Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Dec 2000
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
Happy-trail racks on a XR650L, weak subframe...

I'm getting ready to buy the 'Northwest' racks from Happy-Trail.com for my '00 XR650L. I've looked at the subframe on my bike, and it looks awfully flimsy, and Tim, from Happy-trail also agreed that the bike had a really wimpy subframe. If I put a couple Jerricans on them and then stack cargo on the rear fender, I'm afraid that riding on rough terrain (i.e. Saharan pistes is where I'm ultimately heading) will just crumple the subframe. The bike's been run over by a car, which bent the frame. It's been straightened but that probably means it's a bit weaker than ususal as well.

So I'm thinking about maybe getting some braces welded on. My main concern is just the weight of the jerricans. Unfortunately my 5.2 Gal Acerbis tank still isn't even close to the amount of fuel I'll need to carry.

Anyone here used these racks or have any advice?

I've been considering just breaking down and getting a new f650 Dakar or getting a Tenere in Europe rather than doing this. But I do lots of trail riding and hare-scrambling, which makes me want to keep the XR.

Cheers,
Wright
__________________
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Dec 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Redbourne, UK
Posts: 98
Hi Wright,

Hope you are well. If got an XR600R which I have the same sorts of problems with (if anything the xr6 has an even punier rear sub than the 650!!). Anyway, I'm leaving for the western sahara on friday (yippee - second dose of desert biking this year!) and here's what I've done for luggage (for what its worth):

1 - 22 litre acerbis fuel tank
2 - spare tubes kept on front fender in 'fenderpack' from Cycoactive
3 - xrs only alu rear rack carrying 10 litre fule container - will be kept empty except where >22l of gas are needed
4 - captive nuts welded to main top frame tube - just above and behind the air box - then made up a sort of stainless steel d-loop which plugged into these (thru holes in the side panel) - fastened ortleib motorcycle side bag to this loop (will let you know if it holds together) and put spares and clothes in it.
5 - orlieb dry pack roll bag strapped to rear sear (for camping gear)
6 - cycoactive bar pack for travel documents

capacity for 11 litres of waters (5l in massive hydrador from touratech and 6 in collapsable platypus bag)

erm, that's about it really - it had better work out! best wishes,

Andy Bell
__________________
AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Dec 2000
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
Hi Andy,
Good to hear from you again. Please let me know how that setup works out. Where are you going? Sounds like a pretty minimalist setup for a long trip.

have fun!

Cheers,
Wright
__________________
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Dec 2000
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Redbourne, UK
Posts: 98
Hi Wright,

I'll let you know how I get on with that lot. The trip, btw is to Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal - hope to go to Chinguetti crater thingy as highlight. You're right, it is a pretty minimalist set up, but my philosophy is - the less you take, the less you have to keep picking up out of the sand!! R U still looking at going on Mr Scott's 2001 tour?

Best wishes,

Andy Bell
__________________
AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:23.