Time to remove forks and shock to send to LTR for some work. Looking at the manual it looks like the subframe and just about everything aft of the engine needs to come off! I don't suppose anyone has worked some magic to get that thing out of there? At first glance it sure looks like the back has to come off. If there is another way, I would like to know! It's going to be the perfect time to build a sub-frame reinforcement too, to make sure that the Wolfman racks soon to come don't wreak havoc with the bike. What I have in mind doesn't look all that easy, but if it works, I will try to get patterns and a jig put together. I think there is space to get it all the way forward to connect to top and bottom sub-frame struts, and bolt to both. Haven't decided on steel or aluminum yet; steel stronger and easier to weld, and might hold up to the vibration and beating better. Time will tell.....
Pull the swingarm hinge bolt; drop the swingarm and you can wrestle the shock out. A LOT easier than removing the subframe! Now that I've done it once, it's a five-minute job to pull the shock.
But not really wasted work since you will be strengthening up your subframe at the same time. So you actually did it the easiest way. _
After considering about five ways to bolt on some sub-frame reinforcement I decided to have some gussets welded on similar to those BillF did for VonDirter. Hated to screw up the black anodizing but it must be done. The sub-frame is at the welder and I will have reinforcement welded between the forged tail-rack piece and the lower struts, along the upper strut. Etching and painting the exposed aluminum should dress things up a bit and I won't have to worry about tail rack or pannier mount problems. The work will take two weeks (everyone is busy here it seems) and that's about how long it will take to get my suspension back from LTR in Washington state. It is going to be difficult to just look at the remainder of the bike sitting in the garage! Great riding weather here now!
Sure is Ken! Yesterday the forest trails were closed so we went to Three Palms instead. The GNCC track was fun (and muddy) and the TE did fine with my new tires, Michelin T63 rear, Pirelli Scorpion Rally front. I even had the porky 630 on the MX track for 30 minutes or so. I didn't do any double jumps or anything but I sure got attention with my turn signals and horn, haha. And then when everyone else was loading up their bikes for the ride home I just strap on my tailbag, lower my visor and ride off. Gotta love a capable DS, wish you could have joined us. _
As I contemplated mine once all the plastic was off your solution is what I came up with as well. Loathing to completely disassemble and take to my welder I came up with the aluminum plates. I figured if they didn't do the job then the weld job would be the next thing to try. You should be just fine. The plates have worked out beyond expectation as well. The wolfman racks are probably ok since they tie into the lower part of the sub. But doesn't hurt to beef it up if you're planning to haul a lot of weight. Handling goes out the window once you load them up, but you probably already know that. BTW, the Wolfman racks are done, you can get a set from Berg on the cheap right now (comparatively) before they get powdercoated, or they may already be coated. Anyway, PM for contact if you want it. I was looking hard at them for hauling camping gear, trying to decide between them and Dirtbagz. Lots of loyal owners of the latter and they were on sale at the LA bike show this weekend so I picked up the kit...decision made. Keep us posted.
Good news on the racks by Berg. I think he is at Backroads Moto or something similar. I already have the Wolfman bags so I'll be going that way. 'Had my WR250R loaded with bags and duffel on the TAT, but if I did it again the duffel would remain at home along with some of the camping gear. I'm even thinking of a bivy bag for the next trip, but a good one costs as much or more than my Marmot Limelite. Weight is a killer! I would like Berg's contact info though, as I need the racks! When the sub frame gets home I will post some pics, prior to painting. HDB bars went on last night. Dirt Tricks 45 T sprocket waiting to go on. It's slowly coming together.
