DIY pannier rack
 

Given that I already had some panniers I decided to make some frames to hold them on the Ten. The previous frame had been built to carry the boxes on my Speed Triple-

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...d/IMG_0451.jpg

Ignore the gurning drunk ;)

Then when I got the DR600 I was stunned to find the rack slotted onto that too, and used it to carry various things-

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...d/DSC00152.jpg

So anyway, pic whoring over. Now I don't have a pipe bender so tried a couple of ways to form a bend into the tube this time, but neither was particularly successful, so in the end I decided to go for a mitred joint set up instead. I used the old frame as a jig for the side mounts, and then the rest was made as I went along.
I decided I was going to use the Yamaha mounting points, even though I know it would mean some tricky nut application under the seat. However I plan to make a new set of silencers up at some point in the next few months so access should be improved.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...s/DSC00276.jpg

Ever the resourceful, I used on of my test bend pieces to make a joining half-loop for the rear of the rack. Now I also realised that in order to slot the rack on, it would have to split, so the half-loop has a joint in it, but not behind the mudguard where it gets all ****ty. No I put it in an easy access place on the side. Oh and my test bend was that long too! ;)
And a couple of pics of it with boxes in place. It's nearly finished, I just need to pic some nuts and bolts up from local factors, then paint it. Although it's lovely 316 seamless, I'm painting it black to fit in.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...s/DSC00283.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...s/DSC00281.jpg
]
Quite chuffed.

Hi Tripletom, slightly off topic, I notice you are using the new kriega tankbag sleeve/mount, how do you find it? and what size and which of the kriega bag you are using? From your pics, I see the setup less intrusive than most tankbags, I am just curious to know whether you are happy with it despite the fact that it is not as accessible to the items inside the bag than a normal tankbag. Thanks in advance.

Hey Josephau, no problems. I like the Kriega harness, though I mounted it back to front from their recommendations. I've fedback to them with this info in case any Tenere owners decide to go for one. I've got the US-5 bag on there for everyday use as somewhere to keep cargo net/straps etc, and I've had a US-10 on there also. Both cover the ignition key, but not terribly. I think due to the shortness of the Tenere tank the US-20 would be a little large. As somewhere to quickly stash stuff though, I'm very pleased. If you want more pics, just say.

edit to add- I don't mind the method of accessing the contents of the bag, and would gladly have to take a few moments longer to do it than suffer wet contents as I have with other tank bags, even those with 'waterproof covers'.

Nice job. Huge panniers. More room for the ladies shoes I'll bet.

He he, no comment ;) I had a measure and they're only 35mm wider than the handlebars though, so judging gaps shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Tripletom,

How easy is it to take the tank bag off to get at the fuel cap?

Also, the US-10 has a zip on the side to get at the contents right?


Thanks,

Nick.

Blimey I knock up a set of bespoke pannier racks in a weekend whulst under the effects of manflu and everyone wants to know about the Kriega stuff!!!







Just kidding...




All the US-series bags open the same way- with the rollover klunk klip closure. It takes all of 10 seconds to open. To access the fuel filler you pop 2 quick release clips and the whole tank bag assembly goes either forward (if you fit as per instructions) or backwards if you fit it like I did. If you want pics then let me know.

I want to know more about the lady sitting next to you. :laughing7:



Just kidding too. =)


A little.

Hi Tripletom, more pics on the kriega tankbag setup would be great, that is if not too much trouble. Thanks in advance.

Hee hee - well I for one think you've done a nice job there...

Just a couple of questions - the boxes look to be mounted quite far forward, how is the pillion comfort in that respect?

Also, did you use a third mounting point on the frame (under the seat - where there is a little cutout in the plastic shroud by the hand rails)?

I guess for anyone else so inclined, you could always buy the bare-metal rectangular hoop sections that the robbers at Touratech sell, and weld up your own supports?

xxx