Hi All

I'd REALLY appreciate some help on what mods to make to my XT660z - I have maybe two days to sort this bike (background in my newbie intro but repeated at the end of this thread).

My bike has 8,000kms on it and I will get the 10,000km service done this week. I am then going to be riding a further 16,000kms without easy access to spares so need to carry what I need.

I need to decide:
1. What do I change now pre-emptively?
2. What should I carry with me?
3. What mods do I NEED to make (I only have a day or so, hence 'nice to haves' are out)?

It would be really helpful to understand the realistic lifespan of consumables (brake pads, chain and sprockets, spark plug etc)

My immediate thinking is:
- fit new chain and sprockets now if available and just carry a link
- pads look ok but maybe change out anyway
- fit Heidenau K60 scout tyres (I have a front on my written off KLR with 50kms on it - general view is these will go 18,000kms on most bikes - ok for the XTz?)
- do what with the suspension???? (on my KLR I fitted stiffer springs front and rear - I am about 100kgs and will have max 20kgs of kit with me)
- fit a proper bash plate (it has crash bars but the original plastic bash plate)
- fit a chain oiler (can take off the KLR - new Cobra oiler was fitted)

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?

Do I need to be worrying about regulator/rectifier issues?

Cush drive?

I am not a great mechanic in either knowledge of execution so please treat me gently :-)

I would be massively grateful if anyone is able to guide me through this.

Thanks, Andy

MY BACKGROUND

I was due to leave Cape Town yesterday on a 3 month Cape to Cairo trip on my KLR650. Unfortunately I was taken out by a car on Thursday night and the KLR was written off (footage on my trip blog here: http://wp.me/p5aiwQ-7l

I shook hands and a 2014 XT660z yesterday (details here: http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-motorcycl...70910171044109 http://wp.me/p5aiwQ-7l).

I should pick the bike up later this week and will have a day or two max to prep it before I have to leave (I have a fixed commitment in Zimbabwe on 14 June so need to leave by Sunday 12 June at the latest).