They state 2009+ so I am wondering how far this is off and if its possible (without super human effort) to make it work on my 2006.

I really want to run the Ortlieb QR panniers for commuting since I run them on my bicycle. I love that you can just pop them off and bring them in the house loaded or load inside and drop them on and roll. However you have to have wire frame rack like the SL to make it work.

 

Might be quite a difference since the '06 has a factory rack whereas the '09 doesn't. Contact Happy Trails and see what they say. Have you checked out Turbo City to see if they have something for '06? Anyone in your neighbourhood have an '09 you can set beside your '06 and compare the subframes?

 

I am sure there are differences. I just wonder how much. I will check out your suggestion. I am thinking that the big cyclerack deal is what I will do. I want a pannier setup however and I think the cyclerack pannier add on kit is not what I need.

EDIT: TCI does not offer anything for the lowly 2006. I like their windshield too.

 

I have the CycleRacks on my '09. I'm in the process of making some bags to fit on it without sticking out on the sides the way theirs do. I intend for them to fit under the rack more and made to just clear the swingarm when the rear suspension is fully compressed. I want to keep the weight as close to the centerline of the bike as possible. I'll also make some compression sacks to reduce the volume of the tent etc. to the absolute minimum at the price of a slight gain in weight.