Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
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 11 Jul 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Noor Brabant - Netherlands
Posts: 121
Jerrycan Rack on a XT600Z - whats the best solution?

Hi There - Your opignion please....

I own a XT 600Z 3AJ.
I want to keep the original 23 liter tank but add on two 20 liter jerrycans.
What is the best place to put them?

On the bike there is a BerndTesch like rack and his ttt3 cases.

I can put the cans in front of the cases, but then they stick out.
A picture of that methode is in the book of Helge Peterson - ten years on two wheels.
When the cans are emty you turn around your cases and the cans are now behind the back wheel. Which gives you more room to sit.

OR I can make a frame like in the picture from the last HU - newsletter
Where you place the cans next to the tank as low as possible and just above your feet.
The picture of that you can find below.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/new...MarkTenere.jpg

If you think that is the best solution, could you please tell me where to attach the frame to my bike!!!

Thanks for the loads of replies!!!!!!!!!!!!!


------------------
CU under the Cu

Frank
http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z

[This message has been edited by Fuchur (edited 11 July 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Fuchur (edited 11 July 2002).]
__________________
CU under the Cu
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jul 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Hi Fucher,

Just curious: where are you planning to go with 63 liters op petrol?
On my XT500 and XT600 in Africa I never took more then 40 liter (usually only 25) and it got me everywhere I wanted...
If you seriously want to use the range of 63 liters you will probably have to take lots water and food too. This may leave you with a very heavy overloaded bike thats no fun to ride.

Peter
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jul 2002
mmaarten's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
Hi,

Well, I guess you know best why you want to take so much fuel...
I would go for the front-side mounting if I were you.
Placing them in front of behind the case's (and let them stick out) make's you burn much more fuel.... and then you need to bring even more

If you have crash-bar's, you could attach them there. You only need to weld on a (kind of) footrest where it sit's on and attach the rest with tension-fastners (the strong kind).

Hope this helps

Maarten

------------------
- www.maartensworld.tmfweb.nl -
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Vännäs, Sweden
Posts: 66
Hi,

I´m also in the game for fitting two jerrycans on a 1VJ (one for water and one for gas).

Does anyone have a schematic of a good setup?

Regards...

------------------
Rikard the Swede
__________________
Rikard the Swede
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jun 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
This topic has occupied most of my spare brain-time for the past few months:
- what size/type jerrycans?
- where to mount them?

Fuchur, IMHO the problem with set-up in the photo you posted is that when (!) the bike falls over, the cans will ram into the tank or engine. Also, I am reliably informaed that you need a light front for sand and mud - this set-up looks like it doesn't offer the flexibility to move the jerrys to the rear of the bike.

I am just about to start welding up engine guards and a tank guard for my 3AJ. I will use these to mount a 10lt jerry on each side (or perhaps 3 x 5lt on each side - undecided as yet).

Engine guards:

I think these are a good idea regardless of whether or not you plan to mount anything to them. They can save your engine casings from sharp rocks, and your legs from nasty burns (I had an impression of three studs and a mirror-image of the words 'oil filter' burnt on my right leg after a low-speed fall in deep sand on my XT250).

I will post a drawing, however the general idea is to cut out a piece of plate steel to the shape of the flat sides of the lower engine bracket (the thing at the end of the frame down-tube that has two bolts attaching to the frame, and another two to the engine). This plate is bolted on using slightly longer versions of the existing four bolts. Using 20mm round section tubing, I'm going to weld a sideways 'U' onto the plate, with the top spar in between the top two bolts, and the bottom spar about an inch or so below the existing level of the engine bracket. This structure will be braced with a diagonal spar. The rounded end of the sideways 'U' will be approx 3 inches wider than the tank.

