Pack rack options?

[Kwaky]

Anybody ever made themselves a pack rack rather than buying one ? I was thinking it is somthing handy to have and was thinking about making making one.

[Padmei]

Do you mean for a normal pack or a Ventura Packrack type?
There;d be a bit of work trying to get one made for a normal pack.
I've got a ventura & had to make some heavyduty alterations to it cos it broke & bent (only used it a handful of times on not difficult terrrain) however would go for soft saddlebag type ones next time

welcome to KB as well.

[Eddieb]

JunkManJoe made some panniers racks for his 950 which are now fitted to my bike out of 10mm bar bent to suit and welded.

[FlyRider]

I've got a ventura & had to make some heavyduty alterations to it cos it broke & bent (only used it a handful of times on not difficult terrrain) however would go for soft saddlebag type ones next time

+1 for the saddlebag type. I originally had just a Ventura rack and bag, when loaded up with all my hunting/fishing gear plus a couple days supplies it made my bike feel noticeably top heavy and awful to handle, especially on gravel. I find saddle bags/panniers are a much nicer weight distribution option, however I do also use my Ventura rack/bag for light stuff, plus its used for keeping my helmet dry when I leave the bike in the bush on hunting/fishing trips. I have a small hole cut in the base of the bag and run a small chain and padlock around the bike, up through the bag, and through the helmet for security.

As to making your own rack, for the price of the Ventura kit you may find it will cost about the same, maybe more, plus taking into account all the extra mucking around. The Ventura bolts on in minutes and has performed well for me even in the earlier days when it was packed up heavy, this included some rough terrain and lengthy rocky riverbed work

[bart]

My 2 cents. Keep the weight low and forward. Soft pannier bags are the way to go. Once they are full, start looking at other options. Pack rack type set ups unbalance the whole bike because the weight is high and too far back. Any weight beyond the rear axle is real baaaddddd.

[DR650gary]

My 2 cents. Keep the weight low and forward. Soft pannier bags are the way to go. Once they are full, start looking at other options. Pack rack type set ups unbalance the whole bike because the weight is high and too far back. Any weight beyond the rear axle is real baaaddddd.

I believe the correct configuration for the Ventura is with the rack facing forward over the seat. It is only supposed to be turned around for 2 up riding. We have the Ventura setup on 3 of our bikes and I do like the versatility of it. We have 3 sizes of pack for different situations but would never do the double up (zip 2 together) and then fill them with heavy gear. May take 2 packs on the ZRX but not 2 up.

Thinking about fabricating some bolt on/clip on sides for the Ventura for throw overs. If we do, I'll post a pic or 2.

[clint640]

My 2 cents. Keep the weight low and forward. Soft pannier bags are the way to go. Once they are full, start looking at other options. Pack rack type set ups unbalance the whole bike because the weight is high and too far back. Any weight beyond the rear axle is real baaaddddd.

x2 Pack racks can be convenient but I've never liked the way a bike handles with any load in them & I've seen quite a few break when used for adv touring. I load up the panniers which take all my stuff for most rides, if camping I put another bag on the rear carrier with the light stuff in it.

For panniers you will probably still need to make a rack of sorts to tie them to & keep them off the exhaust. As Eddie says the easiest way for the average handyman is to get some soild bar & a few scraps of flat for the mounting points, bend to shape & arc weld together.
The soft pannier racks I have made have been 1/2" stainless tube (worked well but prone to cracking eventually) Then 1/2" hydraulic pipe (worked well, bends nicely) then the most recent set for Rosie's new WR was out of 3/4 4130 Cro-moly tube (hard to bend but light & strong as buggery) Of course for tubing you really need a bender & a gas/tig welder. Most of the work is in making the mounting points.

Cheers
Clint

[trustme]

I believe the correct configuration for the Ventura is with the rack facing forward over the seat. It is only supposed to be turned around for 2 up riding. We have the Ventura setup on 3 of our bikes and I do like the versatility of it. We have 3 sizes of pack for different situations but would never do the double up (zip 2 together) and then fill them with heavy gear. May take 2 packs on the ZRX but not 2 up.

Thinking about fabricating some bolt on/clip on sides for the Ventura for throw overs. If we do, I'll post a pic or 2.

Like this, red bag carries sleeping bag & lightweight tent

[Eddieb]

Like this, red bag carries sleeping bag & lightweight tent

What are the bags?

[trustme]

What are the bags?

Panniers are Andystrapz expedition bags like Clints only cleaner cos I'm not allowed out much , Red Bag is from a camping store , about $40, fold over flap to seal so no zips, used it in torrential rain & no leaks.

I'm not a fan of top boxes , Ive seen the demise of a few . A mate & I stopped at the beginning of a hydro dam bridge for a looksie , his top box felt no inclination to admire the view & carried on down the road much to my mates dismay. I might have smiled just a wee bit.

[DR650gary]

[QUOTE=trustme;1129829539]Like this, red bag carries sleeping bag & lightweight tent
QUOTE]

Yes. Any chance of a non mounted photo? It looks like the bottom is mounted to the pillion peg. Yes?

Thanks

[Kwaky]

I think I like the look of the panniers particulary with the effect they have on balance compared to a pack rack. In terms of carrying a rifle attached to the pannier any concerns with knocking the optics out of alignment particulary down dirt tracks ?

[DR650gary]

I think I like the look of the panniers particulary with the effect they have on balance compared to a pack rack. In terms of carrying a rifle attached to the pannier any concerns with knocking the optics out of alignment particulary down dirt tracks ?

Never carried a rifle on a bike, but think I would either figure out a handlebar mount or carry on my back. Stopped using the Givi side bags a few years ago. Used them all the time until I forgot they were there and was filtering aggressively. Them Givi bags make good brakes

[trustme]

[QUOTE=DR650gary;1129829806]

Like this, red bag carries sleeping bag & lightweight tent
QUOTE]

Yes. Any chance of a non mounted photo? It looks like the bottom is mounted to the pillion peg. Yes?

Thanks

Yes, sorry no non mounted photos unless you really need some then I will drag them out & take pics.
Don't tell me the bolts are loose , this was mock up stage.
Did the mmmm in reverse a few months ago & this set up coped fine.

[monchopper]

A couple of mates have these bad boys http://www.giantloopmoto.com/ and recommend them highly.

Panniers for the more hard core adventure rider.