Made a grab handle for the back of my 2010 400 XC-W

[Mike_in_Ontario_Canada]

I have a 2010 KTM 400 XC-W, and I was riding in the Ganaraska Forest trails here in Ontario, tight single track in the woods, got stuck on a deep sandy washed out incline, rear tire dug in deep. I had nothing to grab onto to lift the rear tire out, muffler was hot, rear fender is just plastic, finally got it out though..

So I fabricated a grab handle, so I can lift the rear of the bike up, something to grab onto. I used a solid 3/8" alloy bar, bent it up and threaded the ends. The KTM frame ends had little plastic inserts with nuts, I replaced them with aluminum blocks that slipped into the frame ends, and tapped them for M6 screws. Shaved some material off the aluminum conical crush spacers. Bent up some flat stock for the Z brackets. Had to drill 7/16" diameter clearance holes into the fender plastic. Then slipped automotive 3/8" I.D. fuel line hose over the alloy handle to clean up the look and hide the hole gaps.

Just sharing this homemade idea and new to the forum, here's some pics. I've been an automotive design engineer for the past 20 years.. sometimes I think I have good ideas, but some sucked too..
Mike

[Duke]

I like it Mike, Looks great and it looks strong too.

Welcome to the forum!

[bajadog]

Nice job.

I had the tugger straps on my 450 EXC, but they were pricey.

[Mike_in_Ontario_Canada]

Thanks guys. I'll have to look up tugger straps out of curiousity. Used the handle today, got caught up on some roots, perhaps I was trying to put myself into a situation to use it, make myself feel like I didn't waste time fabbing it. Also works well when dragging the bike rearend sideways in the garage, not much spare room in a 2 car garage..

Cheers,
Mike

[bajadog]

Here you go Mike.

http://www.thetugger.com/

[Mike_in_Ontario_Canada]

Thanks for the tugger link. I'm feeling better with my handle, tugger strap may have been quite long, doesn't really look suitable for this particular bike because of the wide flaring plastic fender.
Cheers,
Mike

[bajadog]

I like yours better for the rear fender, but my front tugger
really saved my posterior on some tight trails a few times.

[Mike_in_Ontario_Canada]

Thanks bajadog, I haven't had the need for a front strap yet, but... don't want to jinx that.. it's probably inevitable....
Cheers,
Mike

[fstbusa]

Originally Posted by bajadog

Here you go Mike.

http://www.thetugger.com/

I found this site about a year ago and made my own. Had a backpack that the zipper was shot so I cut the straps off and made my own out of the strap. Melted a hole in it so it wouldn't fray and used a washer on the inside.

This is the best pic of I have right now. Its right at the back of the seat. I made it more snug against the seat so it wasn't getting hooked on anything but I'm still able to slip my fingers easily underneath it.

[bajadog]

Originally Posted by fstbusa

This is the best pic of I have right now. Its right at the back of the seat. I made it more snug against the seat so it wasn't getting hooked on anything but I'm still able to slip my fingers easily underneath it.

Looks clean... too bad it's on a Yamaha....