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Old 05-06-16, 23:20
Pleiades Pleiades is offline
XT-Moto SuperStar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: North Norfolk
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Your suspension will be fine; your bike has only done a relatively short distance so far. the shock only starts to get noticeably saggy after 20,000+ Km. (It'll probably be knackered when you get back though!) Same applies to headrace greasing and suspension linkage servicing. Whilst a good idea, it doesn't sound like you've got time to change/grease anything anyway!

The stock bash plate is a lot tougher than it looks, and will do a job. Change it if you can be bothered, but it isn't essential. A metal one will be better (and allows you to prop the bike up under it), but with just two days to get sorted, I'd leave it. A high mudguard is a good call. I ripped my low one off when a a fairly innocuous stone got stuck in the tread.

New chain and sprockets is a good idea, so is fitting an oiler. Front brake pads last well, but may be worth changing before you go. The rear ones tend to wear quickest on the Z and last half the distance of the fronts so change them if there's less than half left.

I really wouldn't bother lugging around a spare reg/rec unit if its a 2010 or later model - your's being 2014. Just make sure the connector is clean, snapped home tight and protected from moisture with some dielectric grease inside and silicone grease on the outside.

Are you aware that the stock tool kit is useless? There's nothing to remove the wheels and the spark plug tool doesn't fit!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempesc View Post
I am carrying tubes and levers - what's the story on tyre charges - is bead breaking on this bike ok or a nightmare I need to prepare for?
The most important thing is preparing yourself! In a way, it's more important than preparing the bike. Take your question above: Have you ever changed a tyre on an XTZ? For that matter, have you ever taken both the wheels out? If the answer is no, then one of the best things you can do is try and do it before you set off on your trip and crucially, do it only with the tools you will be taking with you. This will help highlight anything that's missing from your tool kit and any missing mechanical skills you may have! You're better off getting stuck with a stubborn bead or a missing tool at home rather than miles from anywhere in Africa. BTW - K60s are a sod to get on and off at the rear but last very well. Take 'em off and put 'em back on again - get some practice in!