|
France to Morocco Prepping
A small group of riders made up of all sorts are heading off from France to Maroc on 25th October until returning back to France on 9th November.
Anyone else that wants to tag along is more than welcome. I will be working on a two or three rough routes and will add these to the thread later. I'll be servicing the moto later on too so I'll publish what's what relative to that. I should'nt need to do too much due to the fact my moto only has 8500kms on it.....grease pivot points and head bearings. For the information and benefit of others who might want to make such a trip,I thought I'd highlight my preparation. I will be traveling light and staying in cheap hotels/B&B's so there'll be no camping kit being taken apart from a tarp that can serve various purposes. I use Ardcases 38l hard luggage (water seals lids help of course)and I'll highlight what fits into same as I think of it. The RHS will have 3 tupperware type boxes(different dimensions) filled with various bits of pruk and the space left behind will have other stuff squeezed in. Handy and easy to get at first when the lid is taken off is a one piece rain suit. [IMG] http://i47.tinypic.com/2m2e4pk.jpg[/IMG] Below the rain suit is the wash kit box. [IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/2iu88k8.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/14e1ij9.jpg[/IMG] All that I need is what you can see to include a large fibre towel. These pack very compact and you can get these in Decathlon. An absolute necessity is also lip balm as there air is very dry after the High Atlas and it takes no time before your lips crack(it'll stay in my jacket pocket come the time) On that,as the sun is low at that time of year,a buff for around your neck is essential to avoid sunburn. [IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/261g26x.jpg[/IMG] Next box down is what tools will be being taken. The only tool I'm waiting on being delivered is a Motion Pro chain breaker tool which should fit into the space left in the box. Beside the box is a small tin box which holds other bits of pruk and fits just perfectly. In the space left beside the tin box fits my oil for my chain oiler (hand soap container plunger) and visor cleaner,ie Auto Glym Super Resin Polish. [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/icjzvo.jpg[/IMG] Tin tea box...perfect for small bits and bobs... [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/34q1pav.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/2wdc3gp.jpg[/IMG] In here can be seen a multi tool,allen key set,handle for screwdriver,(in other box)tyre pressure gauge,super glue(ideal for helping to seal burst water hoses)fuses,a few small plastic bin bags and a full set of wheel bearings. Next is my standard bum bag tool container I use when riding enduros...a CIF cream cleanser bottle with the top cut off!! A few wraps of duct tape is wrapped around same so no need to take a full big roll. An old sock with another stuffed in the end is fitted over the bottle to stop anything falling out. [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/2nbt5rd.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/2prtd8w.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/2moxdvt.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/2wmgh9w.jpg[/IMG] In the box and CIF container a surprising amount of pruk can be fiited in here, present amongst other stuff is a valve core tool,spare valves,puncture kit/tyre levers and JB Weld. A small tin also holds various standard nuts,bolts and washers along with a couple of chain links. [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/bhefpv.jpg[/IMG] As tools are packed in the box this leaves the place for the ridiculous standard tool kit free for a standard moto tie down to serve as a tow strap if a breakdown occurs.(Footpeg to footpeg towing) [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/65662e.jpg[/IMG] . . |
Looking forward to the trip no end, just one small point, I hadn't reckoned on packing any personal hygiene stuff 'cause I thought this was a boys' trip.......
|
Thanks you"ve given me a few ideas :icon_cheers:
|
Quote:
:) . |
I know it's a bit :gay:, but I've always made up a sewing kit to take on my travels. Takes up no space and is bloody handy for repairing riding kit from boots to gloves, fixing tent seams, sleeping bags (I know you're not camping) and even in extreme cases a bit of roadside surgical suturing! Been an absolute godsend sometimes.
|
Quote:
:) . |
Quote:
Ha ha ha, if I come I'm only bringing one pair of pants Keith, I have booked the time off work just need to get the bottle and book the ferry :smilies0349: Thanks for showing the kit selection given me some ideas P.s i got the pm cheers |
OK....the plan is hatching for sure!!
