I don't think the OP needs to be too worried about it not lasting the trip and leaving him stranded, but I dare say it will deteriorate faster than mine did because of where he's going. I don't think you need to go out and buy a new Tenere and instantly spend �500+ changing the shock. But if I was off on the 'trip of a lifetime' I might at least contemplate the idea of getting the spring (the stock damper isn't that bad IMO, it's the spring that deteriorates) swapped for one that's better quality and a bit stiffer (to allow for carrying luggage *all the time*).[/QUOTE]

Good advice, thank you, I had thought of changing the OE to an Ohilins but a spring change maybe a better idea, set up to the weight of the bike and luggage, probably a duel rate.

By the way, Chain and sprockets, are they reasonable quality or should I think of putting a high quality one on prior to leaving. I am a stickler on maintenance so that shouldn't be an issue and it will be lubed daily and cleaned and lubed when time permits. Same as the rest of the bike.

regards

AJ

I know there's a few on here that are still on their original shocks at quite high mileages, but with aftermarket springs (I think Hyperpro - try a search, but expect to have to sift through loads of talk about Hyperpro front springs to find anything about the rears).

If you do go down the complete shock route, be aware that there are more options out there than Ohlins, which may be better value. The main two I'm aware of being Nitron and Hagon.

I went with Nitron, and ticked every box on the option sheet (three way damping adjustment, remote hydraulic preload adjuster) and it worked out about the same price as the (rebound only, grovel on the floor with c-spanners to adjust preload) Ohlins. They do also do cheaper spec versions starting from �300, or about �460 with remote preload. See here - http://www.nitron.co.uk/nitron09/ind...&cPath=3_6_379

At least one person on here has fitted a Hagon shock, and I think it worked out at sub-�500, again including remote preload. They seemed pretty happy from what I remember, but I'm sure you can find the topic if you search the forums.

I keep mentioning remote preload, because for touring if it came to a choice between being able to adjust the damping, and being able to adjust the preload without tools, I'd take the latter every time. Maybe not as important if you're entire trip is going to be with the luggage on.

Unless you have a Scottoiler, you will probably need to change the chain and sprockets somewhere between here and China however well you look after it. If you do have a Scottoiler you will probably be alright, depending how clean you can keep the chain.

Front sprocket will wear first, and replacing it a bit early might prolong the life of the chain and rear sprocket. It's not something you're likely to do at the roadside though due to Yamaha's insistence on using a Gurt Big Nut to hold it on.

Keep an eye on it and have some sort of contingency plan for getting it changed if you have to.

Oh and while I tend towards the view 99.99% of the stuff Touratech list for the Tenere is overpriced, useless tat, I did buy one of their 'open' front sprocket covers, which is really good for:

- Allowing you to keep an eye on front sprocket wear
- Not collecting crap behind it that will grind away at the C&S
- (Possibly) being better able to keep the chain from going through the cases if the worst happened.

(It was still overpriced, but at least it's got some use :D)

Agreed - have the right sized socket to remove the sprocket. Not sure if you can turn the front sporocket on these, but work it our before you go and have at least 2 fronts to 1 rear for the journey. Take Scottoiler oil too!!

TT prices and most products are at best a complete waste of money and weight - agreed again..

The problem isn't so much having a 36mm socket to put on the nut, it's having either a massive breaker bar, or ideally a rattle gun, to put on the socket.

.

Sorry am I being picky? - 32mm mate.:icon_wink:

its a 36mm if you don't bend back the tabs lol :icon_rolleyes:

any garage/ tyre fitter place worth it's salt will have the required socket and wrench. different if you have not been keeping an eye on it and are caught out in the sticks. personally a spareset of sprockets or even just the front for spares as 520 chains can be got more or less anywhere, don't even consider a fully alloy rear, quickly worn and easily damaged.

btw the fr sprox nut is 120nm or 85lb/ft, so really a bit more than you tighten a car alloy wheel

as for forks mine are standard though i have atf fluid in and the preload is wound up, as for the rear the race spec nitron. seems to work well!

Erm. Yeah. What he said.

Jealous of all these amazing sounding trips

have fun travel safe

and travel light

maybe consider small lockable top box and soft luggage

Hi there,

Just to share, i had the rear spring changed yesterday and it looks and feels good so far...setup for 75kg rider with loaded panniers and topbox...had to do a full service as my rear shock was leaking oil at only 27000km so might as well change to a stiffer spring...i guess i might have overloaded it during a trip...:018:

Ohlin Spring : 01096-21/75 L088
Length : 01096 = 190mm
Art No. : 21
Rate : 75 N/mm, 7.64 Kg/mm, 428 ibs/inch

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z...2018.32.28.jpg

Hope this helps...:headbang:

Rizal
Singapore

Hi Gary,

How did your 660Z do on the overland trip ?

Marius.