Hi Torsten,
Thanks for the info. The preparations for your trip were the first thing I was directed to when asking for initial advice on the forum :-)
1. Yup, 2-1 is more expensive. But I do like it that I can put the catalyst back in, and be street legal (well, more or less, with a PC III...) and reasonably environmentally friendly when I'm riding around Europe. Guess I am splurging a bit here, but they do look good... Actually, I was under the impression that I would always need a Powercommander, whichever cat free cans I changed to. Good to hear you have no bad info on the 2-1 cans, as I have planned on using them for a reason that will follow...
2. Yup, losing the lambda
3. Ok, thought so, that's defo on the shopping list then!
4. They are Arcebis crashbars, with an extra plastic 'windshield' thingamajig
5. I believe you got the Motech bashplate as well? Was it large enough? I think the Touratech one protects a bit more, but it looks huge.
6. Guess there are indeed lots of opinions on this one.
7. That's a relief to hear. I saw your video of you crossing the equator. With all the stuff you had loaded on the bike, I'm sure I will be fine with these shocks then. Even if you were saving some weight by not wearing clothes. Good one about tightening the spring.
8. The tank.. The OTR tank is, well, OTR priced. I don't anticipate needing as much gas as that all the time either, and I did read you had some problems with it. This is where the 2-1 can comes to the rescue!
I was a bit bothered by the wasted space under the pannier rack if there is only a can on one side. Turns out I was not alone. Paul666 had a special jerrycan made to replace the can, see
http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=5153 So I should have about 23 liters on board, and when I'm not going on long trips I can leave the tank at home, and be as light as always.
9. Think I'll get a K&N filter. Still not sure whether to get a DNA stage 2. It seems a shame with the other goodies I'm planning on got not to go for it, but I just don't like noise that much. The OTR website says 'a more aggressive sound'.
I'll ask around a bit more.
I do have some more questions for you. The guy from OTR, Thorsten, says I should replace the Hepco and Becker pannier racks with something sturdier from OTR. Didn't you use standard H&B racks? They were fine?
What kind of mileage did you get on dirt tracks?
I seem to remember reading somewhere that you ran with your chain 'dry', i.e. no oiling? Or am I mistaken there?
Thanks for the tips, it's really useful
. Are you hanging around in Cape Town before traveling on, or are you waiting to fly back home?
Enjoy South Africa!
Greetz,
Ton