Touratechs are sardine tins in comparison to Metal Mules and TT's customer service is CRAP.

Get in touch with Metal Mule and talk to Stuart to see what your options are. You need to see both TT's and MM's in the flesh to appreciate the difference in quality, then you'll know why MM's are more expensive.

Both me and the hubby have got MM's on our XT600's so we didn't have the problem with the exhaust. But, if that was the only option, we'd pay the extra for the exhaust.

One other thing - the panniers may be cheaper, but don't forget to add on the price of the inner bags with TT's which you have to have to stop the black dust getting on to all your gear. MM's are anodised as standard, so you don't need bags - or you can pay a bit more for powder coating. Anodised works just fine for us.

Have a look also at http://www.overland-solutions.com as they may be able to fabricate a frame for you.