Licking my wounds from the somewhat off-target success of the seat, I decide to fix the distance of the XC. For this, I contact HotRod Welding out of the Netherlands. He's a small shop, but again a master of his craft.
The product that really lights my fire took at paltry 120 gas mileage range and extended it to a true ADV bike. The Xtra Tank (which is 35mm wider and still fits the racks) adds 2.6 gallons to the OEM 2.1 gallons. At 70MPG, that gives a range approx 300 miles.
The product that really lights my fire took at paltry 120 gas mileage range and extended it to a true ADV bike. The Xtra Tank (which is 35mm wider and still fits the racks) adds 2.6 gallons to the OEM 2.1 gallons. At 70MPG, that gives a range approx 300 miles.
The nice part about this tank is that you don't have to do any permanent modification to plumb it. You just connect it to the overflow valve of the main tank, and it empties into the main tank via suction.
Now the bad news about suction. It seems that a good portion of the OEM gas tank caps leak like a sieve. Thus, they don't keep a suction. Touratech was carrying a $150 gas cap. While it was modern marvel of billeted aluminum, they don't make (nor guarantee them either). However, thus far (knocks on wood) it's worked like a champ.
The bane of my existence is paying for shipping. So, since a box is coming across the Atlantic, mind as well come with some pannier racks too! The nice part about the racks is it comes with an integrated top plate that you can run with or without the side racks.
My two minor complaints are the racks are far more functional than aesthetically pleasing (but hey we are Adventure riders right?). Secondly, I like to use my rear pegs to stretch out backwards on long slabbing trips. These racks use the rear pegs for support, which is probably the only way you'd get away with them. It is noted that this rack will only fit the XCs with a steel subframe (2009s).
My two minor complaints are the racks are far more functional than aesthetically pleasing (but hey we are Adventure riders right?). Secondly, I like to use my rear pegs to stretch out backwards on long slabbing trips. These racks use the rear pegs for support, which is probably the only way you'd get away with them. It is noted that this rack will only fit the XCs with a steel subframe (2009s).
My last bit of 'free' shipping from HotRod was the protection bits. The XC exposed at the bottom of the where the footpegs and motor mount. We've had limited success with the ears. I have 2 pairs, and straighten out the bend carnage once year or so. I'll need to grab some photos of these.