Rotopax rear fender mount on TE310

[Dave W]

Here are pics of a 1 gallon rotopax mount on a 2010 Husky TE310. I explored various options to increase mileage and carry more fuel, including; adding an IMF or Safari tank and this ended up being the best option as I can remove the rotopax if I'm not planning on a long ride. Note - I also spent a good amount of time evaluating various rear fender racks and ending up going with a rack by Nomadic Racks. Very durable and well constructed rack that is made specifically to mount to the subframe. It would be nice if they made their racks in aluminum vs. steel but really not that heavy and it will definitely survive if you end up laying your bike down whereas aluminum wouldn't. Note - I purchased an additional rotopax mounting plate from Nomadic but didn't drill the plate into the rack. I ended up using heavy duty zip ties from harbor freight (4 total) to secure the mounting plate nicely to the rack. Make sure you purchase the rotopax mounting assembly when you purchase the tank. Overall very satisfied with the set-up.

 

[gillies]

Looks great. Oh, how I wish someone in Cali would lend a TE449/511 to that Nomadic guy and get us all set up with a nice rack.

 

[blakebird]

That looks like a good option for extra fuel... I'm used to the subframe weight issues with the 610 and 630, so I have to ask how the 310 is subframe-wise? A gallon of fuel is not that much weight, and I wouldn't pack on top of it.
I just picked up a '12 TE 310 after selling my TE 630.... so I'm in info-gathering mode for what works on these bikes.

I wasn't able to pick up much information on the 2.9 IMS, but since every little bit helps on a Baja or Death Valley trip, I ordered one and am hoping for the best. I've had issues with IMS tanks on other bikes, hope this one's got the bugs worked out.

For those week long Baja sojourns with camping gear, I've used Dirtbagz and Giant Loop before. I'm looking at the Wolfman E12 and enduro duffle (or a Rolie bag) for the little 310. My gear packs tiny and I pack light.

 

[shilo020]

Be careful. I did that same mount. Broke both of the front rack bolts off in the inserts in the subframe. Discovered it right before another long ride so I drilled them out, put in bolts, and cut holes in the rear fender to get access for nuts. (I did not have time or proper stuff to it fix right.) Both of those bolts broke the next day. And... The bike handled very badly. The front end way too lose and almost uncontrollable on anything soft. Had to ride way forward on gas tank and still felt unsafe. Moved the Rotopax to a backpack. Much easier and more stable. I put on the IMS 2.9 tank and so far have had no problems. Sorry to bring a bad report. Just sharing what happened to me.

Correction: tank 3.0

 

[Dave W]

That's good advice. I need to see how it performs..I wonder if there's another way to mount the Nomadic without going thru the two front subframe bolts. I'll report back.

 

[blakebird]

I put on the IMS 2.9 tank and so far have had no problems.

That part is good to hear!

I put my first tank of gas thru the bike today, and more than half was offroad in the mtns. The other half was getting to the mtns and back.
It's good to be back on a light bike again...
I topped off the tank and zero'd the trip odo to get a feel for what to expect for range.
The low fuel indicator came on at 103 miles, pulled right into a station and topped it off....it took 1.64 gallons (62.8mpg)

The ride was a good mix of stuff that gave me a decent idea of what to expect. I think the 2.9 IMS will give me as much range as I need, and I can carry a couple of MSR bottles for backup.

 

[shilo020]

My bike is a 2010 TE310 so i guess the tank is the 3.0. The problems in the 3.0 have been the fuel pump mount. As far as range: 13/52 gearing. Fuel settings all 105%. MPG in the high 30s.

 

[Falco]

Please post some pics of the new tank on your 2012. I got a 2011 TE250 and i like to modify it also.​

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But I think that this tank will only work with the 2010 model​

 

[everfree]

Dave, nice setup. I've thinking about how to mount my Rotopax on my 2012 TE310. I hadn't found the Nomadic rack.
Can you quickly remove the rack if you don't want to ride with it? That would be nice.

Blakebird, I traded my TE610 in on the 310. Loved the big thumper, but I'm enjoying the 80 lbs less weight!
Dave

 

[Dave W]

It would take about 10 minutes to remove the nomadic rack (4 bolts directly to subframe). I know a previous poster expressed concern about subframe strength. Not discounting that concern but the mounting points seem very strong. I also know others have reinforced the subframe if they were carrying a lot of weight.

 

[ghte]

Nice job and certainly needed for trips longer than 100kms.

 

[blakebird]

My 2.9 gallon IMS showed up yesterday. Not a huge increase in capacity for the $$, but given the mileage I'm getting I think 3 gallons will be plenty of range for most riding.
I just don't want to be the short tank on our group rides to Death Valley or weeklong trips in Baja.

 

[shilo020]

It was not the subframe strength. The front bolts of the rack broke off in the inserts. Both of them. Twice.

 

[Dave W]

Well...a year+ since this set-up and no issues. I looked at the front bolts shipped with the rack and they are the hardened (grade 8 if I recall). I'm not doing any major riding where I'm adding significant stress to the tail and so far I'm happy with the set-up. High quality rack and love the additional fuel I can get from the rotopax without committing to a larger tank up front.

 

[Jim S]

Re: heavy back packs on motorcycles; I use a pack that will rest on the seat to keep the center of gravity low and is also less fatiguing. Why the manufacturers do not make three gallon tanks is beyond me.

 

[J-train]

That Rotopax, it almost looks like it would fit in my back pack in the large pouch, anyone just carry one of these in their backpack and not have to worry about hard mounting? Or would that be just too ridiculous of an idea. I already have quite a bit of weight worth of tools in their, that I thankfully never need.

 

[shilo020]

I carried a gallon rotopac in my backpack no problem. Was on the rack but bike was almost unridable with that much weight on the back of the bike.

 

[Dave W]

Couple of comments on this set-up (been running almost 2 years now).

1. Went away from the large zip tie route and actually used the plate screwed to rack (suggested installation). Zip ties weren't strong enough and broke on a ride.
2. No issues with the subframe bolts breaking per the earlier comment/concern. Not sure if the Nomadic rack started using a more hardened bolt or if I'm just not riding hard enough. In any case, if bolt strength is a concern you could always go with a higher strength bolt set-up as well - I don't think this is an issue though.
3. No issue with weight in the rear of the bike...1 gallon is adding nominal weight and not something that has yet affected riding.

 

[Dave W]

That Rotopax, it almost looks like it would fit in my back pack in the large pouch, anyone just carry one of these in their backpack and not have to worry about hard mounting? Or would that be just too ridiculous of an idea. I already have quite a bit of weight worth of tools in their, that I thankfully never need.

Not sure if I would carry this in a backpack. It's just large enough where I think it would be too bulky and I'd be concerned on a fall with that much weight on my back area.