So, I plan on getting a 3.7 Acerbis tank for my KLX 250S 2006 for a Western TAT ride in 2013. What rack is strong enough to carry 2 rotopac gas cans ?
I need a 200 mile range. Ia m worried about the bike's frame strength.
Thanks,
Glen in Olney, MD

 

I suggest CYCLERACKS. Some say it's fugly but it's very functional. The design transfers weight to the passenger peg mounts.

 

I think all the racks available are built well enough to do what you want. It's the subframe that's the problem. With that being said...the Nomadic rack is the only one I know of that attaches to the footpeg mounts, maybe providing some extra strength to the subframe.
I have the TCI Borrego. It's a nice rack, super strong(taken some good hits, no bends, just scratches), but it sucks that it is attached at the seat bolts. Makes it not as easy to remove the seat or the sidecovers.
I routinely carry a five gallon can full of kerosene or gas, depending on which I need. I have a Pelican box that fits a 5 gallon can perfectly. I've even strapped 2 cans (no box) on with no issues (other than keeping them in place). Not the route you want to go, I know. My point is, I have had no issues with the frame yet, so it can be done, for a while at least. But I'm not off-roading either.
All your crap has to weigh less than a passenger, so as long as you aren't bringing the kitchen sink and hanging it off the back, I wouldn't worry too much.
And with 3.7 gallons you should be close to a 200 mile range anyway, just get one Kolpin and call it good.

 

The Cycleracks does a great job of stiffening the subframe as it attaches at the passenger peg mounts and the toolkit mount.
Link to Cycleracks site pic of the rack:
https://cycleracks.com/ProductDetail...0/Default.aspx

I'm not sure why they show the toolkit still in place as that makes the rack less useable.

 

My Nomadic attaches to the seat/sidecover bolt holes and I mounted a 1.5 gal Kolpin to it. No problems so far and I don't expect any. With my stock tank I would guess I'm good for around 180-200 miles.



Tom
Oriental, NC

 

Sorry I meant the Cycleracks obviously.

 

I like the TCI Outback rack. Rotopax mount on the top box. Ties subframe load to the rear footpegs. Wolfman bags mount nicely.

 

Just noticed OP has a 2006....TCI won't work




.

 

Glen,

After re-reading your post, I would think with the 3.7 and one 1.5 gal Kolpin you'd easy have a range of 250, no? The longest distance between stops on the Western TAT is 180 according to Sam, so it seems you would have plenty of wiggle room with that setup. I've done the eastern portion into OK, but haven't done the west yet. Hope you'll let us know how it pans out and what the fuel consumption was like.

Tom
Oriental, NC

 

I have the Nomadic rack and I regularly haul 25-35lbs of fuel/water/gear on some pretty gnarly single track. I have always found the rack and subframe sturdy enough for the task.

In fact, I have also used the rack as a lifting point while lubing the chain and/or removing the rear wheel. It's plenty strong!