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 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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Apr 2009
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 22
Vstrom DL650 Pannier Rack Solutions

Hi,

recently bought a set of soft luggage panniers as was good deal, but realizing now kind of done this back to front as need to attach them to the bike, and reckon I need some form of rack to keep them from the hot and moving parts...

My girlfriend and I are planning on a trip from the UK to Turkey and back in a few months and dont want to spend a lot of money on racks from Touratech and the likes (i.e. over £150) as costs already building up.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to where I can get a decent racking system that will support two panniers and a soft top hold all (the make of the panniers is Moto Detail if that helps), without breaking the bank?

I did find some for the 04-05 year, but they seem to be structured differently to the 2006 model I have, (lower exhaust).

Also does anyone know if the Vstrom1000 and 650 would be the same layout so a rack that suits the 1000 would fit the wee as well?

Would greatly appreciate any advice
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2009
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
The 1000 vs 650 subfram is difrent so the racks will be difrent.

If you use soft luggage panniers the heat sheld on the can will keep the bag safe. The heat sheld is not metal any way. On the other side a aluminum yard stck bent up and bolted to the sub fram will work well.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Apr 2009
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
Some ideas.
V-Strom Forum - made some supports for dl650 I did this was about $4 USD.

for all DL goodness V-Strom Forum - powered by Tex Arts

Other things you may want to look at PacSafe for a tail bag
Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags & Travel Security Products
Caribou hard bags www.cariboucases.com - World's Toughest Motorcycle Luggage. not as cheap as your looking for but tuff stuff.

Other options are a seen at happy trails V Strom DL 650 - Happy-Trail.com

I have done 10,000 miles with gust throw over soft panniers and a dry bag on the tail. Now I have my old TT set up on happy trails rack the TT hold much MUCH more and I still fill them full. Both set ups worked fine for me.

As far as 2005 vs 2006 I have no idea about the lowered tail pipe. nothing I have read shows any of this. Side from a few sold in Canada think there 1 cm off US.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Apr 2009
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 22
Awesome, thanks a lot - settled for the PL532's in the end as not sure I could do such a good job on the do it yourself option, but did look good.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1
home-made left-side bracket for DL650

I made this up to support a tool tube, and keep the left-side saddlebag away from the rear fender area. Got a guy who works on a brake press to make the bends for me.

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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
XTZ660 3YF Pannier Rack britch Yamaha Tech 2 5 Jan 2009 21:04
DL650 Vstrom Switched supply alan hopkins Suzuki Tech 13 18 May 2008 11:37
pannier rack samson Equipment Reviews 13 12 Mar 2008 18:02
Wanted BMW R80 G/S pannier rack Chris Willitts TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 22 Aug 2006 01:40
Overland-Solutions bags and rack Mombassa Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 10 9 Apr 2003 05:55

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 22:52.