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Setting up the bike for overlanding
In order of importance...
Number one, a louder horn. It really can save your life. And by loud, I mean Walls of Jericho volume. There's more detail on how to make all these changes on Deti's transalp pages.
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Improve front brake
This is the only necessary expensive modification. Pre '97 models have a single disk that is not really up to stopping a loaded bike quickly. At the very least put on a stainless steel cable. But it's best to put on a higher performance disk too. Unless you like sailing through red traffic lights with a rictus grin that is. |
Metal Bash Plate
Make one if you can, or attach a plate of metal underneath. I have put on the centre piece off an early Africa Twin which can be easily adapted. Africa Queens offer a fabulous piece of kit with built-in tool boxes, but you'll have to sell a member of your family into slavery in order to afford it. Deti's site has suggestions.
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Cover that headlight
They cost a lot of money those headlights, so get a perspex sheet, cut it to size, and drill appropriate holes in the the front faring for fixing. This modification is dead cheap and will do wonders for the uglyness of your bike. |
Plate welded onto side-stand
Insecure surfaces abound where you're going and, given that bikes work better vertical, it's wise to get that weld.
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Dump the plastic
Take off the side farings and leave them at home. They are only going to get broken on the road. If you must keep them, then get metal crash bars fitted. |
Larger fuel tank
Most don't, and it's not really necessary, but, seeing as an early Africa Twin on fits straight on, it is a temptation. This will increase the weight though. This can turn into an expensive extra however, as the AT tank will require a fuel pump and fuel level sensor. Again, Africa Queens have a very nice, very costly, range of tanks for the TA.
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Stiffer spring for rear suspension
Suspension is where the manufacturers' beancounters save the dosh for more important things like executive armchairs. The stock one is decidedly squidgy. Although some have managed with it, mine gave out somewhere on an Indian lunar surface misappropriately called a "road". A new spring is pretty cheap. If you want to splash out, a whole new unit from Technoflex or Ohlins (left) will transform the feel of the machine. |
Sealed battery
It sure bubbles. The TA battery loses a lot of water through evaporation. Save yourself some bother.
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Chain lubrication system
Good for the wet. Saves effort. But not necessary if you are religious with your chain oiling and this daily genuflection can only help the two of you grow closer. |
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Air filter
Drier than a camel's kaftan, and all that, dust will clog your air filter and maybe creep into places where it can do serious damage. The high quality K&N air filter for the early Africa Twin fits into the early TAs. They last for ever without cleaning and re-oiling, and they provide a touch more power, allegedly. Again, see Deti's site for information.
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