Ammo can mounting, XR650L

[CLAY]

So I did it.  I got the ammo cans from Pollux (region 4 member  ) and I built/welded the rack myself.  I welded short rod to the bottom of the can, and threaded rod on the sides:


I made the rack with loops on the bottom and spots to tie in the threaded rod:



So all one does is drop the rods into the loops, slide the bolts through the holes (two per can) and put on the nuts, and they are mounted.  It takes about 3 minutes to put them on and off.  The rack mounts on top and to the passenger peg mount spots (I don't carry passengers on this one.)  Here they are on:



They are fairly heavy, but seem to ride nice.  I have about 100 miles with them on now, probably 50% of that on dirt roads and two tracks.  My plan is to turn this thing into my fall bow hunting rig.  I plan to carry my clothes in a scent lok bag in the side case and build a bow-specific rack to carry the bow on the back of the bike.  This way I'd be able to combine my two favorite activities.  If I whack one I'd probably have to go home and get the truck- but I don't shoot one every time.

All the pics are here:
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/clay_lubbers/97%20XR650L/ammo%20can%20racks/

Should work out well!

[DavidLSI]

Nice Job... I am enjoying watching that bike evolve.

But I really am curious what (Looks Like) is that huge piston from?

[mxvet57]

Nice Job... I am enjoying watching that bike evolve.

But I really am curious what (Looks Like) is that huge piston from?

I'll take a guess, a diesel locomotive.

[CLAY]

   The little one is from an XS650- the big one it's sitting on is from a John Deere Tractor- I forget which model- but it's a cool conversation piece.

[Tony T]

Sweet!

Looks really good.  

[Poweranger]

I'll take a guess, a diesel locomotive.

  That tractor piston would look similar in size to the XS650 piston in relation to a locomotive piston. I have even blown a few those loco pistons up!

[arkansawyer]

Aren't you worried about cracking the frame?  Lots of weight way back there.

[CLAY]

Aren't you worried about cracking the frame?  Lots of weight way back there.

I thought about that.  If it goes it wil be towards the rear end, but it ties into the foot pegs which seems to distribute the load better.  This winter I might weld in some gussets to the frame just to be safe.  Thanks for the input though- anyone know if that has been a problem?

[fastdadio]

If I whack one I'd probably have to go home and get the trucky time.- but I don't shoot one ever

I made a draggin rig for the old KDX. Large washer on the rear axel. Single chain link welded to the washer. Quick connect dog leash type fastener with about 15' of rope attached. 3' of 1/2" pvc slipped over the rope and knotted close to the quick connect to help prevent the rope from winding into the tire. I carry it attached to the handelbars. You still have to go slow, but once that big buck puts a load on the rope the pvc just rubs on the knobs a bit.

[bubba zanetti]

 

Great stuff ... cheap too. Which is the best part.  

[CLAY]

If I whack one I'd probably have to go home and get the trucky time.- but I don't shoot one ever

I made a draggin rig for the old KDX. Large washer on the rear axel. Single chain link welded to the washer. Quick connect dog leash type fastener with about 15' of rope attached. 3' of 1/2" pvc slipped over the rope and knotted close to the quick connect to help prevent the rope from winding into the tire. I carry it attached to the handelbars. You still have to go slow, but once that big buck puts a load on the rope the pvc just rubs on the knobs a bit.

Ahh- brilliant!  I'll have to make one of those.  Thanks for the tip!  An yes, my plan is to use it as a dragger.  You can't get in to many parts with a quad, but you could with a bike.

[napper]

I thought about that.  If it goes it wil be towards the rear end, but it ties into the foot pegs which seems to distribute the load better.  This winter I might weld in some gussets to the frame just to be safe.  Thanks for the input though- anyone know if that has been a problem?

Keep in mind its pretty common for the subframes on our xrl's to give way under load.

Using a bow for hunting is a pretty good idea.  Too many seem to be hunting deer by running them down with their bikes.

[OU812]

Cool!

[rajflyboy]

The XR 650 is screaming.....

Please.. Please... No Meals on Wheels Deliveries  

[CLAY]

The XR 650 is screaming.....

Please.. Please... No Meals on Wheels Deliveries  

When I whack one I might just take it home on the bike to show it can be done- and to document it.  I bet I'd really turn some heads on the way home...

[rajflyboy]

When I whack one I might just take it home on the bike to show it can be done- and to document it.  I bet I'd really turn some heads on the way home...

You know it.   Gotta serve the community.

[JamesG]

I sense more than your usual number of wheelies in your future...

[fastdadio]

I was looking out the window one day just as my neighbor was arriving home from hunting and he had a nice size doe strapped across the passenger seat of his gold wing. He drove it down the freeway from northern mich. (It was a mild winter that year)

[bpg]

I can't see why a field-dressed deer couldn't be lashed to the rear seat portion - should weigh as much as a human passenger.  Awesome work, and I love the idea of hunting from the bike!