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Metal Mule pannier rack for XT600Z 3AJ Metal Mule pannier rack for XT600Z 3AJ
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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 13 Jun 2008
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Metal Mule pannier rack for XT600Z 3AJ
Hi there

Well, I have my heart set on a pair of Metal Mule panniers for my XT600Z (3AJ 1990), however I called Metal Mule to ask them if they could supply me a rack that would fit on the 3AJ model. I was rather disappointed by their response. They basically told me that I would have to fabricate a rack myself. They were not the least bit interested in fabricating a rack for me especially.

You would think that charging almost £1300 for a aluminium pannier luggage system, they would at least be keen to help you get them to fit on your bike by custom making a rack for you. I don't mind spending the money, but unfortunately I cannot get a Metal Mule rack to fit my 3AJ for love or money. Metal Mule were not any help and basically told me that they had absolutely no interest in making a rack especially for me, and that perhaps I should try another supplier. Do you think perhaps all their success has gone to their heads?

Any suggestions? I cannot find any hard luggage system that will fit my 3AJ.

Many thanks
David
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  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2008
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
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Racks
Quote:
Originally Posted by kakpraat View Post
Hi there

Well, I have my heart set on a pair of Metal Mule panniers for my XT600Z (3AJ 1990), however I called Metal Mule to ask them if they could supply me a rack that would fit on the 3AJ model. I was rather disappointed by their response. They basically told me that I would have to fabricate a rack myself. They were not the least bit interested in fabricating a rack for me especially.

You would think that charging almost £1300 for a aluminium pannier luggage system, they would at least be keen to help you get them to fit on your bike by custom making a rack for you. I don't mind spending the money, but unfortunately I cannot get a Metal Mule rack to fit my 3AJ for love or money. Metal Mule were not any help and basically told me that they had absolutely no interest in making a rack especially for me, and that perhaps I should try another supplier. Do you think perhaps all their success has gone to their heads?

Any suggestions? I cannot find any hard luggage system that will fit my 3AJ.

Many thanks
David
Try David Lambeth, based in Sussex.... He'll fit your 3aj out ... I brought a give rack from a super tenere and modified it....

Good luck
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  #3  
Old 20 Jun 2008
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Overland Solutions will also make you a very good rack
May take some time if they are busy
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  #4  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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Location: Simonstone, Lancashire, England
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kakpraat View Post
Hi there

Do you think perhaps all their success has gone to their heads?

Any suggestions? I cannot find any hard luggage system that will fit my 3AJ.

Many thanks
David
I have a XTZ660 and I talked to them at their stand at Thundersprint, they said the same, and Yes I agree that they are overcharging for what is a good product but not good value, and they must be in need of customers or why spend money on shows

I will probaly go down the Hepco and Becker route for the frames, I just bought their engine bars and they are very well made and fitted perfectly. haven't decided on boxes yet
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  #5  
Old 30 Jun 2008
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Originally Posted by britch View Post
I have a XTZ660 and I talked to them at their stand at Thundersprint, they said the same, and Yes I agree that they are overcharging for what is a good product but not good value, and they must be in need of customers or why spend money on shows

I will probaly go down the Hepco and Becker route for the frames, I just bought their engine bars and they are very well made and fitted perfectly. haven't decided on boxes yet
Well, I'm prepared to pay for their excellent products. I was quite surprised though at how reluctant they were to help me make their product fit on my bike. Oh well, I've given up on them.
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  #6  
Old 16 Jul 2009
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Hi all

Sorry David, but you should know that development of frames for one bike takes usually more than whole week and cost of it is lot higher than £1300 so we can't afford to do this for everyone who has a bike which we do not supply frames for (of course we develop frames only for bikes we think will sell well). That's why we offer our original metal parts so people can have a go and try themselves ... at least some sort of option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kakpraat View Post
Hi there

Well, I have my heart set on a pair of Metal Mule panniers for my XT600Z (3AJ 1990), however I called Metal Mule to ask them if they could supply me a rack that would fit on the 3AJ model. I was rather disappointed by their response. They basically told me that I would have to fabricate a rack myself. They were not the least bit interested in fabricating a rack for me especially.

You would think that charging almost £1300 for a aluminium pannier luggage system, they would at least be keen to help you get them to fit on your bike by custom making a rack for you. I don't mind spending the money, but unfortunately I cannot get a Metal Mule rack to fit my 3AJ for love or money. Metal Mule were not any help and basically told me that they had absolutely no interest in making a rack especially for me, and that perhaps I should try another supplier. Do you think perhaps all their success has gone to their heads?

Any suggestions? I cannot find any hard luggage system that will fit my 3AJ.

Many thanks
David
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  #7  
Old 1 Aug 2009
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Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
MM prices have gone up a lot lately, and their racks are a bit suspect. anyway whatever quality the boxes and racks are they are very expensive, not good value, in these times im surprised they still charge so much.

MM boxes fit on TT racks, the hoops are the same size. TT will possibly do racks for your bike, if not buy the hoops and have a go yourself.

you will have to wait a year for the parts from TT though............
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