Accessories/mods for big dirt trip?

[Shifty]

Hey guys

I'm looking at doing a big trip mid next year across central Australia, it will be a fairly solid two weeks of riding.

Being a Kawasaki man, and on a budget too, a KLR650 looks like the go.

Aside from increased fuel capacity, what stuff should I be looking at adding to the bike? It's mostly dirt and there will be some fairly big sandy stretches too. I've never done a trip like this so I've got no idea, and between now and then I'll have to get some dirt experience so I'd be looking at getting a KLR in the next 3-4 months.

[robracer]

If you are new to dirt / sand take lots of spares...... stuff that can brake off in slow drops like levers and so on

[MickLC]

Hi Shifty, I'd suggest you go across to ADVRiders and see what info you can find over there. They've got a few guys who've done the sort of trip you are talking about and can suggest all sorts of things you should and shouldn't take with you. Just be careful though as they will most likely suggest you also take a KTM

Try here http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32

[Strika]

Sand is a tough gig for your first foray into dirt riding. It took me a few years of constant weekend riding while living in Perth, to get a handle on it. Sounds like fun!!!

A couple of things spring to mind. The first being equip your rear tyre with double rim locks. In the sand low pressures are the go for traction, and without a double rim lock, the tyre can spin on the rim and twist the valve stem out of the tube! Naturally, spare tubes and spare tube holders or bags/carriers are needed too. Tyre levers, patches, spare bits of old tube, talc powder, Pump, gauge, spare levers, spare foot controls, spare nuts and bolts in common sizes and lengths for your bike. Chain links and a chain breaker. Spark plug, spare air filter in a plastic bag oiled and ready to go, air filter skins are also a god send on a trip like this. It can mean you can run the same air filter for 5 or 6 days just changing the skins each day. Then swap over to the fresh one half way around and use skins on it again. Spare throttle and clutch cables. (run them alongside your current ones and attach with cable ties and tape.) Chain lube, A can of spray lube like WD40 or your favourite poison. An EPIRB, St Johns kit, good maps and a lodged itinerary are also smart ideas depending on how far you are going inland.
Extra water naturally and also extra fuel somewhere, just in case.

If I think of any other stuff I'll drop back in! Good luck with the trip and I hope you get loads of piccies for us to drool over!!

[Shifty]

Plan is to buy a KLR at the EOFY sales.... then use it as my daily and on alternate weekends with the 12R getting experience on some dirt tracks.