xrl 650 rear frame - Horizons Unlimited

**tarisius** · #1 23 Jan 2005

Hi there
I would like some ideas on how to reinforce the rear frame of this otherwise very good bike. Mine broke twice, just at the back of the seat bolt. The fist time in Mauri but manage to italy and got it fixed. Now between Nigerian and Cameroon, it happened again. I have been using a tail rack from happy trails (the side racks were discarded long ago)Max weigth on it 15 kg.
I am in Nigeria and to find good welding is difficult but hopefully I will manage.
Is it possible to have a complete rack from Ernie and if yes how do I get in touch with him?
thanks in advance for any help

Fles · #2 21 Jul 2005

Tarisius, I had the same problem with my XR600. It broke twice on me in the same place. I had it reinforced, and from then on I never had a problem. I have since sold it and bought a XR650L. I havent given it a chance to break on me this time. I have reinforced it straight up. Its frame is %95 the same as the XR600. So I should not have a problem, touch wood. I will send you more info and some photo's on how I'd done it in a day or so. I'm at work now and I dont have the pictures with me to send to you.

Fles

**tarisius** · #3 21 Jul 2005

Hi Fles
thanks I will be glad to see it. I did some reinforcemnt too and I am now in Libreville going down to the Congos. So far I had no prob even on the terrible tole ondule of certain parts of Cameroon roads though is really to early to say anything.I cannot reciprocate with pics of what I did but can tell you I havent use any welding on the frame itself.
safe ridings
alessandro

**RichLees** · #4 22 Jul 2005

if you go to overland-solutions.com and follow the links: products, honda, xrl, fuel cans, picture 3, you can see the gusset at the bottom of the frame and sub-frame and you can just about see the flange that Ernie added under the sub-frame from front to rear. I did 35,000km without any drama including shocking corrugations etc. I had up to 100kg on the back: 40kg in the touratechs and a 60kg stone rose (check: satisfied customers, honda, XRL, richard lees)

Fles · #5 22 Jul 2005

I've seen those mods done before. I will never carry such loads that will require that kinda a reinforcement, not here in Australia anyhow. I've just welded the exhaust side of the sub frame as it broke on me twice untill I reinforced it.