In the meantime my Motion Pro T6 chain breaker has arrived. Small and compact.I'd always promised myself one of these more for when I'm riding enduros. To be stuck 60kms out on a forest trail with a snapped chain and unable to continue means a long wait. It should be noted that this works to break the chain...add a few links with two split links and carry on. It will not rivet a split link..you will have to use two normal split links with clips as per normal. I don't think however it should be as expensive as it is...but that's the price of not getting stranded I guess lol.....�30 would be sufficient IMO. It comes in a case that looks like it's used for something else as well..IMO it could be in a smaller case. (Personally I don't see using split links with the XTZ as being a problem with only a 48bhp moto.....after all,all motocross/enduro bikes are using the same method) [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/2qk4go5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/10rmpmr.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/1omxz7.jpg[/IMG] |
looks like you are a mobile bike mechanic:HappyRoll_ANPIUI::sbike:
|
LOL.... Just the essential's being taken,just enough to get you on your way after e.g. a puncture..which can be highly likely as a lot of the pistes there consist of angular rock poking out of the hard pack....
After that...do what the Moroccans do...get it fixed at a local village workshop!! :) . |
Quote:
|
Quote:
:) . |
Quite a few good ideas there, but how do you break the seal on a tyre in order to fix a puncture? Have you some tool for this. cheers T
|
Quote:
Hi Trev.... Just use the side stand and the weight of the moto(or more like someone else's side stand) to break the bead.... (If traveling on your own you'd put the moto up on rocks under the sump guard and use the side stand ) :) . |
If you have a center stand you don't even need a second bike. Put bike on center stand, remove wheel, use side stand to break the bead
|
Yip...I have both..luckily it was on the moto when it was bought :)
. |
NO,NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
I have been running TKC's on both my Tens since the model came out and I have made a point of changing my tyres myself as a matter of course. ..................and yes I also have had problems breaking the seal. The problem as I see it is that on the inside of the rim is a 'hump' before the bead can slip into the rim hollow. If you try to force the bead over this small hump it tries to roll over it and makes the matter worse as the diamester of the bead is now smaller. Hope I'm making sense. I have found out that if you use a small tyre iron and work it underneath the bead you can easily prise the bead over this small hump and then the rest of the bead will follow. Hope this makes sense and helps.:icon_salut: PS make sure that all of the air is out of the innertube and even remove the valve |
OK...Thanks for the info...I'll be changing my own tyres before I go so I'll keep you posted...I normally take the valve core out(it's in my tool kit as above)
I do see where you're coming from though,so thanks again for the wee tip. It will all become apparent as they say. :) :) . |
My small compressor arrived. It comes with various methods of power cables from fixed permanently to battery to cigar power outlet. I will just pack the crocodile clips in with it.
[IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/i3vxo2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i47.tinypic.com/fa3f9t.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/35c0408.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/34odor9.jpg[/IMG] |
Just watch your fingers! ;)
|
lol...
:) . |
So...not long to go now. I ordered these on the the advice of another inmate here(Big thanks to RTWPaul for publicizing his experience with same) His advice was spot on..good bit of kit for low cost. I like the fact that I can adjust the reach on the clutch lever. The goofy standard ones are now spares for not if I fall off but for whenever I fall off.:icon_razz:
[IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/23m61yq.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i50.tinypic.com/20svhhw.jpg[/IMG] Speaking of falling off...I got a basic water pump guard to assist, [IMG] http://i47.tinypic.com/6t1dn7.jpg[/IMG] So...I picked up a couple of split links for the thrown chain scenario....Clip them on a cable to keep them handy. Dab the clip with Tippex for when ever you drop it,so it's easy to find in the dirt. [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/35hfz34.jpg[/IMG] I fitted a brake pedal bracket to help as when I scoot about the twisties here I was finding that my boot toe would actually slide off due to lack of grip on the standard set up. [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/2pqqt90.jpg[/IMG] |
So....threw the tyres on today...I used the tools and compressor that live in the right hand pannier. The tyre beads were easy enough to break with my 9" tyre levers. The rear was OK too. The secret to putting the rear tyre back on is to make sure the opposite bead is placed in the raised groove so as to get room to lever the tyre on.
Whilst I was at it I popped the seals off each bearing with a wee screw driver and packed more grease in. I also threw in some new cush drive rubbers. Finally I dropped the forks down after taking off the top clamp and greased the steering bearings,which of course were dry....Thanks Mr Yamaha. We'll take the the two tyres I took off as spares in case of any long rips,now that we have a buddy going with his LRover...They'll go on his roof rack. Took a scorch along a stoney track to rough them up... [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/2qn8mr4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/70841v.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/35n1lyp.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/30bcpsp.jpg[/IMG] |
So...I put a Puig screen on to see if it will help with a bit of buffeting...seems to work OK on slower road speeds,so I must try it at autoroute speeds later on to see if it's OK.
