Author Topic: Backcountry tank/rack  (Read 1689 times)

Tmblwd

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Backcountry tank/rack
« on: January 29, 2014, 08:37:21 am »
Per request from Rusty, I'll try to put together a synopsis of how my tank rack came to be, after a years worth of development!
 First a little background, the last ride I did was "The Great Divide" from Montana to Arizona, this was on my 1150 GSA with two others on KTM 9's. That 1150 was one heavy pig, those KTM's were fast and sweet but they were always  looking for gas, kinda like my dog always searching for scraps. Next KTM has a rally in my town, I test ride a 990 and a 690 WOW! Loved them both only difference was 990 you still need to steer, 690 you just need to point your head, result purchased the KTM690 R.
Challenge how do I get back some of the GSA touring qualities, added heated grips, large hand guards, large wind screen,Ktm skid plate, pivot pegs, roks anti vibe risers,wings exhaust, k&n filter ,remapped ecu. All this really smoothed out the bike but couldn't go anywhere on just 3 gallons of gas. Looked around and didn't find any solution I liked determined I need to build a tank/rack system that will change the nature of my 690 to back country touring purpose. Now that I've totally bored you I'll bring you through the development steps.

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Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2014, 08:42:25 am »
First development step build a model with stuff around the house (plywood, and copper tubing)

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Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2014, 08:44:24 am »
Get a shop to fabricate one out of 304 stainless steel, yikes $$$$$

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Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2014, 08:49:28 am »
Build fuel adapter to connect to fuel pump, and top rack that will accommodate KTM trunk, or Rotopak canister and tie both sides together.

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Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2014, 09:02:50 am »
Next incorporate a ton of suggestions that fellow riders and luggage vendors have given me on attachment points foot pegs etc.
So here's the 3rd iteration of the design on the bike, it's been crash tested, tortured in everyway even survived a fall off the truck onto the hi way, that 304 stainless is a tough material.
And yes it has transformed the 690 so much, what a stressless ride to know when the fuel light comes on simply switch the fuel valve and you have as much range to return, or only stop for gas once a week to get to work!
Some pix on the bike and one of the parts!

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Rusty Shovel

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2014, 01:34:44 pm »
Tumbleweed,

Are you or anyone manufacturing this system?  If so, provide a link.  I'm interested in something like that.
D==[#)
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R

690Chick

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2014, 01:50:55 pm »
I want to do Giant Loop bags, but I'm afraid I'll melt them on my pipe.  Something like that would be great.  Some of the soft bag racks I've seen make a big deal out of the need for having a cross brace, does yours have one?  Does the rack double as a brace?

Where can I get one?

Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2014, 04:17:56 pm »
It was designed around Giant Loop "go light go far"  it will keep it off exhaust and off plastic (no scratches) plus top rack (black anodized) pulls GL bag further back to make seat roomier!

I've talked to the suppliers about a quantity run of (10) systems and have a price of about $800 which is about $400 less than rally raids plastic tank and rack combo, plus holds a few liters more volume and is all 304 stainless.

If you have any more questions let me know, I've learned a lot in the last year of development.

Here's a top view for profiles

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Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2014, 04:52:00 pm »
Yes, this rack has a cross brace to distribute a side load force ,such as falling over on one side or the other, this was tested a few times during the Polar Bear rally, haha!
The side racks themselves add bracing to the KTM 690 tail section because they triangulate off the foot peg brackets enabling greater luggage capacity.
Hopefully this answers some questions, any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

Here's a photo of the foot peg attachment and cross brace.

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Endo

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #9 on: February 06, 2014, 01:06:27 am »
Thats a very cool rack! I met a guy in Carson City NV when I bought my bike & he told of a rack he had made by a local rock crawling outfit. I asked him to send me some photo's which he did. I'm hoping to find someone who will make a similar one.

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Rusty Shovel

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2014, 07:09:34 am »
Hey Endo,

That rack looks STOUT!  I wonder how heavy it is?  I like that the top rack is usefully sized.
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Endo

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #11 on: February 07, 2014, 12:31:19 am »
Not sure how heavy it is Rusty, the guy that had it was well over 6ft tall & weighed around 250-260 I'd say & he claimed that he stood on it. I'm hoping to find someone close to me who might build one similar for me, I'll keep you guys posted on what transpires. I like the idea of the rack being mounted to the frame rather than to just the plastic gas tank/subframe.

Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2014, 06:59:57 am »
690 chick ask where can I get one, well my daughter who is a marketing major in college has convinced me to let her take it on , she is making a web site www.tumbleweedadv.com. She has the rack/ tank system on there, and will add other products as a I finish development and testing.
So check it out!!

Rusty Shovel

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2014, 08:06:49 am »
Hey Tumbleweed,

That's a great looking site!  I recommend you create a new post announcing your new endeavor (and site) in the "for sale" section.  I like the names, "burro" and "gila."  I suggest your site include mention of how the two systems can be used together.  I saw that the Burro Rack recommends a 11 lbs weight limit.  Does that weight limit increase when used in conjunction with the Gila Rack?

Also, is there a package discount if someone were to purchase both items?
D==[#)
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R

Tmblwd

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Re: Backcountry tank/rack
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2014, 12:27:44 pm »
Great suggestions I will set up new area, yes weight rating is way up 35 lbs + when used in conjunction with Gila.
We are thinking something like 10% discount for a group buy (3 or more)? From your web site followers 690 enduro.

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