Alright, so check this out – I finally got around to tackling that motorcycle with carrier project I’ve been yapping about for ages. Figured it was time to stop dreaming and start wrenching.
First things first, I scoured the internet. Like, deep dives into forums, YouTube tutorials that looked like they were filmed with a potato, the whole shebang. I needed to figure out what kind of carrier I wanted, how to attach it, and what the heck I was even doing. Found a couple of builds that looked promising, so I saved those for inspiration.
Next up, parts. This was a bit of a scavenger hunt. I already had a decent motorcycle, a trusty old Suzuki DR650. The carrier itself… well, that was the challenge. I ended up finding a used cargo basket on Craigslist for next to nothing. Thing was a bit rusty, but nothing a wire brush and some elbow grease couldn’t fix.
Fabrication time! This is where things got interesting. The mounting was the trickiest part. I ended up buying some steel tubing from the local hardware store and started bending and welding. My welds aren’t pretty, I ain’t gonna lie, but they’re strong. I basically built a custom subframe that bolted onto the existing luggage rack mounts on the DR650. This took a good chunk of the weekend, lots of trial and error, and a few beers to keep the frustration at bay.
After the subframe was done, it was time to attach the cargo basket. I drilled some holes through the basket and the subframe and bolted them together. I used some heavy-duty bolts and lock washers to make sure everything was secure. I also added some rubber grommets to dampen the vibrations and prevent the metal from rubbing together.
Then came the paint job. I sanded down the whole thing, primed it, and then sprayed it with some black bed liner. Figured that would give it a tough, durable finish. It looks pretty decent, even if I do say so myself.
Wiring was next. I added some extra brake lights and turn signals to the back of the carrier to make sure I was visible. I tapped into the existing wiring harness on the DR650. This part was a bit fiddly, but nothing too complicated.
Finally, the test ride. I loaded up the carrier with some gear and took it for a spin. Everything felt solid and stable. The extra weight definitely changed the handling of the bike, but nothing I couldn’t get used to. I rode around for a couple of hours, hitting some bumpy roads and some highway speeds. Everything held up great.
Lessons Learned
- Measure twice, cut once. Seriously, this saved me a lot of headaches.
- Welding is hard. I need more practice.
- Bed liner is your friend. It hides a multitude of sins.
- Take your time. Don’t rush the process.
All in all, I’m pretty stoked with how it turned out. It’s not perfect, but it’s functional, and it’s exactly what I needed. Now I can haul camping gear, groceries, or whatever else I need to carry on my motorcycle. Time to plan some adventures!
