Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
XR400 rear frame support. XR400 rear frame support.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: St Arnaud, Vic, Australia
Posts: 26
XR400 rear frame support.
Can anyone suggest the best way to add extra bracing to the rear frame of an xr400 1998 model to support extra weight. I have a set of panniers that I will have to make a rack for but I think the rear frame wont hold alot of weight. Thanks Ernie.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,118
Hi Ernie. I've not got any direct experience of a XR400 but I've faced the same problem on a XR600 and did eventually manage to load quite a bit onto it without anything breaking - pic below shows what I took on one trip





It involved making up a "subframe to attach to the subframe" to spread the load into the main part of the frame rather than having it all hanging on the end bolts and reinforcing the original Honda welding - particularly the area at the end of the subframe where the plastics attach. You'll also need to consider cross bracing to cut down on side to side movement.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
..............You'll also need to consider cross bracing to cut down on side to side movement.
This is a good idea as this is where a XR400 rear frame usually gets bent, even without extra luggage.
If you look at it, from the top, you'll see 2 tubes connected by two other tubes at 90 degree. You only see squares and as you know you need triangles, for a construction to be stable.
__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
if it help's I have had my xr400 from new ,bought it in 2006.

It's done 30,000 and as yet I have not strengthend the sub frame.

it's been used fully loaded and also used for two up trail riding.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 138
i need to keep an eye on this tread, i just stripped my xr400 '96
and am waiting for some welding on the side stand.
__________________
I’m not afraid to go fast, it’s the crash and burn part that sucks.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jan 2011
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Weld a lug on to either side of the frame, just above the swingarm pivot and then extend the pannier mounts forward to bolt on to the welded lug. You could just drill through the lugs prior to welding them but on the DRZ below, I also tapped them to 8mm and then used a Nyloc on the rear to locknut them in place. You'll need to ensure that the longer bolt doesn't interfere with the chain run or hit the swingarm when the suspension compresses.





More pics here:
DRZ PANNIER FRAMES - Steve's Photos

I also extended the mounts to the pillion pegs and then forwards to the welded lugs for additional bracing. The bike's recently returned from a 4 month / 14,600 mile trip through South America with no issues at all.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,118
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford View Post
Weld a lug on to either side of the frame, just above the swingarm pivot and then extend the pannier mounts forward to bolt on to the welded lug.
That's really important. I looked at a DRZ to replace my XR600 and it looks like it has a much stronger subframe than the XR - you can see the really spindly subframe tubing on the picture I posted earlier, so considering how the weight of the luggage is going to impact on the frame is even more important on the XR.

If you look carefully in the picture you can just about see where I welded a lug onto the frame and the pannier mount tube going to it. Without the extension tube taking the stress forward to the main frame all of the luggage weight is hanging on two 6mm bolts originally intended just to support the mudguard and rear light.

Great looking rack btw. Not surprised it made it round SA without problems.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
That's really important. I looked at a DRZ to replace my XR600 and it looks like it has a much stronger subframe than the XR - you can see the really spindly subframe tubing on the picture I posted earlier, so considering how the weight of the luggage is going to impact on the frame is even more important on the XR.

If you look carefully in the picture you can just about see where I welded a lug onto the frame and the pannier mount tube going to it. Without the extension tube taking the stress forward to the main frame all of the luggage weight is hanging on two 6mm bolts originally intended just to support the mudguard and rear light.

Great looking rack btw. Not surprised it made it round SA without problems.
I see you're in Oxford, there's quite a few of us off various forums & the TRF in the area who are all in to bike travel, offroading, spannering etc. Let me know if you want to meet up. We normally meet up monthly in a pub near Benson.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,118
Hi Steve

I'm actually in Thame but there's no point in putting that in my profile as no ones heard of it !

Be great to link up with others of like mind. The Benson meet sounds like a good place to start - could you pm me some details.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: St Arnaud, Vic, Australia
Posts: 26
Thanks for your suggestions. The motors comming out this week for a rebuild so will have a good chance to strengthen rear then.
Ernie.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
Hi Steve

I'm actually in Thame but there's no point in putting that in my profile as no ones heard of it !

Be great to link up with others of like mind. The Benson meet sounds like a good place to start - could you pm me some details.
We normally post up on UKGS'er in the Thames Valley forum, most of the group frequent this forum, Advrider, UKGS'er & the UK KTM forum.

1st one for 2011 - ::. UKGSer.com .::

Just keep an eye out, see you there.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 138
here is my setup

By beat_ at 2011-04-21
as you can see i cut the subframe and attached it higher to the frame
this way the panierrack van attach to the original mounting holes of the subframe.
where the tank and sadle meet, i welded a "u" piece to it to bolt the frame on
the two sides are connected with a tube over the number plate and a piece of "flat" steel folwing the arch of the subframe under the fender. a can attach the to arches together with a bolt
__________________
I’m not afraid to go fast, it’s the crash and burn part that sucks.
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
XR400 Rear subframe: strengthening? Warthog Honda Tech 3 31 Dec 2007 11:10
XR400 - touring rear subframe JMo (& piglet) Honda Tech 11 30 Jan 2007 19:58
AT Rear Sub Frame Fletch Honda Tech 6 2 Dec 2006 23:23
XR400 frame building shwa Honda Tech 2 24 Aug 2005 19:37
xrl 650 rear frame tarisius Honda Tech 4 22 Jul 2005 11:29

 
 

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
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!

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 11:28.

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