TOPIC:

Hi there. 
I’m considering fitting a box to store my helmet on my KZ440, and looking for advice please. 
I have mod-ed the look of my bike a bit and, being conscious of how lovely I think it looks, I’m loathe to spoil that with a box but I also really would enjoy the convenience of walking about town without my helmet attached and swinging from my arm or rucksack. 
I’m also unsure how I would know if, on the assumption I find one I could just about live with aesthetically, whether I could fit it to the frame. 
So, two questions please if you have a moment to help….
1. Do you know of any helmet box for sale in the uk that might suit the how my bike looks?
2. Do you know if it could fit my frame?

Pictures attached. 

Very many thanks and kind regards. 

Do you have something against using the factory helmet lock?

I was thinking about the weather but now you’ve got me thinking and please forgive my ignorance: am I missing a trick? Will my helmet have a secure “loop” that can be secured by the helmet lock? 

See red circle. 

 

Jimbo68 wrote:

I was thinking about the weather but now you’ve got me thinking and please forgive my ignorance: am I missing a trick? Will my helmet have a secure “loop” that can be secured by the helmet lock? 

 

The helmet has a couple of metal D-rings that you use to secure the chin strap; the helmet lock on the bike is designed for you to put the D-rings over a post which then slides into the lock (highlighted in Mikaw's picture).

Thanks both. 

That’s really helpful. For dry weather, that’s the way forward for me.  

To my original subject about a helmet box, does anyone have any thoughts about my two questions?

thanks again. 

Personally, I am a fan of the KZ400 Deluxe and I prefer side bags to a top box. However, any box you choose will likely require a custom mounting bracket since the rear of the frame has been modified.
I do not know what is for sale in the U.K. Perhaps some of our U.K. members can help you out with that question.
 

I installed a luggage rack w trunk.  The trunk has a mounting plate that's permanently attached to the rack, and the trunk is lockable & easily removed from the motorcycle. You might be able to find a smaller rack. mine is a K&G from back in the day.  I typically ride w a large trunk & tail bag.

TexasKZ wrote:

However, any box you choose will likely require a custom mounting bracket since the rear of the frame has been modified.
 

No, it hasn't. Oddly enough that is how the 440LTD frames came from the factory.

My apologies, I thought the rear hoop went farther back 5an that.

No apologies necessary! I thought it was strange too when I started disassembling the project bike, but that's how they look.

This may give the OP some more options for finding a luggage rack/cargo box. I've never looked for one for a KZ but they might be out there.

Heck, on ebay I found a guy in Thailand making new stainless luggage racks (and stainless exhausts) for a 40-year-old dual-purpose bike. I guess anything is possible.

Coming to this topic late, but I would ask just what type of helmet you talking about.  (full, open, half etc) as that would play a part in the size required.  You sort of left me with a feeling that you have some concerns about what adding a box will or will not take away from the machine you have. Have you thought about or looked into a water proof lockable bag than when not in use can fold up and be stored under the seat or in a pocket?