IMHO the problem with many of the engine guards I have seen is that they have no structural support to prevent them being flattened against the engine or pushed backwards. Imagine falling at running pace - most engine guards I have seen look like they would simply bend toward the back of the bike or against the engine. Therefore, the sideways 'U' will include a further piece of tubing running from the rounded edge of the 'U' to the top of the existing gussetting on the frame behind the rider footpegs. I will strengthen the whole structure with gussetting where necessary.

Tank guard:

I really need pics to explain this, but in essence it is a rail running around the outside edge of the tank, with a vertical support running diagonally from the rail to the front engine mounting bracket.

My jerrycans will be mounted in a 'roll cage', which in turn will be bolted to the tank guard and engine guard in a similar position as the cans in the picture above. When I need a light front the 'roll cages' can be bolted to the rear pannier racks, with the weight resting on the passenger footpegs.

I'm hoping the above set-up will weigh less than 7 kg and be able to carry 20kg per side. The engine guards will also mount two small boxes in front of the engine, and a 5lt round plastic water tank or tool box. The boxes/tank will be protected by a bashplate.

I'm making a mock-up this week, will take pics and post them here for discussion. Will also bring pics (and perhaps the mock-up) to the HU UK meet later this month.

What do you think of this?

------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Noor Brabant - Netherlands
Posts: 121
Hi Barry,

I bought a five star engine crash bar.
This one protects te tank and the engine.
And has proven perfect for the job!

I screwed a light frame against that one to attach the jerrycans to the frame on both sides. The jerry can would sit in that and be hold into place by two straps.

I wish I could take pics right now but will have to do that later as I dont have a digicam.

I drove through some deep deep sand in Sudan with the jerrycans full so 25kg in the front and that was actually perfect! You want soem pressure on your front wheel other wise it will climb out of the tracks all the time.
I dont know about mud though never done that ;-)
About falling, I did that a lot but no problems with my tank getting dents or the cans getting into the engine. AND on big bonus if you are traveling alone. It will be a nice space for your legs when they are underneath there. The bike will drop on the tank and your luggage system in the back ;-)

I will be back in Europe soon so if you want to take over the frame I made??? Drop me a line. I dont need it anymore.

Thats all I an say for now hope it helps a little.

------------------
CU under the Cu

Frank
http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z
__________________
CU under the Cu
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Feb 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
The racks mentioned can be bought from www.kimpex.com and www.motovan.com You can even get exandable ones that will fit food coolers. Check the ATV section of the catalogs.

Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Feb 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Norway
Posts: 70
Hmm..what about strapping the Jerry`s flat undre the case?? I does that under my Zega, but that only 10L jerry`s..
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Mar 2004
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Hello. I was just wondering, don't you guy's feel nervous being surrounded by 10 gallons of gas, next to a hot exhaust pipe, just waiting to get clipped by that sharp rock, resulting in devastating consequences (shudder...)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Mar 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
Mr Ron: The first tope I hit in Mexico caused 3 twenty-five litre jerry cans, a gallon of antifreeze and two gallons of washer fluid to flip off of the back of my van and drag down the road for two blocks. I told my brother not to get those stupid Wedco pyramid style gas cans but he did it anyway and there's no way to bind them down properly since they aren't rectangular.

He learned his lesson that night after he got drenched in gasoline while trying to pour the ripped open jerry cans into the gas tank. hahahaha He was scared to death and I was happy to see him learn what happens when you don't follow instructions. > Ah well, there's no real point to this story so I'll stop now. ) The previous post just brought back memories.

Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Mar 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
hi guys i have had some brilliant crash bars/jerry can racks made for my xtz660.
one for water(next to the exhaust) and one for petrol. the trick is to use the long thin 10 litre jerry cans...
my bike is heavily loaded toward the rear, alu panniers 44 litres and my girlfriend...(not that heavy)....
it has balanced out the bike nicely, and provided a perfect shroud for the radiator.
once i work out how to post a photo i will show you my modified machine.
oh by the way... plastic jerry can for water
the steal rusts out...

[This message has been edited by futronix (edited 23 March 2004).]
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


 
 

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!

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 13:48.