17 Sep 2007
|
|
HU Spain Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 330
|
|
|
Fitting Metal Mules to XT's
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:
Quote:
The answer to the question on everyone's lips comes in numerous parts.- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We can sell the 'hoops' for people to build their own frames.
- 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.
- 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.
|
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer 
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the Horizons Unlimited logo on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
ll 5 DVDs with a custom printed slip case. "The series is 'free' because the tips and advice will save much more than you spend on buying the DVD's."
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
