First post, so introductions. Hi. My name is Ralph and I'm on my second Tenere.

I've just moved from a 3aj tenere to the latest model (well, 09), and I'm loving it. As far as I can tell, it's 20 years of development well done. Except in one area - the rear rack.

I miss the big mild steel ladder on the back of my old bike - it was great for strapping all types of bags to (most riding I do in the UK is on caving trips - gear for the weekend plus 100+ m of rope makes for some large and odd shaped bags leaking muddy water) or bolting on my trusty givi top-box when I go further afield. The mounting point for a Yamaha top box doesn't seem to cut it.

Searching around, there are loads of slinky-sexi aluminium plates going (for example this or this), but less of the big strap-a-sheep-on type that I know and love.

The closest I've found is metal mule's offering ( one of these - less the pannier racks), but before I stump up the �120 quid, does anyone have any experience of them? If you do, are they level with the pillion seat for those oversized loads? Any home-baked solutions to inspire me?

Thanks,
VT