|
23 Dec 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
XR400 - touring rear subframe
Hi everyone - my friend and I have just got back from Morocco - her on a KTM400 and me on my XR400 (using a support Land Rover to carry our kit like the pansies we are), but I am looking to return in the new year with the XR and travel much lighter/independently.
I'll still be trailering the bike to mid Morocco, but then want the flexibility to travel off for a week or two with a small tent and kit/spares etc., and ideally would like to fit a couple of panniers... I already have a pair of canvas throw overs, but was wondering if anyone produces a stronger rear subframe and rack/pannier mount kit to fit Metal Mule or similar cases?
I'm presuming a stronger (or at least additonally braced) rear subframe would be required as the load range for the XR is only 100Kg in total (being an enduro, rather than touring bike), and I weigh close to 70Kg myself...
Any ideas?
I really would like to use my exisitng XR400 from a cost point of view - buying a dedicated bike (F650 or KTM 640 Adventure for example) would take all of my budget for the trip otherwise...
Many thanks in advance,
JennyMo xxx
|
26 Dec 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Darwin Australia
Posts: 62
|
|
I haven't toured on my 400, but I've been on the go on my 650R for almost two years. Good strong canvas throw over's and a small back pack is the best way to go in my opinion. You'll spoil the flexibility of the bike if you muck around with frames and stuff.
The 4 is a steel frame so if it does go wrong, you'll at least be able to find someone to weld it. I'm just kind of hoping mine won't break, it's alloy. You could always get the sub frame re-inforced before you go, just a few braces and stuff.
I broke the main frame of my 650 where it joins the sub frame. I was in Oz so I found someone to fix it easy enough.
|
31 Dec 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 27
|
|
Hi,
Try Overland Soloutions for a modded sub-frame. They could probably build one for you with mounts to attach metal panniers, but you'd have to swap the spring in the rear shock for a stronger one. Try them out anyway.
Was it your article in this months TBM?
__________________
Scoobie Doo
|
31 Dec 2006
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
No need to swap bikes.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 03:28.
|
31 Dec 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
|
|
I'm assuming that your choice of the XR400 means you'll be riding mostly off tarmac. In this case do you really want to screw up your bikes off-road handling by adding the weight of a metal pannier
system.
You'll be adding over 10kg for a pair of boxes and a frame, before you even put anything in them. On a bike like the XR they'll be mounted well forward, bringing them very close to your legs, which could be a handicap when you're paddling the bike in sand, etc.
A better and far cheaper option would be a pair of throw-overs, and put together a very lightweight frame to hold the bags in place, and clear of the back wheel.
|
31 Dec 2006
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Actually Mark and Skidder are correct on this.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 03:28.
|
1 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
Thanks everyone - I certainly agree about not wanting to add too much additional weight ideally, it's just I was a little concerned about security and more importantly, how resilient to damage canvas bags would be compared to boxes should I drop it on something hard... also, I will be doing a fair amount of off-road riding, so would like them attached to the bike more securely - so perhaps the ideal solution is a custom frame to support the soft bags as has been suggested...
I'll look into it, many thanks...
xxx
ps. and yes, that is Julie and I in TBM this month - I've not seen a copy yet!
Happy new year!
|
14 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Darwin Australia
Posts: 62
|
|
I went down the road on my arse on the first of Jan (good start) and broke my leg. The canvas bags I have did get a couple of small tears in them, but nothing a bit of gaffer tape couldn't fix. I wonder how a box would have coped? Maybe better, but if there was a problem, it'd be harder to fix.
On the other hand, if I was going faster and the tears were bigger, my under pants would have been on show for all of India!
Can't have that, I'm british!
|
17 Jan 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
|
|
Check these out.....
Ive just bought an XR400 to downsize from my TT600R for exactly the type of trip your planning. I found these.....
http://www.moto-sportpanniers.com/dirtbagz/
They make bags and the metal work to support them specifically for XRs.
Don't get metal panniers, they're bad news for real off-road riding. I have met two people now who have ended up in hospital after getting legs stuck under ali panniers while riding off road.
As far as security goes i'd get a good topbox which is also detachable(but locks on). Im looking at the smaller of these hepco and becker ones. I dont think they make a specific rack for the XR4 but i have one for my TT so im going to mod that. To be honest these boxes are really too large for what you're (we're) after, but im struggling to find a better alternative.
Oh yeah, Dont forget your water......
I saw a really well prepared XR in Nouadhibou which i may copy. It had an extra 8-10 litre side rear fuel tank on the left and a clever rack incorporating a maybe 8litre water jerry can(with tap). It had only one pannier on the right hand side to balance the fuel. The only extra bracing was a flat bar on the left side of the subframe from roughly below the light to near where the subframe meets the main frame. If you want to have a nosy i could forward you some photos.
Good luck
Chris
http://moto-hike.blogspot.com
|
18 Jan 2007
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Check out the GIVI soft bags.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 03:29.
|
29 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: FRANCE
Posts: 138
|
|
Simply
Hi
We were two 400XR on Morocco in november, without assistance. We used simply a pair off saddlebag and that hit
|
30 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Darwin Australia
Posts: 62
|
|
Yup, I had the same problem with the soft bag squashing the side panel and melting the pannel and a big hole in the bag.
I fixed it with gaffer tape and my sauce pan untill I could get to a Honda shop for the new plastics.
In the end I had to space it out from the exhaust with a piece of timber to absorbe the heat.
The only down side to all this, was the bags sat all cock eyed. The right one sat out further and a little higher than the left.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|