Fitting Metal Mules to XT's

[Dakota]

I've seen lots of threads on different forums about the expense of fitting MM's to XT660's due to the need to fit their special single exhaust can (extra £350).

Having XT600's, this wasn't a problem for us, but I'm always banging on about how good their panniers are (they really are), so I emailed Stuart this morning asking for advice/options for XT660's and this was his reply:

The answer to the question on everyone's lips comes in numerous parts.

1. Our initial concerns for the XT were it's lack of ground clearance
   and the width across the rear once panniers were fitted. Hence the 2
   into 1 which gives ground clearance and tucks under the bodywork to
   reduce width.
2. It takes at least 2 weeks to develop a frame system for a bike that
   works for volume production. We just haven't had the time to do the XT twice due to the volume of our normal business, and developing the 2 into 1 system made sense for overland and off-road riders. In the past we used to make one offs etc. but it has slowly become un-economic to do so. It would not be commercially viable to duplicate the frame.
3. We have a GIVI adapter plate developed that bolts direct to GIVI
   frames (they make a frame for the standard pipe XT)and enables Metal
   Mules to be fitted. This will appear on our new website next month.
4. We can sell the 'hoops' for people to build their own frames.
5. Also, we've been aware of the probability of the 'New XT660Z Tenere'
   for a long time now (although we did expect it sooner). With this
   launched we expect people to buy a Tenere in preference to the XT for touring / traveling.
6. Therefore the earliest we would be able to develop a frame would be
   April '08 and that is when the Tenere, BMW F800GS, KTM690 Adv all come out. These 3 would get priority due to the forecasted sales figures.

It maybe that the Spanish and French markets provide larger numbers than
the UK. If so we would re-consider.

Hope this info is of some use to XT660 owners.

[Walkabout]

That reply makes perfect sense!