Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
High mounted exhaust - how to pack!? High mounted exhaust - how to pack!?
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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 7
High mounted exhaust - how to pack!?
Hi all,

First post on this forum!! Bought a Suzuki Djebel 250cc yesterday and I really like the bike, but... it has a high mounted exhaust that is exposed. The bike has a nice rack on the back, but if I hang saddlebags over them, the right bag will hang on the exhaust. Exhaust gets pretty hot and I am afraid it will burn the bag.

What is your advice? My plan is to go traveling with the bike, so need to take camping gear and the whole lot.

Thanks,
Richard
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Aug 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I have a DR650 and solved the problem by installing a Supertrapp exhaust down low. Got a local co. in France to make a stainless pipe to join onto the header pipe.

If you don't want to do that and you want to use soft luggage then you need to have a small rack made to keep the bag away from the exhaust. Not only will it burn you bag, if there is a plastic sidecover over it it too will be melted. While you are at it I would recommend the same for the other side.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
I had the same bike in 2002.
Superb performer, great offroad and onroad. Longrange tank, wish I still had it.
I did Osaka to Barcelona on it in 7months over all kinds of terrain with homemade soft pannier bags on mine.
I didnt have any frames made up to keep the bags off but in hindsight I should have.
I wrapped the exhaust in asbestos-like insulation I bought at a bikestore in Japan.
The plastic cowling lasted until about Mongolia but the bag didnt burn.
It wasnt until Barcelona when Id picked up a passenger and we were heading south to Maalaga that complete disaster struck.
The bags were pushed further back to allow the pillion to use the pegs, this created a firery end to my trip. We were speeding down the highway when a car pulled up next to us and the driver was gesturing with his hands to stop. We stopped and the bag burst into flames. Luckily that side only had my clothes and food, not my camping gear.
I would get a frame made up or make up a simple one yourself. Remove the plastic cowling and bend up some 1.5-2mm aluminium sheet to fit.
I also found the bags I made were too deep and brushed up against the rear sprocket when the suspention was under load. Keepp this in mind.

Enjoy the bike, Im envious.
Nathan
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Aug 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Quote:
Originally Posted by AussieNat View Post
or make up a simple one yourself. Remove the plastic cowling and bend up some 1.5-2mm aluminium sheet to fit.

That's exactly what I'm going to try with my CRF450X to mount soft panniers. I'm going to add some heat shield insulation material to the underside of the aluminium for added refinement. If it works well, I'll post some pics.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by AussieNat View Post
I would get a frame made up or make up a simple one yourself. Remove the plastic cowling and bend up some 1.5-2mm aluminium sheet to fit.
I also found the bags I made were too deep and brushed up against the rear sprocket when the suspention was under load. Keepp this in mind.
I was thinking of making something with wood, but it wouldn't be very classy and it might rattle and damage the paintwork. I don't really understand what you are saying though... 'plastic cowling' is that the little faring that is covering the first bit of the exhaust before it comes exposed? Could you be a bit more graphical on the aluminium sheet, where it goes from and to and how to attach?

I am a total noob, just got my learners and want to get in the overlanders motorbiking stuff. Last year I finished a trip from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Yaviza, Panama with a 1986 Subaru GL (450.000 km on the car!) and I noticed how the motorbike travelers always seem to bond instantly. So I thought I have to give that a try as well. Now New Zealand is going to be a testcase for that.

Everybody thanks for the input!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
Sorry, not very desciptive.

Wood doesnt sound like the right material for this job IMO.
I have seen it done mind, but only in Asia!!!
Yes by cowling, I mean the plastic faring that covers part of the exhaust.

I cant recall the layout or mounting points for this cowling but you could use the same mounting points to secure your handmade Aluminium shield.

Its best to just play around and experiment yourself, youll be surprised what can be done in just a couple of hours.

You need at least 2 mounting points.
Cut up some cardboard trace the mount points you want to use and see what looks the best. Then if you are really cautious get some thin tin sheet and make a mock up before cutting and bending up your aluminium.

Its important that your new shield doesnt touch the hot exhaust anywhere as youll end up with the same problem you are trying to avoid. I would leave about 2cm gap so air can easily pass through.
Another important point is to keep all corners round and edges blunt to avoid injury should you come off the bike.

Give it a go.
Bike touring is comradeship for sure but its a whole lot more too.
Just get out there.
N
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
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
Vehicle-mounted mag compass Chris Scott Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 18 Jul 2018 12:54
Vehicle mounted air compressors Sam Rutherford Equipping the Overland Vehicle 176 25 Jun 2008 14:04
What do you pack everything in? Alexlebrit 4 wheel Overland Travel 13 26 Apr 2007 17:15
BMW HPN 43L tank mounted on a Scrambler? NothingMan Triumph Tech 0 21 Sep 2006 02:59
Rev Pack Dean Le Affreux Camping Equipment and all Clothing 0 17 Sep 2002 02:56

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 17:32.

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