Custom Ammo Can V-Strom Install (Now Painted!)
 

I just bought an '09 V-Strom 650 last week and am in the process of getting it ready for some longer rides. I really couldn't see spending $700+ on some panniers, so I decided to mount some ammo cans.

I also couldn't see spending $200+ on a luggage rack to mount my $12.00 ammo cans to, so I welded up my own. I used 1.25" angle iron and 1" strapping for the rack. I've looked over many other racks and I think mine are stronger than most, and only cost me a few bucks :evil. I also didn't have to relocate any lights :D

The rack is held on by 8 bolts, and is in one piece, so I can install it and take it off the bike in 5 minutes. Width with the cans mounted is just under 40". I wanted to keep the cans mounted symmetrical as I wanted space for a tool tube and don't care for lopsided looking mounts. I'm not completely done with it yet, I just need to build some sort of tool tube for the left side. I'll then sandblast/paint the ammo cans and rack.

Total time spent so far is about 8 hours and total cost about $30.00. Can't beat that.

Well, here are a few pics. Sorry that they are a little dark (don't mind the mess in my shop either).

Rack from the back:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans1.jpg

Rack from the side:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans2.jpg

Ammo cans mounted:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans3.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans4.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans5.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1.../ammocans6.jpg

Looks great, nicely done, plus cant beat cheap .

dang... love to have a garage with a tig, mig and O/A welder! :tb

Oh ya, nice rack!

What he said. :thumb:lol3

Yeah, that, I guess, is the main reason why I built my own. Part of the fun with anything for me is to fab up parts for things instead of buying them. (I got a nice hydraulic tube bender over in the corner, and a metal cutting band saw as well :deal).

Here's one of my other projects I've been working on. It has been on the sidelines since buying the bike though :evil.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ng/jeep1-1.jpg

Nice work man:clap
I like very much your cj tire carrier
...inspiring for my scout:evil

Got the cans painted. I used a metallic matte black, very similar to the frame color. You can't see it in the pics, but the metallic really shines in the sun, looks great!
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...mmocans1-1.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...mmocans2-1.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...mmocans3-1.jpg

OUTFREAKIN' STANDING! Very nice work. Gives me lots of good ideas when I get mine. Thanks for sharing.:freaky How exactly did you mount them to the frame? Your install is very clean. It looks like factory stuff and will be very rugged.

Very nice for sure. So what do you charge for another set? I'm sure you could make some money for other stuff with a couple sets of those.

wow, you haven't even had the bike very long and it's already looking good.

what were the mounting locations again? Passenger pegs? I'm not sure if I see more than 6 bolts.

weight?

those things are like 20 lbs each but very sturdy.

Thanks guys, I'm using the original 4 bolts for the top rack. There is also a 3/8" hole under each pillion foot peg that I am using. Finally, although not structural, I am using the license plate bolt locations for the crossover bar.

I think I am pushing close to 50 lbs. or so, but the Jesse system is around 40 lbs. I've heard and my rack and cans are probably alot more durable. I can't tell any difference when riding at all, and I have a tent in one side and a sleeping bag, heavy gloves and odds and ends in the other side right now. I'm going to be keeping a light weight camping setup on the bike at all times, so if I am out riding, I can camp out where ever and when ever I feel like it.

Think you should add something on the left inner side of the bracket... there's just so much empty space there that you could maybe put a small ammo can with your tools or something.

Looks good. Thought about using those cans on my Uly, but I have to wonder if the stock HB rack will hold them adequately. Flat steel looks like a better option.