Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
XL600 racks and panniers: H&B, AndyStrapz... XL600 racks and panniers: H&B, AndyStrapz...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 7 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
XL600 racks and panniers: H&B, AndyStrapz...
Hi everybody!

As a (new) proud owner of an Honda XL 600 LM (just bought it last Sunday!) I'm starting to think about some way of carrying my stuff around the world and all that.

My idea is to carry soft luggage, since I want to travel as light as possible, so that would probably mean some saddlebags (maybe Expedition panniers from Andy Strapz, or Touratech ZegaFlex) and some kind of bag attached to the back of the seat. Pretty much like everyone around I guess.

The thing is that I would need some racks to keep everything out of the reach of the exhaust, and the only racks made for this machine are the Hepco and Becker.

Has anyone tried them on? Do they fit properly on the bike? I heard something about they not fitting or something like that, and before I spend 180 € on them, I'd rather be sure they will fit...hehehe!!

I think Orrin travelled on this bike with H&B racks, so I'd love to hear some advice. It would much appreciated.

By the way, AndyStrapz Expedition Panniers, Touratech Zega Flex or something else??

Thank a lot guys!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Will H&B racks fit the 1987 model?
I guess it is pretty difficult to find anyone who can answer these questions, but trying is the first step to get something, so I try...

I've seen in the Hepco & Becker website that they DO sell racks for the XL 600 LM, but, because there is always a BUT, they say it is for the 1985-86 model....Mine is 1987, so the question is:

Does anybody know if there is any difference in the back of the 86 and the 87 XL, or the rear footpegs, to think that this rack could not fit there??

If I'm lucky, there will be someone here who knows. If not...mmmhh, I'll think of something!

thanks and see you!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Jun 2008
Hornet's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Durban, South africa
Posts: 93
I use the Moto-Sport Yukon II semi-soft luggage on my DR650. Really great compromise between hard and soft luggage.
__________________
Peter

http://peter-onamission.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 2
Hi Nadir,
I also have a XL600LM which i love. I have noticed that the back of the mk1 Transalps (XL600V) are very similar. You may be able to get the rack from one of those to fit.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 29
Hi, I also have an XL600lm and coincedendly Andystrapz bags and a Hepco becker topbox.
The top box and fittings were from an Africa Twin fitted with no problems, the racks to secure the bags and keep them out of the back wheel I made from some old BMW racks just move the brackets about and reweld.
As they carry no weight as such any one who can weld can do this for you cheaply, (it's not very skillfull engineering).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
thanx!!
Thankx guys!, I see a couple of interesting opinions around... Now I don't really have the time, but as soon as possible, I will be looking at the welding bussiness around town, there has to be some place to build something...for sure.

I am not sure, but I think that not so much is needed, just a metal bar from the rear footpegs to the back rack, with maybe a bend somewhere in between (and probably a link between both sides; How important is that??) and that should do the job, don't you think? What would be a good and simple design??

I guess the idea is to pack light. Otherwise I would carry Alu boxes. A set of Andy Expedition panniers, with the homemade racks, and a dry bag attached to the back of the seat, with maybe a plastic jerry somewhere for the longer stretches. I've seen a couple of threads about that here, also...

mmhh, anyways, any ideas are very welcomed!!

cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by nadir View Post
...just a metal bar from the rear footpegs to the back rack, with maybe a bend somewhere in between[...]

[...]mmhh, anyways, any ideas are very welcomed!!...
Well, I did not think that I would be the one to tell ME the new ideas





Anyway, I just came across this thing which is made by Riky Cross from Italy (I indeed hace a center stand in my XL made by these people) BUT which is NOT available for a Honda XL 600 LM. It is available for the Transalp 600, which might also fit...

I think something like that should be more than suitable for a set of soft panniers, should it not??

I think it is a pretty little light thing... Any opinions??
Last edited by nadir; 18 Jun 2008 at 20:21.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 29
"I am not sure, but I think that not so much is needed, just a metal bar from the rear footpegs to the back rack, with maybe a bend somewhere in between (and probably a link between both sides; How important is that??) and that should do the job, don't you think? What would be a good and simple design??"

That is exactly all you need, the link between the two is a good idea, that's what I have and it makes a big difference to the stability.
Mine are mounted to the passenger foot rests and the bolts that holds the rack to the frame.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up Trust your instincts!
I think you are on track. Trying your own ideas is very satisfying and sometimes you come up with something no one else has tried. I'm a huge fan of soft bags, and have been forever. I have a set of Andy Strapz expedition bags, and, per kind favour of a local HUBBer, will have a set of Yukon II bags to play around with soon (thanks mate!!!). It will be very nice to compare the two types. The Andy bags impress me hugely, if that's any help.

Cheers

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Hey! Thanks a lot and of course I will go on thinking about some way to do it personally...if I have the time. Thanks for the advice on Andy panniers, also, I may give them a try.

Well, when you try the new Yukon II, please, tell us about it, ok? I'm pretty sure everyone here would like to know!!

ciao!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Thumbs up
Another idea.



Nice bike that Honda XL 600LM - the ultimate overlander?

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Kennedy View Post

Nice bike that Honda XL 600LM - the ultimate overlander?

Simon
Hope so...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
KLR600/KTM640 alluminuim panniers, steel racks, big tank,etc rockclingerjim TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 8 5 Sep 2008 05:23
Home made pannier racks and panniers XT600 edorr808 Yamaha Tech 2 11 Sep 2007 16:45
Racks and panniers for XT600 Tenere? Tenere Tom Yamaha Tech 1 8 Aug 2007 06:55
Reduced Price for BMW F650ST Panniers and Racks ozhanu TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 1 Dec 2005 08:16
Alternatives to side racks and alu panniers ??? vincent danna Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 8 10 Mar 2002 13:15

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 05:38.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top