Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: stevewfl on September 08, 2013, 07:32:01 PM

Title: Mod: ROTOPAX tank to luggage rack.. $40-50? NAH!
Post by: stevewfl on September 08, 2013, 07:32:01 PM
Refused to pay $40-50 for the "plate" to mount my rotopax spare fuel tank onto the wolfman ADV luggage rack. This project went "KLR on the cheap"  style(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/icon10.gif) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/icon10.gif.html)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/icon10.gif) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/icon10.gif.html)

Instead I got $16 worth of parts/nuts/bolts and fab'd my own.

I usually shop Target, but Teressa finds this cutting board at the Wal-mart store
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3699.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/KLR650/SWP_3699.jpg.html)

So under the knife it goes.....  and the cut off pieces fall right into the recycle bin. Not that I'm all green like that....
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3703.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/KLR650/SWP_3703.jpg.html)

Couple of dollars worth of Ace Hardware bolts and these weird rubberized straps that allowed us to bolt a flat object to a tube and we're there.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3708-1.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/KLR650/SWP_3708-1.jpg.html)

Added the part of the rotopax tank that gets mounted to a plate.  Then I added some padding strips for no other reason than piece of mind.  Plus i like it because the rotopax/wolfman plate didn't have such
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3724.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/KLR650/SWP_3724.jpg.html)

Now I'm ready to throw over  the wolfman soft panniers on and roll.  With 50-60 miles, 1 gallon more gasoline for the desert (in addition to the KLR's already 6.1)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3721.jpg) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/KLR650/SWP_3721.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Mod: ROTOPAX tank to luggage rack.. $40-50? NAH!
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 08, 2013, 08:07:49 PM
Looks nice!!

So, whatcha doin for a kitchen on this ADV trip?  I have the Bio stove you posted up a while a go, even got the grill attachment which works great, but without the heat is overwhelming, great for boiling water but cooking fresh foods is a challenge and the grill is just too much to pack on the bike for longer trips.  Why did I go into it this much?  Seems you just took up a spot for a pannier and added another 10ish pounds, when in all reality the added fuel probably will never be needed.  On my COBDR trip I hauled the extra fuel, never needed it and boy, a ten pound diet woulda been nice.  I have 2 MSR fuel bottles for the multi fuel stove, takes up as much room as the bio stove and doubles as aw **** gas....  The bio stove and grill has been relegated to car camping :)  Getting a hitch installed on the Jetta, pull the 800 wherever and explore from that point, keeping mama happy is indeed paramount 8)
Title: Re: Mod: ROTOPAX tank to luggage rack.. $40-50? NAH!
Post by: stevewfl on September 08, 2013, 08:15:28 PM
Looks nice!!

So, whatcha doin for a kitchen on this ADV trip?  I have the Bio stove you posted up a while a go, even got the grill attachment which works great, but without the heat is overwhelming, great for boiling water but cooking fresh foods is a challenge and the grill is just too much to pack on the bike for longer trips.  Why did I go into it this much?  Seems you just took up a spot for a pannier and added another 10ish pounds, when in all reality the added fuel probably will never be needed.  On my COBDR trip I hauled the extra fuel, never needed it and boy, a ten pound diet woulda been nice.  I have 2 MSR fuel bottles for the multi fuel stove, takes up as much room as the bio stove and doubles as aw **** gas....  The bio stove and grill has been relegated to car camping :)  Getting a hitch installed on the Jetta, pull the 800 wherever and explore from that point, keeping mama happy is indeed paramount 8)

You know of all those stoves I was looking at I ended up with a jetboil!  I'll still have panniers (wolfman soft or drybags) on each side of the bike.  I think those racks can accomdate more weight than about any bike swingarm could support anyway.  And once I get deep in the desert with the KLR's 6 gallon tank I'll probably only fill about half gallon.  And thats a sip for you other brand riders that run out!  You should join us on this ride at death valley in October
Title: Re: Mod: ROTOPAX tank to luggage rack.. $40-50? NAH!
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 08, 2013, 09:08:41 PM
I wish I could, Oct I will be at Ft Campbell for 12 days.  I am doing the WABDR this week with Touratech, first half with them and then Saturday eve I will be doing some night riding with the guy from Cyclops and Alex from Konflict Motorsports.  Wanna put the LEDs to the test ;D  For some reason the wife thinks I have spent too much time riding this year ;D  2 ADV Camps, COBDR, Rally in the Gorge, Touratech Rally, and the Hoh Rainforest Rally.  I also have Shane Watts Dirtwise Academy next week 8)  Not sure what she means by too much :-\

What plans do you have for a load test?  I'd suggest loading her as heavy as you can and find some sand to ride in.

Last bit, I don't remember if you had the .22 cent mod done yet, if not, it is a must do, the differance will flat out amaze you, really gives you the low down torque.
Title: Re: Mod: ROTOPAX tank to luggage rack.. $40-50? NAH!
Post by: stevewfl on September 08, 2013, 10:28:46 PM
I wish I could, Oct I will be at Ft Campbell for 12 days.  I am doing the WABDR this week with Touratech, first half with them and then Saturday eve I will be doing some night riding with the guy from Cyclops and Alex from Konflict Motorsports.  Wanna put the LEDs to the test ;D  For some reason the wife thinks I have spent too much time riding this year ;D  2 ADV Camps, COBDR, Rally in the Gorge, Touratech Rally, and the Hoh Rainforest Rally.  I also have Shane Watts Dirtwise Academy next week 8)  Not sure what she means by too much :-\

What plans do you have for a load test?  I'd suggest loading her as heavy as you can and find some sand to ride in.

Last bit, I don't remember if you had the .22 cent mod done yet, if not, it is a must do, the differance will flat out amaze you, really gives you the low down torque.

Enjoy the riding and night riding! Changed my subframe to grade 8 bolts, haven't done the .22 cent mod yet.  Hope I can do it or if I run short of time drop if off with Steve the C10 carb expert and have it done. Oh it'll get a "load test" before I leave I promise!  Although my camping stuff and weight will probably be off the bike and set up when we're in the desert.