Hey all! I'm looking for cheap (and maybe creative) ideas for saddlebags that can be mounted to a stock 2006 KLR rear rack. I'd prefer metal or plastic obviously. I'm all good with silicone waterproofing as needed. And rigging up some mounting brackets must be done without welding, as I have neither the skill, equipment, or a lot of time (wild circumstances... decided to go see what all the hubbub of the Rockies and West Coast is all about for a solid 6 weeks). Sound crazy? I just turned 23, and couldn't be more reckless. I'm hoping that you ladies and gents might have some good idea. Don't let me down.
Search for mermite cans, and ammo cans. You will find lots of info. Like this thread. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67336&highlight=mermite Walter
Uhh do you already have a pannier rack? No hard cases are going to mount to the stock rack on the sides.
I was ignorantly/hopefully thinking that there might be a way to rig up some brackets without buying them. Any recommendations as to where I could get a set?
Someone cut up a milk crate, removed 2 sides, and bolted the remains upside down on his rear rack. He then bolted his luggage to the sides of the crate. Provides a surface to bolt to, and a standoff from the high pipe. Seemed to work fine.
You can buy them of course, but if you end up making them on your own, see my ghetto side rack for my Ninja 650R, you may find something similar could work for you if you're really on a budget. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=19092449#post19092449 Also, my SUPER ghetto KLR rack. I don't recommend this process http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=89368
Love it. That would probably just require a couple stabilization brackets to the rear pegs. I've started planning a sizable trip in late August that'll take me several thousand miles from home. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I'll only have about a week of prep time before I set out. The bike currently has no luggage (which is why I'm asking about it), but is equipped with a taller windscreen. New tires, new chain and sprocket, and freshly cleaned airbox and carb. In the opinions of the men who've been doing it for years, what are some of the essential mods / prep that I should have at the top of the list before setting out? If you think this might fit better in another thread, please let me know.
splurge and get some sw motech rear bag/pelican case bars. you can mount about anything hard or soft to them, and they are quick release when you need them to come off
an entertaining idea! but even without doing the conversion, I know that 220EUR is a tad out of my range. the word "splurge" is reserved for those of you out there who have held a steady job for a few years. it's not an option for me.
If you use the milk crate idea, please post a few pics. I guess you could even trim the top so as to slide it forward around your seat, and bring the bags forward.
personally i like the idea of buying two "roll top" type waterproof bags. and make a harness from nylon straps mat'l..... cheap( about 60$u.s. for any size you go with) and fairly simple to make...and the bags can hold enough gear to make ANY trip work! in the past i did buy an ortlieb saddle bag set. it works alright, but the price was 200$s and i use it soo infrequently that now when ever i'm prepairing for a long motorcycle trip, i wounder why i just didn't make it for myself the first time.
Check you local classifieds for stuff. I paid $80 for my first set of fiberglass hard bags. $20 worth of hardware store angle iron, flat bar, and bolts and they were on.
I had the hard cases on the KLR at one time. Went with these for 400 bucks and glad I did http://www.giantloopmoto.com/collections/giant-loop-gear-collection/products/great-basin-saddlebag Easy to remove from the bike with a ton of room. They sit on the passenger seat, I use a plate bolted to the rear rack for even more room. Much lighter than the boxes and frame. Cheers
