DRZ400 RACKS, final time... Which is STRONGEST?

Zapp22 · 02-16-2007, 12:38 PM

Gang
I've asked a similar question before, but let me qualify this time.
I need to carry stuff on the DRZ400E. First, should I depend on Side racks instead of tail rack? Then, which ones are the strongest of the Tail Racks? and Which are the strongest and/or most functional of the side racks???

thanks so much. I promise this is the last time I'll ask this [....fingers crossed....]

z

GB · 02-16-2007, 01:47 PM

I"ve had a few get offs with my KLR and the Happy Trail.com SU racks and they didn't budge.. YMMV.

TwoShots · 02-16-2007, 02:00 PM

Zapp,

Not made for the E, but with some modication, you might like the cycleracks.com rack. Check the description and pics on the first two pages of this thread.
Or visit Happy Trails.
Or not.

Good luck.

Cat0020 · 02-16-2007, 03:22 PM

Strongest rack may or may not be ideal.
You want something sturdy to carry items to certain weight, but you don't want the rack to be so strong that they would bend the frame each time you drop the bike.
Personally, on a high standover, narrow, small displacement bike like the DRZ400, it is more ideal to have a topbox rather than side luggage, keep the narrow profile of the bike for trail riding. It's easier to get handlebar to fit between trees than sidecases.

This rack looks interesting though, I didn't know that such large tail rack existed, it might be a good rack to use as handle hold to pick up the bike, too.

CMS · 02-16-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zapp22

Gang
I've asked a similar question before, but let me qualify this time.
I need to carry stuff on the DRZ400E. First, should I depend on Side racks instead of tail rack? Then, which ones are the strongest of the Tail Racks? and Which are the strongest and/or most functional of the side racks???

thanks so much. I promise this is the last time I'll ask this [....fingers crossed....]

z

I'AM VERY HAPPY WITH HAPPY TRAIL SIDE RACKS , BUT I HAVE A DRZ 400S , I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD FIT THE E MODEL. CMS

Mercury264 · 02-16-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMS

I'AM VERY HAPPY WITH HAPPY TRAIL SIDE RACKS , BUT I HAVE A DRZ 400S , I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD FIT THE E MODEL. CMS

E has no sub-frame at the back like the S.

mootsuno · 02-16-2007, 05:44 PM

I had a Promoto billet rack on my'03 drz400e. I never tried but think I could've stood on that thing. Here's the linky:
http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog...roducts_id=187

viverrid · 02-16-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercury264

E has no sub-frame at the back like the S.

Right, that's the problem with loading up an E. What will that world's strongest rack be attached to, the world's weakest subframe?

On my S, I had the Suzuki official accerssory rack. Strong as hell and made a handy lifting point when stuck in the mud, as well as to tie a tow strap to for towing someone else. It sure was heavy though.

ekaphoto · 02-16-2007, 10:12 PM

I had the stock rack on my S for a while, but put on a pro moto billet aluminum rack and like it better. It is just as strong if not stronger, but lighter. As for putting one on an E I am not sure how that would work since it would be sitting on the plastic fender only.

Kiko · 02-17-2007, 04:16 AM

promoto billet rack is plenty strong on the e frame. suspension will not work well if you plan on carrying much weight with any rack setup; you will probably eat up the upper chain roller within a few miles altogether. I had to replace the fasteners (longer) and add nylon lock nuts to my promoto after they began to fall out on a trip thru south texas on the way into mexico. the upper chain roller guide was gone before 100 miles. Keep the wieght light or travel with someone else who will bring the heavy stuff like tools. I limit my weight to under 40 lbs now and I weigh 165. If you like hard luggage it is simple and cheap to slap on some kolpin fuel pack brackets and doscoil pistol cases onto the promoto rack. kolpin and doscoil is available at cabelas.

DRZmaui · 02-19-2007, 04:15 PM

This photo was taken on the trans-Siberian Highway. Happy trails are second to none when considering strength. Not the prettiest, but defiantly the strongest.

Mongolia

duckrider · 02-19-2007, 05:18 PM

A rack can be built that works just fine for the e sub. I've used mine on long distance rides for a couple of years with no probs. It incorporates side racks which adds a lot of strength. It's also very light as it's made from 5/8" tubing. I'm surprised that no one makes one commercially.

ADVGUY · 02-19-2007, 05:49 PM

ProMoto Billet, super sturdy and it looks great!

RedDirt · 02-19-2007, 07:06 PM

I agree, the ProMoto Billet aluminum cargo rack PMB-01-4200 is the best one for the E model.

