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Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Thanks for the reminder. I've got a couple I'd like to try out. Which ones work the best on the DR? The IMS tank limits space and hose routing...ideas?

Bottle opener? ah, right....not many twist offs down south!

I'm trying to leave in September. Plan is to see some place in Mexico I haven't seen in years. Real de Catorce and the dirt roads around there (Peyote country), some of the highland towns, a friend in Oaxaca, southern coast.

Explore some of Guate, visit where I used to live in Solola', onto Salvador for some water sports, Caribean side of Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica.
Panama? Not sure. Need help there. I may continue on, depending on time and money...into S. America to hook up with friends in Argentina in January. All this time premitting.



Good question. Nothing special. I could easily go with soft bags, I just want to try something new. I've done three multi-day dual sport rides with the soft bags. Even for just a 4 or 5 day ride....they were FULL! I guess I need to lighten up. I know how to do this...(honest) but don't want to! I'm old, and set in my ways. I may change my mind yet. Some serious thinking/evaluation about this now.

Mountain Man,
Thanks for all the great comments too! I didn't know the Pelikan lids were strong enough to mount. Interesting.

The whole security issue is always of concern too....nice outline.
i've been there. I've also learned not to have cool doo-dads on my dash or handlebars. Quick and clever fingers will see them disappear in an instant.

Will update this soon....thanks to all!

Patrick
Here are my 1550 Pelican cases mounted with the lid against the bike. This way they hold more in them when you open. Tough, waterproof, and can take a drop. My only complaint is that they scrape sometimes when I'm on the twistiies.

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  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2007
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Torches
10R10R,
Looks like the kids are all set to go on the long ride!

Mollydog,
I take along a head torch (the type on an elastic band around the forehead) with LED bulbs so that the batteries last for ever, in place of a flashlight (usually end up with a mini maglite packed as well!).

The head torch is great for working in the dark on the bike, loafing around in the tent or even crawling back across the fields from the pub, or .........
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  #3  
Old 25 Aug 2007
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The Pelikans look good....and I can tell your girls adore you....you are very lucky!

The head torch idea I have not written down but will do so NOW! These things are the bomb. Question is: Where can I find one at a reasonable price? REI (fancy outdoor store here in USA) has them for like $50 or more!!!

Nothing more indispensable for camping and doing roadside repairs. Thanks for the reminder.

Patrick
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Old 25 Aug 2007
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I got my headtorch from ebay (two of them) for about £10 each (about $20).
They are the "Energizer" brand (same as the battery brand) which I think is from the US but now made in China (like most other things nowadays!). Never let me down and the batteries go for ever.

As I mentioned, I still carry a mini maglite though.
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Old 26 Aug 2007
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Thanks for the heads up Dave. I'll start perusing on line to see what I can find.

Patrick
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Old 5 Sep 2007
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vague hijack
How long's the haul, Pat? What's the plan? Good to see you getting back on the road again...

Suerte, Dan
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Old 5 Sep 2007
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Hijacks welcome!
Not quite on the road yet...still prepping and turning things upside down.
Hope to do a little round-a-bout in Mex and Cent. Am. Working out routes now.
Any tips?

Patrick
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Old 10 Jan 2010
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Cases attached the opposit way?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10R10R View Post
Here are my 1550 Pelican cases mounted with the lid against the bike. This way they hold more in them when you open. Tough, waterproof, and can take a drop. My only complaint is that they scrape sometimes when I'm on the twistiies.
Hey Mate hat as the reason for mounting the pelicans the lid first? I flipped them around so pelican was facing out.

Regards
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  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2011
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Soft panniers
I'm just in the process of buying a DR650 to ride the continental divide trail in August. All the info on this thread is a great help, but I have a question.
I'll be using small soft bags, but I have no "stand offs" are they a neccessity? I'll have less than 20kg each side, but I'm a bit worried about the exhaust side.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
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Old 17 Jun 2011
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Originally Posted by pinball1008 View Post
I'm just in the process of buying a DR650 to ride the continental divide trail in August. All the info on this thread is a great help, but I have a question.
I'll be using small soft bags, but I have no "stand offs" are they a neccessity? I'll have less than 20kg each side, but I'm a bit worried about the exhaust side.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Absolutely a good idea for the exhaust side, especially if you spill. Easily made from metal bar at the local hardware store and vise, drill and hammer. I fastened mine to the upper bolt hole for the passenger footpeg (footpeg removed) and the exhaust mount bolt beneath the fender.
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Old 17 Jun 2011
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Thanks, I will have to keep it simple as I fly into the US, pick up the bike and only have 1 day before setting off.
Perhaps if I take some flat bar with me with a number of pre drilled holes, I can knock something up quickly.
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Old 18 Jun 2011
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Originally Posted by pinball1008 View Post
Thanks, I will have to keep it simple as I fly into the US, pick up the bike and only have 1 day before setting off.
Perhaps if I take some flat bar with me with a number of pre drilled holes, I can knock something up quickly.
Not a difficult job but requires some finessing and bending in a vise, especially for the mount above the exhaust, at least the way I did it. You can see the brace in this pic.

\

Here's the other side for the heck of it.

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Old 2 Jan 2012
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[QUOTE=Ride Far;339563]Not a difficult job but requires some finessing and bending in a vise, especially for the mount above the exhaust, at least the way I did it. You can see the brace in this pic.

\

Here's the other side for the heck of it.

[/QUOTE]


Nice setup! How are you finding the front springs? did you go for a stiffer spring? I'm looking to set mine up for a larger tank/ more weight as well, and am looking for feedback on the best suspension setup. Lots of options out there, which is great - but also makes the choices more difficult.
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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Safari tank
The Safari tank is great. Not only does it hold a shit load of fuel but also provides a comfy foot rest!

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Old 18 Jun 2011
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DR650 Side Luggage Racks, Rear Plastic Guards, DR 650 | eBay UK

These side racks are all you need for soft bags and keeping of the exhaust.


Quote:
Originally Posted by pinball1008 View Post
Thanks, I will have to keep it simple as I fly into the US, pick up the bike and only have 1 day before setting off.
Perhaps if I take some flat bar with me with a number of pre drilled holes, I can knock something up quickly.
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