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Gauging Interest in Pannier Racks for XT 600's Gauging Interest in Pannier Racks for XT 600's
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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
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  #1  
Old 23 Jun 2010
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Gauging Interest in Pannier Racks for XT 600's
Hey all,

I have a 1994 XT 600 E and have had a rough time finding pannier racks for it in the states. So a friend and I measured, figured and worked up a design to build one. We had auto cad drawings made and our first prototype will be made this week or next. The design is unique and uses one piece of aluminum (not counting the brackets.) The rack sort of has the same look as a CRD skidplate and comes with a grid of mounting holes.

I'll post pics when I get 'er installed. I'm mounting Seahorse cases to the rack (2 side, 1 top and perhaps tool tubes on the inside)

I'm gauging interest in such a rack. The price point isn't set yet but we think we'll be quite a bit lower than SW Motech or Hepco and Becker etc.

Any interest?

Ride Safe - Mad Monk
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  #2  
Old 23 Jun 2010
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Considering I like to be prepared, I'm absolutely interested, especially if they'll fit an 84 model.

price is a limiting issue though for me, since I'm generally poor as dirt.
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  #3  
Old 24 Jun 2010
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Bob The Biker,

I'm not sure the model for the 94 will fit but it very well may. It depends on the tailights. The rest is relatively universal and the brackets can be adjusted. So keep your eyes open. I'll post the pics very soon.

- Mad Monk
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  #4  
Old 24 Jun 2010
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I adapted my bike a little, as my rear fender is not factory, nor is my tail light, so chances are your design will bolt right up. what I'm seeing when I look is that the frames are at least similar,if not identical, so I see no reason they should not bolt up.
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  #5  
Old 25 Jun 2010
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Bob the Biker,

That's cool. When I get 'er stamped and bent I'll let you know!

Mad Monk
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  #6  
Old 25 Jun 2010
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I had some givi wing rack on mine and had a coulple of off,s on a riverbed and both ankles got badly damaged including ligaments so I binned em and now use oxford soft panniers,best money ever spent.....except on heated grips.....and bar risers .....and red wine.....
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  #7  
Old 25 Jun 2010
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Hi Kenymact,

Do you have a rack to support the Oxford bags, particularly on the right side to keep them off the exhaust?

It will be interesting to see the pictures of Mad Monk's rack i.d.c.

Regards.
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  #8  
Old 26 Jun 2010
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Pusser95,

My rack will keep the bags off of the exhaust and may provide a heat shield effect. My working prototype is due soon. It is in the hands of the machinists - I expect it to be done soon.

- Mad Monk
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  #9  
Old 7 Jul 2010
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I finally got my rack water jet cut, bended and installed. I hand made the brackets. This version is obviously the prototype. I'm thinking about improving on this design and then manufacturing them and offering them for sale. I'm adding i-bolt ties downs and a tool tube on the inner left side.

I went on a 300 mile journey / camp with the racks and boxes this past weekend. Part of this trip was on rough, hilly gravel. The racks performed very well. There was no loosening of the racks or the boxes nor was there any ill-effects to the stability of the bike.

Here are the pics: Pictures by MonkBaker - Photobucket
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  #10  
Old 14 Jul 2010
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I'd certainly be interested, so long is the price is right and shipping to the UK is not too expensive.
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  #11  
Old 15 Jul 2010
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Hi Mad Monk.

Were there any ground clearance issues during your test ride?

Regards.
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  #12  
Old 19 Jul 2010
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Pusser65,

Nope, no ground clearance issues. I rode it fully loaded , one-up and part of my trip was on hilly, rough gravel, twisty roads. I rode home with my 105 pound wife on the back (Our son drove her car.)

As opposed to manufacturing this rack I may sell the CAD drawings so folks can do their own based on the plan and possibly change the plan. The second version is a three piece to simplify the bending.

If anything I need a better than stock shock - but that was an issue before the rack and boxes. I'm not sure which avenue to take with that (Ohlins, Wilbur, WP, something off a TT?)

Cheers,

Mad Monk
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  #13  
Old 13 Aug 2010
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To be the voice of constructive criticism, the bags are too low, my last racks I made for my XT were about that height. I actually cut holes in the bottoms of the cases from the lean angle on curvy roads.

Also, I found out that a pre-1990 (kicker-only) shock works really great on the 1990-1995 XT600E. Stiffens it up great and brings the seat height up about 1 inch.

I'll see if I can get up a picture of my version 2 racks.
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  #14  
Old 13 Aug 2010
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The racks are made primarily out of TIG welded chromoly 4130 tubing, and the threads that hold on the cases are stainless.



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  #15  
Old 22 Aug 2010
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Motoduro, I like your frames. That's the kind of thing I'm hoping to fabricate. Are they only using the pillion handle mounting points and the rear brace? Or do you also have a strut to the rear pillion peg mounting points?

For the cases I don't want the hassle of fabricating any, or the expense of buying made for the purpose either, and I don't need them that big. I was thinking of using something like this



and riveting some locking cabinet bolts like these



to the sides of them to bolt them to the the frame, giving both security and quick release.

I was also going to fit some side flashers to the outer sides of the cases and an electrical marine plug and socket of some description to each side of the bike, wired into the rear indicators.

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