Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Moose Racks For DR650?

http://www.onestopmotorsports.com/pr...50SE-96-10.htm

Like in the link above.

Has anyone used these, quality, strength, issues?

Still looking at racks, would like to bring the cases more forward still so if anyone has any other good comparos would be great, looked and building my own but the cost to ship from New Zealand to Anchorage shoves that idea out the window.

Any input would be welcome, cheers gents and ladies.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2011
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hi Guys,

I havent used the Moose racks, Im using Happy Trails which have been excellent.

looking at the photos of the Moose racks, the left rack looks like it is a long way out from the bike - not doing much for handling and theres more leverage and potential for the weight of a pannier to break something over rough pistes.



Compare to a HT rack:




I mounted our boxes centrally to allow my wife to sit on the back with enough leg clearance, but they could be mounted 2-3 inches further forward easily if you are riding solo:











Check out this forum for some more info on different set ups:

http://drriders.com/?sid=c723539578b...e8aee0d9e16627
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Last edited by Gipper; 16 Jun 2011 at 05:26.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 309
I have Moto-sport racks.


Moto-Sport Panniers��� World Class Motorcycle Luggage

They don't stick out on the left side the way the Moose racks do. I like mine, although I have broken welds on both sides running hard cases. They have no crossover brace like the Happy Trails racks, so they are weaker when you fall on them.


The weakness that leads to them breaking may not be a bad thing, though. The energy of a fall has to go somewhere. Here's a pic from the DR thread on ADVrider showing a bent subframe on a DR after a crash. Some think that the Happy Trails pannier frame is too strong and transferred too much energy to the bike subframe. The DR subframe is welded on, BTW, so it is no easy job to fix or replace.

(Just another info point. Gipper's Happy Trails set-up looks like it was tested a few times and came out ok. )



the DR650 thread - Page 3345 - ADVrider post#50164


............shu
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2011
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
OUCH! that looks like a write off....

good points there Shu,

its good to have something weak in there to give and the HT racks are quite tough.

with both the more serious accidents ive had (amongst others) - one at 110 kmh( ish ) on asphalt and the other getting smacked by a pick up truck at about 30kmh the boxes absorbed MOST of the energy.

the rear frame did get tweaked on the faster crunch when the bike cartwheeled - im convinced the boxes saved the frame from being completely wrecked- all three were torn open and bent (but amazingly still on the bike)........absorbing a lot of energy - and had to be straightened with a hydraulic jack before welding



the dr's frame is not as solid as a BMW or KTM adv , so a long pry bar was used to bring it back into spec and all welds were checked before the rebuild inspection.

if you are using soft panniers these would also take some impact. some riders strengthen metal panniers with internal plates around the mounting hardware, something ive avoided doing - keep a 'weak' link to absorb the energy.

holed metal panniers can be temporarily repaired and made waterproof again by cutting up engine oil containers and inserting the plastic with some construction adhesive/silicon into the holes - not pretty but works well. Ive also borrowed a few car jacks off peope to straghten out the panniers first.

You dont neccesarily have to mount panniers all the way forward - you will make it difficult to carry a pillion, which can come in very handy at times - just pack heavier items (tools,spares) at the bottom of the pannier towards the front (forward of the rear axle pin)and as close to the bike as possible and lighter gear (sleeping bags etc) away from the bike and further rear.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Heya Gipper and Shu

Great information thank you both.

We are planing on using the Caribou cases 40 L mainly because we can then keep the weight down and close in, they are 21.6 wide so narrower than a lot of cases, windage is a big consideration mainly for my wife so.

Pelican Based Adventure Touring Motorcycle Luggage - BMW GS, Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki V-Strom, Triumph, KTM

Gipper, can I please ask the dimensions of both your side cases and top case, and also the distance between your side cases at the top (to determine what case to use on top width wise) I really appreciate the information here and seeing the setup.

We have to pre organize and order the stuff prior leaving NZ and making sure it is in Alaska ready to take delivery and assembly (without horrifying mistakes ).

I am guessing the moose racks were spaced to to keep equal weight but I guess that can be reasonably achieved by packing things in an orderly fashion

For our setup we intend to use side cases and top box, got an Ortlieb 35 L 620 bag for the tent, may get another for the bed roll.

Any other suggestion please put them forward, always good info.

Many thanks.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2011
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hi guys.

some exterior dimensions l x w x h:

top box: 558x360190

panniers: 455x227x377

458 mm between side panniers.

I like the pelican cases for panniers, if they made top loaders id have been intereted in using them.

are you guys doing a blog/website for your trip?
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jun 2011
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Quote:
Originally Posted by shu... View Post
I have Moto-sport racks.


Moto-Sport Panniers��� World Class Motorcycle Luggage

They don't stick out on the left side the way the Moose racks do. I like mine, although I have broken welds on both sides running hard cases. They have no crossover brace like the Happy Trails racks, so they are weaker when you fall on them.


The weakness that leads to them breaking may not be a bad thing, though. The energy of a fall has to go somewhere. Here's a pic from the DR thread on ADVrider showing a bent subframe on a DR after a crash. Some think that the Happy Trails pannier frame is too strong and transferred too much energy to the bike subframe. The DR subframe is welded on, BTW, so it is no easy job to fix or replace.

(Just another info point. Gipper's Happy Trails set-up looks like it was tested a few times and came out ok. )



the DR650 thread - Page 3345 - ADVrider post#50164


............shu
Yet another good argument for soft panniers....


Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper View Post

I like the pelican cases for panniers, if they made top loaders id have been intereted in using them.

are you guys doing a blog/website for your trip?
Heya Gipper, cheers for the measurements, yeah prefer top loaders too but the case is then a 1440 which is 90 odd mm wider each side, trying to keep windage down a bit too.

Yes we will be running a RR on ADV and we will have our web site Two Moto Kiwis ..... what a surprise

We are looking to be on the road for at least 1 year and maybe up to 2 (or more) $$$ permitting.

Planning to exit NZ end of April 2012.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
Yet another good argument for soft panniers....


Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
I reckon it is a good argument to stay upright!!

Which part of NZ do you hang in Nigel?, we are in Wanaka.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Jun 2011
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Hi Andi. I'm in shakey town. It's not a fun place at the mo.

Cheers bloke

Nigel in Chch
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
Hi Andi. I'm in shakey town. It's not a fun place at the mo.

Cheers bloke

Nigel in Chch
Mate sorry to hear that, my whole family lives up there, they are totally totally over it, big bro lost his house and land.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
KLE Pannier Racks Peter.S Kawasaki Tech 10 13 Sep 2007 11:57
Storage racks Tonyabc Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 6 Oct 2004 23:45
Pot Racks simmo BMW Tech 5 31 Aug 2003 08:23
Racks sjbarrow Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 18 Jun 2001 16:51

 
 

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 16:07.