I want to kit out my '99 XT600E with a luggage rack for supporting soft panniers. I've had the 'frame stiffeners' from RickyCross on order from M&P for over 6 months, and it looks like I may be waiting for another 6 months before I actually get them. Are the factory really this bad at supplying their products?

I'd like advice on what other options there are for the XT600E. I've seen a Becker system in the 00-01 Wunderlich catalogue, but it looks as if it was designed for hard luggage, and that is not my priority. I simply want some bars down either side of the bike to support my soft panniers, and stop them bouncing around on rough tracks. I already have a rear rack. If anyone has experience of using the Becker system, please post with details.

Thanks in advance.

Iain.

You may easily make-by-yourself these , using alumiminum bar (full , not tube) of good section, eg. 25 x 8 mm. ...it's easy to cut, drill and bend, does not need paint or rust, and it's stiff enough for the duty : I've made
for my teneré a side rack/carrier for the tent (an old "canadian" type that weighted more than 15 kilos ..) and was very happy - it also worked as a protection for oil tank in a fall..:-)