Reddirt

podangus · 02-20-2007, 07:05 AM

..bump
I `am also interested in the issue. I have a 400S, I bought some pelican cases on ebay and want some kind of a racks. Can you use the Happy Trails side racks without a tail rack?
On the HT site it says their tail rack can later be upgraded to their SU side rack.
If you must use a tail rack with the HT side rack (I am not sure why) do you have to use the HT tail rack? I much prefer the look of the promoto or one of tonnsracing racks than the HT.
thanks,

02-16-2007, 12:38 PM	#1
Zapp22 ^OP ZAPP - Tejas Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Tejas Hill Country Oddometer: 12,925	DRZ400 RACKS, final time... Which is STRONGEST? Gang I've asked a similar question before, but let me qualify this time. I need to carry stuff on the DRZ400E. First, should I depend on Side racks instead of tail rack? Then, which ones are the strongest of the Tail Racks? and Which are the strongest and/or most functional of the side racks??? thanks so much. I promise this is the last time I'll ask this [....fingers crossed....] z __________________ Zapp "I will not let the White City fall... nor our people fail.” - Aragorn K4 WEESTROM Stealthfighter Black - Invisible to Radar '02 DR650SE SOLD '97 DR650SE My Fave

02-16-2007, 02:00 PM	#3
TwoShots Vagabond Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Cedar City, Utah Oddometer: 1,447	Zapp, Not made for the E, but with some modication, you might like the cycleracks.com rack. Check the description and pics on the first two pages of this thread. Or visit Happy Trails. Or not. Good luck. __________________ End Crossbreeding \| Southern UT Excursion: Rockhounding TwoShots screwed with this post 02-16-2007 at 02:05 PM Reason: clarity

02-16-2007, 03:22 PM	#4
Cat0020 El cheapo Joined: May 2002 Location: NW of Philly Oddometer: 4,889	Strongest rack may or may not be ideal. You want something sturdy to carry items to certain weight, but you don't want the rack to be so strong that they would bend the frame each time you drop the bike. Personally, on a high standover, narrow, small displacement bike like the DRZ400, it is more ideal to have a topbox rather than side luggage, keep the narrow profile of the bike for trail riding. It's easier to get handlebar to fit between trees than sidecases. This rack looks interesting though, I didn't know that such large tail rack existed, it might be a good rack to use as handle hold to pick up the bike, too. __________________ Mankind is doomed Chances favor the prepared mind.

02-16-2007, 10:12 PM	#9
ekaphoto Studly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Northern CA Oddometer: 765	I had the stock rack on my S for a while, but put on a pro moto billet aluminum rack and like it better. It is just as strong if not stronger, but lighter. As for putting one on an E I am not sure how that would work since it would be sitting on the plastic fender only. __________________ If it's worth doing, it's worth over doing.

02-19-2007, 05:18 PM	#12
duckrider Studly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Southwest Orygun Oddometer: 992	A rack can be built that works just fine for the e sub. I've used mine on long distance rides for a couple of years with no probs. It incorporates side racks which adds a lot of strength. It's also very light as it's made from 5/8" tubing. I'm surprised that no one makes one commercially. __________________ 07 Ducati 1100 S Multistrada 07 Suzuki SV 650 05 Suzuki DL 650 01 Suzuki DRZ 440 00 KTM MXC/EXC 453 98 Ducati ST2 96 Ducati SS/SP 95 Ducati 900 Elefant 78 Ducati 900 SD Darma

02-16-2007, 01:47 PM	#2
GB Mod Squad Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Toronto, ON Oddometer: 53,466	I"ve had a few get offs with my KLR and the Happy Trail.com SU racks and they didn't budge.. YMMV.

02-16-2007, 05:44 PM	#7
mootsuno Studly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Cotati, CA Oddometer: 561	I had a Promoto billet rack on my'03 drz400e. I never tried but think I could've stood on that thing. Here's the linky: http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog...roducts_id=187

02-17-2007, 04:16 AM	#10
Kiko Studly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Jalisco, Mexico Oddometer: 954	promoto billet rack is plenty strong on the e frame. suspension will not work well if you plan on carrying much weight with any rack setup; you will probably eat up the upper chain roller within a few miles altogether. I had to replace the fasteners (longer) and add nylon lock nuts to my promoto after they began to fall out on a trip thru south texas on the way into mexico. the upper chain roller guide was gone before 100 miles. Keep the wieght light or travel with someone else who will bring the heavy stuff like tools. I limit my weight to under 40 lbs now and I weigh 165. If you like hard luggage it is simple and cheap to slap on some kolpin fuel pack brackets and doscoil pistol cases onto the promoto rack. kolpin and doscoil is available at cabelas.

02-19-2007, 04:15 PM	#11
DRZmaui Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2005 Oddometer: 102	This photo was taken on the trans-Siberian Highway. Happy trails are second to none when considering strength. Not the prettiest, but defiantly the strongest. Mongolia

02-19-2007, 05:49 PM	#13
ADVGUY Learning Joined: Dec 2006 Location: KS Oddometer: 48	ProMoto Billet, super sturdy and it looks great! __________________ 06 DRZ400SM, 06 KX450F, 2012 Harley Street Glide

02-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#14
RedDirt Adventurer Joined: Oct 2003 Location: St George, Utah Oddometer: 84	Promo Billet I agree, the ProMoto Billet aluminum cargo rack PMB-01-4200 is the best one for the E model. Reddirt

02-20-2007, 07:05 AM	#15
podangus n00b Joined: Oct 2006 Oddometer: 3	..bump I `am also interested in the issue. I have a 400S, I bought some pelican cases on ebay and want some kind of a racks. Can you use the Happy Trails side racks without a tail rack? On the HT site it says their tail rack can later be upgraded to their SU side rack. If you must use a tail rack with the HT side rack (I am not sure why) do you have to use the HT tail rack? I much prefer the look of the promoto or one of tonnsracing racks than the HT. thanks,

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