07-18-2020, 12:44 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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Pannier Racks for Big Boy/Hawk 250
I'm wanting to put some soft pannier/saddle bags on my Big Boy 250 which is basically the South African version of the Hawk but with a balanced engine. After looking at threads here and pictures all over the web, it looks like pretty much everyone uses tubing for this. I don't have bender, or a way to buy one with the border between Lesotho and South Africa closed, so I decided to try something different. I used some 5mm flat bar I had lying around.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Will work?it Any obvious improvements? I was originally planning to put a cross brace from the two sides tight to the fender just out of reach of the knobby. I may still do this, but if I weld it, there's no way to take the rack off. It will have to bolt on as I don't want this to be completely permanent. Here's a picture of one of the saddle bags. It's still a work in progress--no straps yet. They started life as a high quality tonneau cover for my 25-year-old Toyota Hilux. I have a canopy/cap for it so never used the cover any more. My elderly friend is really good at sewing canvas, shoes, etc., and he needed money to buy food during this Covid thing, so that gave him a couple days of good-paying (for here) work. Once I get the racks all figured out, I'll take the bags back to him to have straps and buckles put on. |
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07-18-2020, 02:07 PM | #2 | |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 412
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Quote:
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2020 Tao TBR7 9.3:1 PnP head CRF230F exhaust 4 degree advance key 290 degree cam Nibbi PE30 and cone filter Front fork brace |
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07-18-2020, 02:36 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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I was hoping that would be possible, but no. I actually tacked a bar on to try it. I agree with you that this cross piece is needed, though. It's going to strengthen it a LOT.
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07-19-2020, 09:25 AM | #4 | |
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 353
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I really like this....
Quote:
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CSC TT250 Orion RXB 150XL |
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07-19-2020, 01:20 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,100
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There is no reason the flat bar shouldn't work just fine. It might flex a bit more than tubing, but that can also be an advantage if you happen to lay the bike over. It might just spring back to shape, and if not, it will be much easier to bend back into shape.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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07-20-2020, 11:51 AM | #6 | |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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Quote:
And it's now "if I happen to lay the bike over," but when! Goob, thanks for sharing your pictures. I found them as I was searching for ideas on this. It's great for when you can't weld or don't have a welder! I'll post a picture of the cross piece, but I think it's going to be a while. I've got another project going, too--making new kitchen cabinets. I wish it was a metal job. I seem to do better with a welder and grinder instead of precision wood work! I'm asking the good Lord for patience! |
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07-21-2020, 02:10 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,100
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Just remind yourself often that you can always remove more wood, but you can't add it back.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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07-21-2020, 11:34 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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"Measure twice, cut once."
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07-22-2020, 10:47 AM | #9 |
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Graham, WA
Posts: 118
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Measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with chainsaw. g. |
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07-23-2020, 11:07 AM | #10 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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07-23-2020, 11:12 AM | #11 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 412
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beat to fit, paint to match
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2020 Tao TBR7 9.3:1 PnP head CRF230F exhaust 4 degree advance key 290 degree cam Nibbi PE30 and cone filter Front fork brace |
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07-24-2020, 12:01 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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When in doubt use a hammer. The bigger the doubt, the bigger the hammer!
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10-02-2020, 11:34 AM | #13 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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I finally got the first installment of the cabinets finished. Now my lovely wife wants a couple more small ones to match on the other side of the kitchen. I started those, too, but got rained out today. Yippee! That gave me some time to work on this saddlebag project again!
First, here's a picture of the cupboards. It was a MAJOR learning experience for me, but turned out fair. Ok, is picture uploading working today? Let me check. |
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10-02-2020, 01:14 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 105
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Here's the finished (for now) product. I haven't tried it yet to see how it rides.
Last edited by lilgman; 10-02-2020 at 01:17 PM. Reason: Pictures didn't upload/show |
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