I�ve been considering what pannier racks to fit to my XT660R and reviewing racks from these three manufacturers over the Internet. My requirement is for side racks together with a top rack but as I�m planning to use soft luggage I don�t envisage that I�ll be purchasing a complete pannier system (yet !!!).

My analysis would indicate that all three systems seem of high quality but there are some important differences as follows:
Hepco & Becker - 12mm tubing and side racks use their Lock-It removable construction
Metal Mule - requires Metal Mule exhaust system
Touratech � top carrier is alloy plate not tubular steel

It looks like my requirements would be best satisfied by Touratech side racks coupled with a Hepco & Becker top carrier however this combination might not be possible.

I�d appreciate any thoughts, comments and experiences you might be able to share.

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Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Yamaha do a top rack that allows yor should allow a plate for a top box to be added or you can fabricate a small plate to allow a top box to be added.

As for the pannier racks, if your only going to ever be using soft luggage why not make your own pannier racks or a simple 2-3 bars alot the side to just stop the panniers from folding in.

I had this idea but ended up making a proper rack and buying my self some alpo tin boxs as it near worked out as cheap as getting a rack and soft luggage all in.

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Plough on

The small print for that suggested it was only good for 5kg - I think the TT non-industrial-strength one said the same. I'm sure that's an ass-covering number but on the other hand, a spare pair of tyres is 15kg on their own if you were considering hanging them on at some point. My diddy tent is 3kg!

Cheers,

Ian

I fittied a complete set of H&P, fittied in less than an hour very strong and can be removed quickly if required due to the clever locking systerm.

Very happy with the set up.

Colin.

off-the-road pannier rack twice as strong as any hepco and becker or touratech rack plus there made in one piece no joints btw the hepco and becker locks are crap two seconds with a screwdriver and there open