Overland Solutions - Cost ??
 

Hi guys n gals

I was thinking about getting overland solutions to strengthen my subframe and build me a rack and some aluminium boxes for an XR650R. Has anyone used them and does anyone know what kind of money im looking at.

Regard, ed

lots of wonga! any custom stuff is proper 'spensive. did you check Ernie's site for the work he did on my XRR? (and Martin's)

racks, rear tanks, subframe, zorst mods, sidestand, front rack, tank brace ... 'bout £2500 - £3000 and quite a long job!

I know a man who's selling his custom parts including IMS front tank and stainless exhaust (Martin). you could modify the racks to take panniers or just leave the rear tanks off and use soft luggage. email me if you're interested in doing a deal.

Well, i guessed it would be expensive. I have seen your bike Rich and it looks the business and inspired me to go to Ernie. Iv tried calling him a few times but to no avail.

I dont need all the tank stuff but thanks anyway. Im just really after a stronger subframe and a good luggage rack. Im prepared to pay about £1000 in total for the racks,boxes and bracing.

Have you any ideas where i could source XR racks anywhere else if ernie is too expensive ?? Cheers

[This message has been edited by tedmagnum (edited 20 December 2005).]

as the XRR is so enduro, I don't suppose you'll have much joy finding much factory gear for touring. you might consider buying Martin's set: you could sell what you don't need and modify what you do need.
the racks and sub-frame were designed, built and used to take the load of 13 litres of fuel and 11 of water plus a kit bag on the back - off road at high speed. ie I reckon going with what is known to work is better than risking the alloy subframe breaking up in Africa.

Im not sure if there really what i need but if you can send some close up pictures, application and prices to my email, Ill see if I find anything useful and worth buying. I already have a large acerbis tank and not really after additional fuel storage.

eddie(at)titaninet.co.uk

I read elsewhere that you've "found someone else to do the work". good luck, but I don't have time to take photos as Martin's kit (and he's not interested in selling bits) is elsewhere.

Ok mate, no problem. I appreciate the offer all the same.

Ed

hello there i have used ernie at overland solutions,took my honda dominator nx650 down there last year from here in merseside in a transit van.left it with ernie made me a rack touratech boxes 2 sets of locks on them,engine bars ,electric socket ,wideden my side stand persex cover over headlight,cost 1,500 pound best grand and half ever spent absolute first class workmanship rack is solid .this aint no advert i had never meet ernie before superb service on arrival coffe and bisccuits on arrival at workshop at 10.00 pm at night

Hey dude..

Did that £1500 include the boxes ?? I know hes a god when it comes to prepping bikes but £1500 is allot for me. Im stil trying to get in contact with him, iv left a couple of messages but still no return. Hes prob away for the holdiays so ill try him again in jan.

oh i that included the boxes go the bank and bofrrow the other 500.00 you will only need to do it once ,anyway you only live once you know lol. cheers paul

Ted,
Ernie is a 'Can do' man. He will work with what you have. I took him a mate's racks to modify for my Dommie (to keep the cost down). Go to him with ideas, and he's happy to help.
He's usually good at returning calls - perhaps he's on holiday?
The boxes are probably going to be your biggest expense. Can you get some second hand ones and just get Ernie to model them to your bike?
I definitely had a great job done on my Dommie (side stand shortened, pannier racks customised, headlight protector, 12V DIN socket). Ernie loves what he does and is enthusiastic - just curb his wishes to make your bike into his best project ever, and you'll be smiling http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Shells (edited 03 March 2006).]

i had my bike fully prepped, see www.overlandsolutions.com and satisfied customers with my name attached, by ernie. Ive done two trips, one with bad terrain and living off the bike for a month, i dropped it a few times and it spared me damage plus his work was barely scratched.

It was fantasticly easy to get on with. I looked at metal mule, touratech etc and found there actual price is not a great deal smaller than overlands, it just ernie can do so so much more, his toolboxes behind the panniers are excellent and so is the toolbox on the bashplate/crashbars, this is brilliant for a lock and chain (i get 1.2m in there).

Like anything you get what you pay for though, and if you go to overlandsolutions, your getting the best, compare it with a made to measure suit v one you buy off the rack, never the same, no matter what you spend

I had my 650 Dakar done at Overland Solutions too. If you're just going for the racks and panniers, it's not actually that expensive, probably 15-20% more than other places (although that does include a rack at the back too). The frames are MUCH more substantial though and a different league (IMHO) to off the shelf stuff.
Most people that use Ernie end up doing other stuff too like sidestand, footpegs, springs, fuel tanks, tool boxes etc etc. It's adding all of this stuff that has caused people to put in numbers like 1500 and 2500 earlier on in this thread. For example, I got a rack for a jerry can on the back for £100. Compare that to the Touratech larger tank at £1200, things don't seem so bad.
My recommendation is to speak to him and see what he quotes you.
Charles
(not on commission but a satisfied customer)