KTM 690 Enduro - Metal Mule luggage system

[dpeward]

My partner and I are going RTW on 2 KTM 690 enduros next June (sadly too soon to wait for the 690 Adventure so we have to make out own!). We do have perfectly good BMs to go on - but hey where's the challenge in that?)
Anyway we need panniers for the KTM which are lockable , waterproof, robust, and easy to get on and off the bike. We looked at all of the pannier systems out there and I actually went as far as fitting the KTM rack and Zega boxes but was not thrilled with the results although they would do at a pinch. We have decided that for us Metal Mule in the UK make the best quality metal panniers which tick all the boxes and would be perfect to match the KTM. The 'skinny' 31L and a 38L would probably be the best sizes for the 690. http://www.metalmule.com/

We went down to see Paul Goulding at Metal Mule last weekend and he is willing to make a frame for the 690 but says he needs a minimum of 6 sales to make it worth his while. Is there anyone else out there who would be seriously interested? Paul does have a distributor in the US (Seattle I think –company called BestRest)

I'm dropping my bike in for some R&D on 11 October so will know more after that...

p.s. The 690 is a great bike and we both love it. The AKRO made a huge difference to the performance and the FI snatchiness. The next problem to solve is the fuel range - but we'll get there!

 

[Nasty1]

If he has a US agent then a post on ADV Rider, KTM Talk may be worth while, a post on the UK KTM Forum should also boost your chances.

Adie

 

[Farmboy]

worth looking up Ard Cases in the Vendors section - I think Redcap is the name of the guy who makes them.

Look top quality cheap and he seems to be able to make whatever you require.

Worth a phone call to him

PS; i dont know him or have anything to do with him, i just read the threads reently and his kit looks fantastic quality.

Best of luck

Chris

PS: I will hopefully be ready for RTW when the 690 Adventure comes out

 

[Rushy]

If you are prepared to look at other options then you would do well to contact Vern on here. His Worldbeater panniers are excellent and possibly more importantly for you they are also very light.

 

[MarkN]

I might also be worth calling one or two KTM dealers and seeing if they'd be interested in having a frame or two made up and kept in stock.

 

[dpeward]

Thanks all, will report back when I have more news in a few weeks.

 

[Shep]

It seems a little hard that MM's would want you to pay for the product development of the frames, its not as if they won't sell any after your set, is it?

Paul

 

[Uinneag]

Methinks that the profit on one set of box's would cover the price of a set of frames.

Unless MM have big office's vans and staff to pay for along with lots of corporate hospitality I can't see where the price tag comes from.

Someone else in China where it's legal should copy there designs and pump them out cheaper

Jammy sod being able to get this together, good luck with the prep and the trip

 

[Arsey]

Ref the tank range,you need to get these guys to make you bigger tanks :

http://www.rvaqualine.com.au/page.php?sId=12

 

[Possu]

I'd be taking a look at SW Motech's TRAX pannier system, considerably cheaper than MM.

 

[dpeward]

Ref the tank range,you need to get these guys to make you bigger tanks :

http://www.rvaqualine.com.au/page.php?sId=12

Got a quick reply back from them yesterday - excellent news!

"Yes we are making a larger tank for the 690 but we only just got a bike here
yesterday to start work on so I do not yet have a lot of information I can
give you. If you want to get in touch with us again in a few weeks I should
be able to give you a bit of an idea on what size the tank will be and when
it will be available"

 

[Famous]

Got a quick reply back from them yesterday - excellent news!

"Yes we are making a larger tank for the 690 but we only just got a bike here
yesterday to start work on so I do not yet have a lot of information I can
give you. If you want to get in touch with us again in a few weeks I should
be able to give you a bit of an idea on what size the tank will be and when
it will be available"

They appear to make good stuff but there was a serious time lag from the time the tanks were supposed to be ready for the 950se & the actual arrival of them.
Best of luck with the trip

 

[OneTrack]

Read this...

http://www.jupitalia.com/gear.html

to find out how Ted Simon totally changed his views on panniers.

 

[Pipster]

http://www.jupitalia.com/gear.html

to find out how Ted Simon totally changed his views on panniers.

+1 Andystrapz waterproof loads of room ...Just make a small frame up to keep them away from Akro's ...I used two MSR bottles for extra fuel...

 

[Loiq]

Where abouts in surrey are you? cos I'd like to have a look at the 690 for my own little reasons and I could make the brackets I guess.

 

[sniffy]

Check out Holan in Poland and I have just had a set of ARD cases made to my spec extra strong for offroad at a very good price.... getting them fitted soon and will post pics on the HP2 page. Redcap (Roger) might even make you some racks.....

 

[dpeward]

metal mule hard luggage

Prototype frames and rack are now on a KTM 690 at the NEC Kriega stand for those interested.
Regards, Dan.