If need be I can adjust it to face further forward [IMG] http://i50.tinypic.com/au9nys.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i50.tinypic.com/2eb8os9.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i50.tinypic.com/rkndsl.jpg[/IMG] |
Another wee thing I did was this...I use this tip on my Gas Gas 300EC in case of any snapped spokes...it stops them flailing about and getting caught on things that they shouldn't...
(When I get to the hardware shop I'll buy narrower zip tys and replace what's there....just to look a bit more tidy) Doesn't affect anything,ie,wheel balance... [IMG] http://i46.tinypic.com/2mwb8mc.jpg[/IMG] For teh gravel trails that I know I'll be riding I fitted a little bit more protection onto the lower water hose. Easy to do. [IMG] http://i45.tinypic.com/i6e2wk.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/14dfurs.jpg[/IMG] I installed a handle bar bag to keep things like loose change for tolls (both in Spain and Maroc) and for a small notebook/pens/ear plugs and also with a charger for my helmet cam if it goes flat whilst traveling. Ordered from Hein Gericke in Germany and it arrived within a week. [IMG] http://i49.tinypic.com/5e65qf.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i50.tinypic.com/33u90rq.jpg[/IMG] . |
Quote:
|
mmm...I have been using said spanner as recently as today(and lots of times before) to check my plug after I had my C02 adjusted.... no problem what so ever. I just use mine to loosen the plug and then I screw it out with my fingers....Is yours awkward to use?
I use copper grease on the plug threads to let it come out easier :) |
Quote:
|
It could well be just that...
Having said that it never does any harm to bring anything to the attention of others....a different set of eyes will see different things..hence these next pictures... E.g.on previous ride outs we always made a point of asking each other whilst,i.e.,having a smoke...to 'run your eye over my bike' just to see...... .....last time my buddy spied rear sprocket bolts loosened off we've even spied a split link clip missing!!!! This wee tip helps whilst walking around the moto with your coffee...paint main fixings with Tipex so as you can see if they've loosened off(e.g.axle nuts/sprocket nuts) Not permanent like paint would be,so no harm done to the moto. I use this to great effect on my Gas Gas too... [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/33xbwpx.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i48.tinypic.com/oirnyr.jpg[/IMG] |
In fact I had to lose 55mm (I just found the bit I chopped off) to get the plug spanner to get anywhere near the plug!
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/a...y/IMG_1985.jpg You're right, it is worth drawing attention to this again, and checking whether the plug spanner supplied fits! I'm mystified though as to which bikes were affected with the "wrong" plug spanner, I'd always assumed it was all of them?? |
Well, how'd the trip go then?
|
It went very well thank you....just editing pics for a ride report at present,so after a couple of days it'll be ready..Stamp from the forum also went so he'll have a few pics as well...
:) . |
Well done.
Having read your preparation posts it would be interesting to find out how your trip went as I may be touring Morocco in 2016. Was that a bottle opener on the back of your pannier. Think I'll do the same! |
|
Quote:
I can give some tips and advice based on my experience if you wish,in no particular order,as they bounce into my head!! The trip went really well as can be seen. Having said that I was there again last October for 3 weeks scouting out new trails and places to stay. I have my kit/tools whittled down to the bare minimum these days with even space left in my panniers! Print out your entry documents before arriving and this will help immensely. If you're exiting form Algeciras,buy a one way ticket at the main building from the shipping company office direct. The touts will want to steer you to an on site travel agent where they'll get their cut. They will tell you that their company's boat is leaving before anyone eles....you buy the ticket and you'll see other boats leaving. At least at the official office they'll tell you when it should be leaving. Once you buy your ticket you need to immediately slot into Africa mode,i.e. nothing will be on time. That's why I allow a full day to enter and leave Maroc. The reason for a one way ticket means that when you go to leave Maroc you can buy a ticket back from the ticket offices on site. This way you can see when the next boat leaves. Allow about an hour or so to get through the gates at customs etc. Once on the boat go straight to passport control and fill out the form. Whist the customs dudes are getting your moto sorted you'll dander over to passport control where the cops will put you on the system. There'll be a number stamped on your passport and this will be your number that you'll quote on any papers you fill in thereafter....and any next visit in years to come. The paper that the custom dudes