Steel subframe

[Xchallenge]

Does anyone know where to get a steel frame from?

Touratech and BMW have stopped making them

I'v been looking for a 09 X-Country being broken but they are rare!

 

[GFJ]

You will struggle I think.

No longer supplied and v few available 2nd hand (I have been looking for years!)

A few have tried to have them fabricated from scratch but I think they turned out to be more complicated to make than 1st thought

Could try to strengthen yours by welding in strategic places, or fit luggage rails or an x tank which will also offer support through trianangulation.

 

[Losttheplot]

I think Eric at hotrod welding was making some, but unless you plan on putting an elephant on the back of the bike, the standard aluminium subframe should be fine with a little strengthening.

 

[Davey Bee]

I think Eric at hotrod welding was making some, but unless you plan on putting an elephant on the back of the bike, the standard aluminium subframe should be fine with a little strengthening.

Is that the anyway to speak about someone's wife?

 

[IJGser]

Im not sure they are as weak as the web would sometimes have you believe. I've ridden mine over big miles loaded up like a pack Horse (including on the trails) the only thing I've do is add luggage racks that some would argue have put even more stress on the sub frame.

Its like when you buy a car, aways some one on the web who's had a massive failure on the Make/Model.

 

[Xchallenge]

I spoke with Eric and he didn't have anything available unfortunately

I would agree you hear horror stories on the internet that don't always match reality

I plan on some extensive traveling on this bike and would like it as solid as possible, I might look at some reinforcements for the alloy frame

My main concerns are the threads stripping from the mounts, I will look to fit longer bolts/nuts on the lower mounts

 

[Xchallenge]

unless you plan on putting an elephant on the back of the bike, the standard aluminium subframe should be fine with a little strengthening.

I can get my luggage arrangement down to around 20kgs but that does not include racks or any extra fuel

 

[GFJ]

When I do trail ride camping trips, my luggage weight works out between 23-27 kg. On hepco and Becker frames, wolfman panniers either side, and a roll bag across the rear. Never had a problem with the frame or fixings (little dab of blue threadlock seems to keep everything where it should be.

My tool/spares kit is a little excessive, and i have the luxury of a 2 person tent for which I also take a hd groundsheet for. If I were going for longer I would be looking to cut this weight and kit down, as if I have space I seem to fill it��

If going long term, I would pay some attention to getting the rear sprung right. Even when you give them the correct payload weights, in my experience they seem to be a little undersprung for heavy trail use. Bottoming out heavily too often risks swingarm damage (picture of xchallenge in rear of truck is now mine, after having the swingarm replaced by the previous owner). I now have a selection of springs for my wilbers to help me set it up for what I want to do.

 

[IJGser]

When I do trail ride camping trips, my luggage weight works out between 23-27 kg. On hepco and Becker frames, wolfman panniers either side, and a roll bag across the rear.

If going long term, I would pay some attention to getting the rear sprung right. Even when you give them the correct payload weights, in my experience they seem to be a little undersprung for heavy trail use. Bottoming out heavily too often risks swingarm damage (picture of xchallenge in rear of truck is now mine, after having the swingarm replaced by the previous owner). I now have a selection of springs for my wilbers to help me set it up for what I want to do.

I would strongly recommend a hydraulic pre load adjuster for the rear shock (hyper pro) if you carry caring varied weights of luggage and ride on different surfaces.

I've had more like 30KG on the rear, if i was to include racks and tool box.

Remember the subframe was designed with a 18 stone German Man in mind, and as (i assume ) your standing while tackling the rough stuff your weight is irrelevant.

 

[IJGser]

 

[Losttheplot]

Which racks do you have fitted?

 

[IJGser]

Which racks do you have fitted?

Bespoke! It has been upgraded since that picture (rear brace)

TT style hoops and the bags have been modified with backing plates and mount puks

So it's secure fast release soft luggage !

 

[Xchallenge]

My bike currently has a Sachs shock on from a X-Country I think - It is a pile of s@*t!

Hyper-pro will be coming soon along with a pair of WP4860's i have

Im well under 18 stone and yes I will certainly be stood up on tricky off road!

It seems the frame can take the weight i want to be putting on it by everyone's responses

 

[mikedefieslife]

Yep aluminium frame is fine. I strengthened mine and it lasted for my South American trip, loads of non-sealed roads, and with almost 20kg on the rack.

In fact, the steel supports holding the rack plate snapped. The subframe held up just fine.

 

[jtw000]

I did Europe 2 up, then London to Cambodia. No problem at all. I used Dirtbagz which are fancy throwovers that shift the weight to the pillion seat where support is strongest. They come with support and survived some hard use. Pack smart and you will be fine.

 

[jtw000]

My bike currently has a Sachs shock on from a X-Country I think - It is a pile of s@*t!

Hyper-pro will be coming soon along with a pair of WP4860's i have

Im well under 18 stone and yes I will certainly be stood up on tricky off road!

It seems the frame can take the weight i want to be putting on it by everyone's responses

I recommend the Wilburs shock. It was like waving a magic wand at the bike, it was a totally different animal afterwards.

 

[kito]

You will struggle I think.

No longer supplied and v few available 2nd hand (I have been looking for years!)

A few have tried to have them fabricated from scratch but I think they turned out to be more complicated to make than 1st thought



Could try to strengthen yours by welding in strategic places, or fit luggage rails or an x tank which will also offer support through
trianangulation.

I made my own steel subframe and yes the is a lot of work. Making the frame is easy but everything on the xc is a tight fit so getting all the mounts and threads in the right place is time consuming . To time consuming to make a profit