Grab straps- good idea!

[Reckless]

These http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-170177924.htm look like a good idea.
I came up a rise at the sandpit yesterday on a red track and had to go into a slot that I couldn't see from the bottom where everyone getting stuck before a big root had dug a hole damn near up to the seat. Dragging the bike outa that for 5 mins knackered me more than 30mins riding! These would have helped.

Don't know the guy at all but 10 points for getting off his butt and making a good idea work. Looks like $45 for embroidered, $35 for plain and 25 each end. Probably a bit expensive for what they are but good on him! I might get some.

[Danger]

Yeah they are a good idea if your planning on getting stuck in some nasty stuff.
I had a customers bike here the other week (same one with the pipe guards) and he has his own straps front and rear made out of an old set of tie downs. They were stronger than the ones shown because they were tied around the fork leg at the bottom triple clamp area. I didn't take to much notice how the rear ones were attached.
I don't get stuck enough to warrant using something like this but good for really snotty areas (enduro's perhaps).

[CB ARGH]

Would you really want to do that to the front guard? You'd be pulling on the plastics...

[takitimu]

Agreed, nice concept, I'm definitely keen on a back one, not to sure about the front one though, maybe just me but wouldn't that setup be rough on the front guard.

[Danger]

Thats why tying them around the fork clamp is a better idea.
Still I can't really see any problem with where they are attached for occasional use.
And they are cheap enough really if you want a sano looking setup.

[Reckless]

Agreed, nice concept, I'm definitely keen on a back one, not to sure about the front one though, maybe just me but wouldn't that setup be rough on the front guard.

I don't think the way it wraps around and pulls straight up would damage the guard. Probably a similar pull from where you'd be tempted to put your hand if you where stuck in a muddy rut and wanted to get the front on top. A lot cleaner on the hands 4 when you get back on as well.
I'm sold just bought some!!

[secondfield]

Funny you should mention that, I just ordered some this morning ..
Been out the last two weekends in Karipoti.. the first need came for them when I got stuck in a hellish mud bog. Its difficult hoisting the front end out just by grabbing the slippery forks and the front wheel which has a habit of turning alot!.
Last saturday i lost traction on a steep hill in the greasy clay and had to drag the front of the bike around to face downhill again - they wouldve come in handy then too..
The RMZ hasnt got much to hang onto around the rear seat apart from the plastic guards which are difficult to get a decent hand hold on. Simple things like these can save you energy and hassle in a tight spot. I was gonna make some myself with web strapping but then thought nah, ill support a local buiness...

[WRT]

I would have thought a longer strap would be better. I reckon one that you could loop through the wheel rim and have it long enough (adjustable perhaps?) so that that you could run it over your shoulders with a bit of padding. You can then lift with your legs, not your back, and use a spare hand just to balance the bike as it comes up.

Doesn't need to be attached to the bike, just keep it in your camelpak.

[Reckless]

I would have thought a longer strap would be better. I reckon one that you could loop through the wheel rim and have it long enough (adjustable perhaps?) so that that you could run it over your shoulders with a bit of padding. You can then lift with your legs, not your back, and use a spare hand just to balance the bike as it comes up.

Doesn't need to be attached to the bike, just keep it in your camelpak.

I would say that would be better for your back! But when you've canned off in an enduro or race you just want to yank the bike out and be on your way or somewhere for a marshell or another rider to haul on! Even on a casual Trailblazer I don't think I'd be bothered with the hassle of something in my camelpak. But I've got a light 2smoker??

Better for you but I don't think it would sell??

[secondfield]

Maybe a mini winch on the front? powered by your lighting loom that will drag your ass and bike up those steep, slippery hills and out of bottomless ruts when your poked from little exercise and too much booze and ciggies. A definate winner!

A freind and I were musing the other day about the many uses a toilet roll holder with arse paper could be put too mounted on the back of your rear guard..

[cave weta]

Im not absolutely sure .....
But Richard Henkleman at TOPFUN NZ has them for $25! -I think that is the price.
Check them out by opening my website below and follow the bits about bikes link

[Reckless]

Cave looks like its $27 for one and logo option on 5 or more. So I imagine thats extra but the site is a bit unclear.

http://www.topfun.co.nz/grab-straps-xidp214645.html

[Danger]

Well apparently the guy making these is a customer of mine and I just received a complimentary set in my mailbox today! Someone had directed him towards this thread. They look pretty smart and even have my logo on them. And whats more he has changed the design so that they fit around the forks and do not attach to the bolts under the guard or pull on the plastic! Full fitting instructions for front and rear are included and they came just at the right time as I have the forks off my bike and am about to refit them today. The new design requires fork removal, sliding the straps onto the fork legs then refitting the forks. This is a better design in my opinion even though it takes a little longer to fit them.
They are going to look great on the KTM.

Thanks Bruce. After I test ride these I will be in contact for a set for the RM250! And perhaps a few more sets for customers.

[secondfield]

Yep, I got mine from Bruce as well... good work mate.

[Reckless]

ye haven't had a chance to test them yet. I thought the front one could have been a bit shorter to stop it flopping up and down. I'm gonna put a bit of stone chip stick on stuff around the forks first when I get my newer bike.
Other than that they look real professional!!!