imported post
imported post
dualsportbiker wrote:
Hi Guys,
I plan to 'tour' around a bit. I was thinking of installing a rack on the backof my XR650R.Are there any ideas, suggestions or advice you would have for me regarding this?
Thanks
this is what I am referring to when I say 'rack'
http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/10/products_id/180
Hi Dualsportbiker,
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "touring around a bit" but a sturdy subframe is recommended for anything beyond soft throwovers.
I have recently been reading Lawrence Hacking's(canadian author)new book about his Dakar efforts in 2001. He used a XR650R in the race andgave much credit to his capable machine in seeing him through to the finish. He did mention purchasing a cromoly steel subframe from a company in france to support the weight of extra fuel and equipment. I'll try and dig up the name of the company.
FWIW I think the XR650R could make an excellent touring machine but is let down by it's lightweight (aluminum)subframe meant only to support a rider and nothing else. This is typical of subframes on pure dirtbikes. The above cromoly subframe might overcome this significant touring issue.
A recent trip in Baja saw some of my travelling companions(on pure dirtbikes)suffer complete failures of their subframes using promoto racks. The racks were very likelyloaded beyond recommended capacities. I alsothink it would be virtually impossible, to carry touring amounts of gear on a pure dirtbike, without overloading a promoto rack. I've seen it done over and over.
On my pure dirtbike I limit equipment carried to a set of tank panniers and what I'm prepared to carry on my back. Typically this limits me to hotelling at night.
If touring for you means camping and cooking your own food. An improved subframe or an enormous backpack are in order. I've tried the huge backpack and it sucks.
I think the 650 size bike and more specifically your 650R could make the ultimate all around bike(including touring). As with anything she won't be perfect "right out of the box". Have Fun!
Cheers,
Paul N.