give you once you leave should be guarded with your life...this is the passport that enables you to get your moto back out.Loose it and you'll pay big money in import duties for the moto you've just sold!!! When you stay in an hotel etc you'll have to fill in a form with your detail on it. Standard procedure for me is to write Hotel F�s,F�s for Destination.... One way ticket for one person and moto will be about €60 max. You'll be able to buy insurance at the port if you ins company doesn't; cover you. Usually shut up shop at about 1800-1900hrs. There's also an ATM beside the offices. You can also find insurance in Tanger Port itself which is far further away from Tanger Med. Expect to pay about €90 for 3 weeks. make sure you also have medical insurance. There is a scanner that scans vehicles for smuggling people out. If you ride up close to it and catch some of the traffic guards eyes and wave over and they'll usually wave you on through. The scanner is what slows everything up as it scans cars lorries ever so slowly! For this reason the sooner you get to Algeciras the sooner you arrive in Maroc and the more chance you'll have of finding somewhere to stay that first night. I had no problems apart from a clutch cable snapping,but that was a 10 minute fix as I had a spare zip tied to the original. I threw in about 4 nights wild camping and stayed in auberges the rest of the time. The French government issued a warning due to the last kidnaping and murder in Algeria. There was not the same amount of French tourists there this year. I found no problems whatsoever even though I was only a few kms from the Algerian border. The usual haggling for the auberges applies. Normal price as usual was between 150-200Dhms per night to include evening meal and breakfast. If they don't want to accept that head off somewhere else. They'll call you back normally. (The lowest I got was 100Dhms for evening meal and breakfast) I rode about 1200kms plus off road which was all easy going apart from just a few technical shorter stretches. Some great pistes. I usually try to ride as much off road as possible when I'm there. On my way back this year I scouted off a few on the RN(Route National) roads and came across some excellent B roads. When I return again in October I'll take these same roads as they were that good!!! I use Open Street map on my GPS as Garmin maps are indeed abysmal for Maroc. OSM will show pistes and will usually even route from one village to the next off road. I usually head south as soon as I can and get over the Atlas mountains as there's a usually a good chance of rain in the northern regions when I ride in Oct, You may find the same in May.....or not!! If you have to get a local dude to tae your broken down moto from say,Zagora to Tanger Med..pay no more that €500 to have it done. If you find yourself well south of Zagora and need to get your moto back there for repair..pay no more that €150. Local dudes drive and scan for broken down tourists. If they want more,tell them you'll get the next dude to take you. Always agree to a price before anything. (I haggled a vulture for a moto take out to Zagora from €850 to €250 to include baggage and a stay at an hotel of the drivers choice(uncles,brothers sisters,husbands hotel) Remember everything is negotiable. The hostel I stay at in Caceres Spain was still €18 per night with continental breakfast. Clean as a whistle and modern. I have my routes in www.wikiloc.com to download if anyone wishes. I use Mitas E07's when I'm there...great off road hard pack/rock wear. Very strong tyres and great on road wet handling. Cans of crap beer will be about €2.50 each...get a price before you buy or you could find each can at €5.00 a pop. If you've any questions by all means just ask. :) |
Ohlins.
Thank you for taking the time to compile that information. A lot of your info will save valuable time and is very useful. I won't be using my garmin then! Good luck with your next trip. |
Quote:
Use your Garmin but just install OSM maps onto it. In your settings you'll just toggle between each map software. I'll probably post a few more pics as an update on kit/spares etc later. Scroll down here to download Maroc. http://mapas.alternativaslibres.es/downloads.php :) . |
Thanks for the great thread!
I'm wondering if a trip to Morocco is feasible in January/February. I've been to Morocco before, but not on a bike, and am wondering how navigable the Atlas mountains are early in the year. Thanks again |
Quote:
I've done 2 trips in Dec/Jan and it will get cold at night so take a fleece and warm hat. Temperatures in the south get up to about 25 C for perfect for going off-road. What are your plans? I'm hoping to go on my Tenere in April '16. |
No real plans. I have a loose work schedule and want to get on the bike away from this miserable weather in the new year sometime. Plus it's about time my Tenere does what it's made for!
|
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:29. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2019, vBulletin Solutions Inc.