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
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