XR Subframes/Rack creation
 

(This was pasted in from the Fuel tank thread - Wright Bagwell)

I'd be interested to know how others have fixed racks to the XR subframe. I ended up making my own and went thru a lot of trial and error before constructing something that survived my "quality control" test ( sit 75 kg friend on it and head off across a field. If it survives it should be ok with 25kg of luggage). The version I 've got now uses the seat mounting bolts as one anchor and runs two metal bars backwards underneath the subframe top rail . The bars are supported at the rear by bolting them to the end of the top rail - There's a 6mm bolt here where the rear mudguard fixes, but it's now beefed up. The rack and side pannier mounts all fix to these bars. To date this system has survived numerous spills and not broken either itself or the bike but it looks like something a village blacksmith would have been proud to construct in between shoeing horses. Does anyone produce anything commercially in the UK for the XR that is suitable for overlanding or is it mainly DIY

Stuart

If you have an XR650L, you might want to contact the guys at www.happy-trail.com. They make some very nice racks, though I would still reinforce the subframe to ensure it won't break with all the weight on the back.

I'm getting an appointment to go have my subframe looked at by a good local welder soon, and when I do, I'll post some info here about it.

Cheers,
Wright

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Wright Bagwell
http://fwc.webjump.com/xr650l/