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Originally Posted by
tuscan
J
Some of us have to work for a living eh?
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Tell me about it... I am currently skint!
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| Your Heros trip was a shot in the arm though that I was unaware of and suddenly that dream no longer looks so unobtainable. Maybe in 2011.... |
I think that is a close as is realistically possible for most of us... it is the right mix of tough, but not too tough - I mean from the logistics point of view (timing etc, and more importantly timing out and being excluded) - don't get me wrong, it is very challenging physically, but as long as you make it to the next bivouac (either on the stage, by road or on the sweep truck), you are allowed to start again, and thus have a far higher chance of finishing for your entry fee!
Do it if you can, it is a fantastic experience!
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| Proposed mods for US are exhaust, tailpiece tidy up, decent footpegs, hanguards, MM lowering kit, nav gear and soft luggage - and that's about it. |
Sounds good to me - certainly soft bags are the way to go. I used a couple of 35 litre drybags (Ortlieb) strapped to the back seat, but another nice piece of kit is the Wolfman Expedition bag. I'm not sure the Giant Loop style would fit so well on the Tenere as there are no (enduro style) side panels, but there are loads of options...
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| Why is it that the manufacturers can't make the perfect bike - light, reliable, low maintenance easy & comfortable to ride. So often they tick most of the boxes but miss a couple of key ones - both the XTZ and Super Ten have missed the point on weight. Most of us aren't riding gods. What I would give for an XR400 with electric start, 450 power output, alloy frame, decent wheels and suspension, reliability, low maintenance, Tenere type tank, fairing and decent seat - it can't be that difficult??? |
It pains me to say it, but the Suzuki DRZ400 is close to what you are asking - hence their popularity with overland travelers who want a smaller bike...
Fit a big tank (Aqualine do a 17 litre and also a huge 28 litre one) and a top screen if you want... Alloy frames are not always best for overland use - if they get damaged, they are harder to repair by a bloke in a shed, whereas steel can be welded easily...
Many thanks Tony - I'll be doing my best for sure!
J xx