areas to stay away from at certain times. That doesn’t always hold true if you travel to areas you aren't familiar with.

 

Could I interest you in a trip through Harlem about 2 am with you needing to stand around near a $25,000 BMW because your fuel pump just quit?

 

 

 

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Mine holds a Glock 23 while I'm riding.

 

I found a flask of brandy a lot more useful...after I stopped.

'Scuse me, Mr Bandit dude, would wait while i dig out my gun?

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Mine holds a Glock 23 while I'm riding.

 

I found a flask of brandy a lot more useful...after I stopped.

'Scuse me, Mr Bandit dude, would wait while i dig out my gun?

 

 

A flask, open container, is probably illegal.

A licensed weapon, prolly not.

YMMV

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I removed the radio and riveted a piece of plastic over the hole, made a smaller hole for the wiring and used grommets to help seal it up I have my autocom and FRS radio mounted in there. I also put in a divider and have lost of room for stuff.

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dirtdreamer50

Just got through spending an hour playing with what I thought was a broken radio. Found out how it really works and man, it works great. Riding to the BMOA rally in New Ulm, Texas tomorrow, and will try it out...tomp dd50

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  • 2 weeks later...

I've lined the inside with some thin sheets of foam and use it for a drink cooler. 4 twelve oz cans of you favorite beverage and a couple of the blue freezer ice blocks stay cold for quite we while.

 

 

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Bill_Walker

My use of the radio compartment has varied since I removed the useless radio some time ago. Currently, it's carrying my owner's manual and registration and insurance docs (much handier than under the seat), my seldom-used disk lock, and.... gloves.

 

But I do have a preliminary design to incorporate a full Aegis close-in missile defense system into it. :)

 

How many of you guys who carry weapons on your bike have ever actually drawn your weapon? Or even been in a situation where you thought you might need to draw it? I'm betting the answer is zero. I've traveled all over the US, and I've never been in a situation where I wished I had a weapon, although I'll admit I have been in few large, urban areas, especially in the eastern US.

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Bill_Walker
A flask, open container, is probably illegal.

 

I suppose state laws vary. In California, AFAIK, it's legal to carry an open container in the trunk of your car, i.e., where it's not accessible while driving. The key-locked glove box would seem to meet the same requirement.

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Boulder Dave
I've lined the inside with some thin sheets of foam and use it for a drink cooler. 4 twelve oz cans of you favorite beverage and a couple of the blue freezer ice blocks stay cold for quite we while.

 

 

BRILLIANT!

 

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Shiny Side Up

Don't do it - most states have laws against it and you could be slapped with several charges. Hunting without a license - discharging a firearm with 100 feet of a public road, etc.

I know - it doesn't make sense, but that's the way it is here in Illinois.

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Shiny Side Up
My use of the radio compartment has varied since I removed the useless radio some time ago. Currently, it's carrying my owner's manual and registration and insurance docs (much handier than under the seat), my seldom-used disk lock, and.... gloves.

 

But I do have a preliminary design to incorporate a full Aegis close-in missile defense system into it. :)

 

How many of you guys who carry weapons on your bike have ever actually drawn your weapon? Or even been in a situation where you thought you might need to draw it? I'm betting the answer is zero. I've traveled all over the US, and I've never been in a situation where I wished I had a weapon, although I'll admit I have been in few large, urban areas, especially in the eastern US.

 

It's kinda like a fire extinguisher. I keep one in the house and garage, hoping I'll never need to use it. That said - if you don't have one when you need it, well...

 

 

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Don't do it - most states have laws against it and you could be slapped with several charges. Hunting without a license - discharging a firearm with 100 feet of a public road, etc.

I know - it doesn't make sense, but that's the way it is here in Illinois.

 

 

Actually, concealed carry license from Florida has reciprocity in over 34 states, so "most states" are aligned on this issue.

 

Illinois is sort of an island unto themself.

Rtc.gif

 

 

 

Dave,

"Section 154 of 23 U.S.C

 

 

 

Federal strong arm tactics have forced all states to have legislation against open containers in passenger areas of vehicles. According to Drunk Driving Defense, section 154 of 23 U.S.C. required that all states have an open container law in place by October 1, 2000. States that would not comply would have a portion of their federal aid highway construction funds redirected into other state safety activities each year according to Drunk Driving Defense. Every state ultimately passed a law to keep highway money going to where it was needed.

 

 

Restrictions

 

 

 

Some states have passed laws that are extremely restrictive on open containers while other states views on open containers are a bit more relaxed. The more restrictive laws state that it is illegal even to have an open container in the glove box of a vehicle, even if it is locked. Other states allow open containers in glove boxes whether they are locked or not. Furthermore, some restrictive laws state that any bottle of alcohol that has the seal broken and is accessible to the driver is illegal whereas other states allow containers with broken seals as long as the bottle is closed."

 

So if the open container is in the passenger/driver area in many places it is illegal whether glove box locked or not.

In others that is OK.

I hate leaving it up to the discretion of the person conducting the raodside stop wrt alcohol and driving.

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"Right to carry" is not the same as "Right to pull it out and use" So you still have to be aware of the differing hodgepodge of laws in the different states that you may be visiting. In that regard the laws do vary from state to state.

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hijak

 

Someone needs to tell the 40 shooting victims in the Chicago, Illinois area this weekend that the criminals had no right to carry.

 

/

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Let's get this thread back on track folks - if you want a gun thread start one in Other Topics.

 

I have put a lighter socket in my radio compartment which has my phone connected to a charger during the day and our Scala Rider Teamset units overnight. There is also room for a small map book, a

bottle of water, a torch and some emergency cash. I also put my Zumo in there whilst parked up on the road.

 

Andy

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