DS Tech Tips

Adventure MX is dedicated to the off-road industry. The technical tips have been provided to save costs and we ask that should you use any of these tips that you recognize this fact and that all references are made to Adventure MX. Should you require any of these technical tips to be performed on your bike as you do not have the time, please allow Adventure MX to perform the service. For more details please contact Peter on 082-3762657.

UNIVERSAL UTILITY PANNIER SYSTEM
Panniers for dual sport bikes have become very expensive. This system provides a unique alternative which is multi-functional and user friendly to install. It could be probably be used for most dual sport bikes that have a rear rack.
Date: 30/05/2007.

Panniers have become an expensive accessory to the dual sport market. These systems have been developed in different ways to accommodate the riders needs. What has also become evident is that on many occasions these pannier systems have been a nuisance rather than a help. The most important fact that most riders are faced with is the cost of these products, and that they often need to be modified to withstand the rugged terrain that these systems are subdued to. Below is a description of how easy it can be to fit a storage system to your bike without it costing you a small fortune.

OK, so here goes!

Polyethylene board cut to 80cm x 40cm x 10mm thick. Polyethylene board is very durable as it doesn't break. It only bends. It doesn't break like perspex would. This board is only available in black or white.
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The polyethylene board is now cut to the same size as the utility trunk. Take note that the board has slots cut into it so that the utility soft trunk can be secured. The holes for the bolts can be drilled at a later stage.
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The soft utility trunk with the straps which will be used to secure it to the polyethylene board. The dimensions of the soft trunk are H(20cm)xL(40cm)xW(80cm).
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You can now drill the holes in the board to secure it to the rear rack of the bike. Here again different model bikes will need to be measured to enable you to secure the board properly. We suggest that you use a minimum of bolts to secure the board.
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Please take note that the wings of this trunk/board sticks out no further than your conventional pannier systems.
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If you are going to carry a lot of weight it might be good to support the two wings of the board with aluminum flat bar. The flat bar can be mounted to the underside of each wing and then to the rear left & right side fender bolt.

The utility trunk has a small internal cooler bag. It can be used as a personal items bag, spares bag or even as a cooler bag. All the lighter weight items can be packed on each side of the wing.
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Advantages of this system:
1. Easy installation once the system has been made.
2. Alleviates the use of a top box.
3. You have better side clearance when moving through narrow spaces or crevices.
4. Helps prevent damage to motorcycle when it falls to one side.
5. Helps support the pinion rider.
6. Trunks has an internal bag for easy removal of personal items and accessories.
7. Will fit most dual sport bikes that have a rear rack.
8. At time of publishing the system only costs about R1200 complete.

UNIVERSAL WIND DEFLECTOR SHIELD
Sometimes having a little extra wind deflection on your screen can make your ride so much more comfortable and easy. This DIY systems makes provision for a quick and easy way to make your bike look more aggressive and have functionality as well.

CHEAPEST TOP BOX EVER
Top boxes are very useful for all kinds of applications. Now if you have been busy with this sport for a while you will know that Top Boxes can get pretty expensive. There are many manufacturers to choose from and prices vary anywhere between R550 and upwards. Here's a cheap solution that will give you the extra space for storing accessories, spares and tools for short trips.


1. Buy yourself a nice Big Jim toolbox which you should find at most hardware's. Secure it to your back rack with 4 bolts with oversize washers. Bolt size will depend on you and what type of rack you have on your bike.	2. Once you have secured the Top Box onto the rear rack tack 2 red reflectors and stick them onto the rear of the box. Then take 2 orange reflectors and stick one on each side of the box. You now have a top box that looks a little more custom on your bike.	3. What's nice about this system is that it is very cheap to install. It cost me no more than a R100 and about 30 minutes to install. What I like about this box is that it has tiny compartments on the lid for goodies such as fuses, bolts & nuts, patches etc.

If you have a technical tip that you would like to share, please send an email to advmx1@gmail.com . Credit will be given to the Author of the tip and you will receive a 10% discount voucher in our shop.