Any one mounted ammo cans for saddlebags? I have a pretty standard givi type rack with 1/2" tubing (i think). Anyone have any creative solutions as to how I might mount my ammo cans? I figure i will creat a "L" shaped rack attached to the bottom of the can so that the can can sit on the rack. The top is giving me a headache though. what could I use as an easy "on / off" mechanism that can be locked for security? Thanks for any ideas!

dave

The buttons on the bottom seem like an easy thing to fab and weld on, the latch might be a little more difficult?

I was thinking of this a while back and found that ammo cans really aren't as big as you think they are.

50 cal cans are perfect i would suggest leaving the the latch mech on one side and replacing the other with two pin hinge, leaving the existing waterproofing gasket, etc.

I plan on building a set once I catch up with my other duties.

50-cal ammo can 11 x 5.5 x 7" = 423 in3 == 7 L

The smallest thing from Givi is three times larger.

I have to say though they will be low profile and look badass especially with a military look paint job and knobby tires.

I got two 30mm ammo cans: 18" x 10" x 14 1/2" = 42.77 liters each. They arn't light though. Only 17.95 each on ebay but shipping isn't cheap. They are in the best shape of any I have found in surplus stores though which was a huge plus:

http://cgi.ebay.com/30mm-XL-Military-Ammo-Can-Tool-Box-Gun-Cleaning-Storage_W0QQitemZ290284115452QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVi ntage_Hunting?hash=item290284115452&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Sweet! That's huge.

Can you find some medium size flattish thing to use as a top case?

I have some bags on my KLR that are made by Plano, called field boxes. They look very similar to ammo cans but are made of plastic. They have an O ring seal and carry a bunch of stuff. Lightweight and fairly strong but they will usually break if you lay the bike down. No problem, they only cost about $15 to replace. I've bought them at Farm & Fleet but also are available through Cabella and Bass Pro.

I have some bags on my KLR that are made by Plano, called field boxes. They look very similar to ammo cans ..........

Spidey,
Can you post some more photos? Curious on how you got both of these mounted. I like it... hell of a lot better than spending a couple of hundred on those givi type bags/luggage

merimite cans are aluminum and a lot of room if you take the insulation out.
i sold this klr kept the cans and they will go on my versys.

Spidey,
Can you post some more photos? Curious on how you got both of these mounted. I like it... hell of a lot better than spending a couple of hundred on those givi type bags/luggage


Sure. Here's a pic of the frame which I made out of 1/2" conduit. Very easy to work with but will bend easily if the the bike falls over. Also easy to repair though. If I were to do it over again I'd probably use 3/4" stock. I just drilled some holes through the frame and boxes and ran some bolts through them. A wire feed welder is needed on this project to join the two pieces.
These pics were taken prior to painting the bike.

Hi
Mrpeasle hi there can you tell me how they are fixed to the bike.

Hi
Mrpeasle hi there can you tell me how they are fixed to the bike.

This rack was mounted to the front footpeg brackets and the rear luggage mount. Keep in mind though that this setup was made for a KLR 650 and woudn't work for the Versys. You'd need to come up with a different design, although the mounting points would probably be similar. You might look at how the Givi racks or others are mounted.
Since posting these pictures a couple of years ago I actually have rebuilt this rack, this time out of 3/4" conduit and it's much stronger. I'm also now using Pelican boxes. Hope this helps.

Battle Wagon VFR with ammo can "bags" Ian fabbed up the rack, former NASCAR fabricator.

If you have the correct size tubing, you could just get the mounting puck system from Tourtech and bolt them to the cans.

Cheaperthandirt.com has all sorts of sizes of ammo cans including this lock attachment:

I picked up some nice 33L "Nomad" aluminum panniers on eBay. I paid $250ish shipped, look as good as any of the other stuff out there that cost more for just one. I have the SW Motech Evo quick latch rack and am now awaiting the Caribou Case DIY kit for the panniers. All in all I will have less than $600 in a full set of aluminum luggage.
JCIII

In Poland You can heve it... for 350-400$...

Custom made rack = 100-130$
Custom made alu panniers = 230-270