XR650R Best Sub-frame/Rack Solution Yet!

[Yellow Pig]

Hi Guys,

I think I have finally found a decent and relatively inexpensive solution to the XR650R rear sub-frame & rack problem.

I have gone through the SRC & the PMB racks and both have failed me.

Along came the Borrego Rack, by Turbocity.com and I decided to give it a try.



This thing is heavier than the others, but beefier and since it's constructed out of mild steel it will not stress crack from the vibrations. The best part of the rack is the sturdy sub-frame that supports the whole system:



This thing mounts solidly to 4 points on the frame and eliminates the cantilever problem present in the other systems. The best part is that I think TC will sell the sub-frame by itself to anyone who asks. The whole system costs $120, so I figure the sub-frame alone will be much cheaper.

The top rack was a bit too big for my taste so I trimmed it down w/ a hack saw and covered the ends w/ some plastic plugs:




Here are a few more shots/ angles of the sub-frame:











This is the perfect size for my trailside repair kit:









In it I manage to fit all the tools, spare parts, 2 tubes and a pump, I need to get myself out of the mountains and back home in case of a breakdown.


I still need to get a few more miles on it for the final verdict, but the 500-600 miles it has covered so far have not been easy and I have barely had to tighten a bolt.

[swinterc]

Good right-up, I would like to see how it will last and if there are and bolt problems that occur...

[kenaroo]

Major flaw of this design is the 1" square tubing underneath of the fender.

It's definately a tire breaking system when someone goes through a "G" out.

you can already see the tire rub mark in the pictures.

Nice design and might be good for the non aggressive riders that don't tax the suspension very often.

Maybe a wishbone coming from that middle section would work.

[kellyk7]

looking on that site they hang a complete panner system on the end of this thing, well a slightly diferent sub-rack but pretty much the same 4 6mm bolts. Somebody is confident it will hold up.

I know I would be able to get at leats 60 pounds in two 20 l saddle bags plus that top shelf. But would it really hold up

[JRiott]

That looks exactly like what I've been wanting. Thanks for the link.

[jesusgatos]

Originally Posted by kenaroo

Major flaw of this design is the 1" square tubing underneath of the fender.

It's definately a tire breaking system when someone goes through a "G" out.

you can already see the tire rub mark in the pictures.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I'd pass on that one.

[Zapp22]

good catch ken...

i like their rack, though.... use that rack with the Dirt Bagz subframe ... with upgraded bolts set in sleeves.

[Red_Chili]

I use the Dirt Bagz subframe, but even it needs something extending forward to prevent cantilevering it. So I welded extension tubes which run along the *top* of the existing aluminum subframe spars, hoseclamped to them about 4" forward. Extremely strong, pretty light, no bolt stress.

The square tubing could be replaced with flatter tubing or plate. The load dispersal is sound. Good idea! I'm not so sure the tire is actually contacting the subframe, YP can you confirm?

[950TRANSALP]

and never got a straight answer about selling the subframe bracket alone. they didn't seem to want to sell one . Or even give any price. The side panier frames don't tie in anywhere lower on the frame or sub frame . Looks like you are just adding extra weight to verry few bolts .
I wish I could like them more but after weeks of pouring over their pictures the weak link is still the Honda subframe with their design .
Also too many extra tubes etc. for my taste .
K.B.
"Update 2009 "Now they sell the brace by its self .(correction ) And it does add two more bolts .

[jehu]

It weighs 4lbs and has been Baja tested with 25lbs on it. Made from stainless steel and a Summers aluminum rack.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189525

http://www.advrider.com/forums/attac...1&d=1166303096

http://www.advrider.com/forums/attac...1&d=1176056134

[jesusgatos]

That looks a LOT better.

[Sycamore]

Originally Posted by kenaroo

Major flaw of this design is the 1" square tubing underneath of the fender.

It's definately a tire breaking system when someone goes through a "G" out.

you can already see the tire rub mark in the pictures.

Nice design and might be good for the non aggressive riders that don't tax the suspension very often.

Maybe a wishbone coming from that middle section would work.

+1

I had a toolbag strapped to my rear fender, the straps went under the fender. After a mild ride on the beach, no big jumps, I got home and found the straps under the fender badly ripped by the back tyre. Rear suspension travel on stock XR is way more than I thought.

[Yellow Pig]

Update:

Allright!

To all the nay sayers. I have put on another 1200 Hard offroad miles on the bike and the rack has performed flawlessly. After I tightened up the bolts after the first ride I have not needed to do so again.

I have had no issues with the tire touching the subframe. I currently have a Kenda 760 in 120 size mounted and if you think I just have not ridden aggressively enough you are seriously mistaken and need to come for a spin with me. How do you think I shattered the SRC Rack.

My 2 cents. So far I'm really pleased with this rack system.

[Yellow Pig]

OOOps!




My Kind of trail:

[Red_Chili]

Nothing like some real world experience to punch a hole in a perfectly good theory!