The Bike
There’s really no mandated bike for the trip, but there are some conditions and capabilities that the bikes will need to meet. The bike of choice for me is the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650. I’ll blog about the process of getting one (done!) and modding it to suit my needs, but below you’ll find the details of the machine itself, from front to back.
Well, that’s the plan. Here’s a list for starters. Links will appear as I start to blog about each thing.
- RAM Mounts
- KTM Front Fender (smaller and better looking) > Done > Reversed
- Headlight/Starter Relay (drops headlight when starter is pressed) > How-to
- Windscreen > Tested
- Windscreen Lip > Research
- Handlebars > Pro Taper SE ATV High (I’m told) > Done
- Hand-guards
- Throttle rocker > Research > Done
- Power Outlets > Research > Review > 1 Done
- Clutch Switch Override > How-to
- GPS (borrowing one for this trip!)
- Tank bag > Research > Ordered > Done
- Tank Panniers / Side Bags (abandoned at this stage)
- Comms and Power > Research > Purchased > Powered
- Crash bars > Done
- Skid plate > Research > Done
- Carb Restriction Removal (Australia-only restriction, completed by dealer at first service) > Info > Done
- Carb Needle Shim (22 cent mod) > Done
- T-Mod (beats stalling in the middle of a river crossing)
- Air filter upgrade
- Highway Pegs (not sure I’d use them…)
- Seat (at this point I’ll keep the stock one)
- Pegs
- Subframe Bolt Upgrade > How-to > Done (replaced by crash bar bolts, which will do)
- Kick Stand Switch Override > How-to
- Saddle bags > Research (and Done, since I already own them, and I’m not going to use them anyway)
- Tail bag > Research > Done
- Hard case > Research
- Number-plate relocation (may not bother)
- Tool Kit Upgrade > Started
- Tyres (Dunlop D606) > Done
- Repalce minor bolts with stainless Allen bolts > Started > Continued
