Setting up for adventure riding

[Zukin]

Hi again

Now as you all know I am a novice when it comes to this, so again I ask for wisdom and advice!
I have made a list of things I need (or want) in some sort order, am I on the right track?

Please feel free to add or move things in your replies (it is for 2 bikes & riders), and imagine it is for 20 days on the road, stopping in town to refuel restock food etc.
If you see something that should be moved, or deleted or added please let me know in this thread by replying.

So here is my list

Bikes
1. Bikes
2. Spare Bike Key
3. Bike locks (and spare lock keys)

Riding Equipment
1. Helmets
2. Riding Jackets (adventure)
3. Riding Pants (adventure)
4. Boots
5. Gloves
6. Kidney Belt
7. Cycle Pants

Luggage
1. Panniers (soft)
2. Luggage Rack
3. Bag to fit luggage rack
4. Waterproof stuff sack for tent etc
5. Either a bumbag or small tankbag for small stuff.
6. Waterproof liners for Panniers
7. Tie downs for attaching things to (rubber bands made from old tubes)

Other equipment
1. Tent
2. Sleeping Bags
3. Ground roll
4. Sheepskin for the seat and bed underlay
5. Cooking and eating equipment
6. Head torch
7. Personal Clothing
8. First aid kit

Toolkit and spares
1. Tools (spanners 8-17mm, spark plug wrench, Allen keys, hacksaw blade, vice grips, adjustable spanner, long nose pliers etc)
2. Tyre repair kit and levers
3. Duct and electrical tape
4. Cables (brake, clutch and throttle)
5. Spare clutch and Brake lever
6. A selection of nuts and bolts
7. Spare tubes
8. Mild Steel Wire
9. Chain lube and chain links
10. Fire Extingusher

Navigation & Communication
1. Intercom (rider to rider)
2. Spare rechargeable batteries (and charger for these items)
3. GPS
4. GPS mount
5. Cell phone
6. Cell phone charger
7. Maps

Things I would like to have but may not be available or need
1. Larger capacity fuel tank


Then there is always incidentals like camera, drivers licence, personal toiletries etc

Cheers and thanks for your help

[merv]

We don't mind you asking questions as long as we don't have to work hard so I'll leave you to sort out how you incorporate my comments.

If you do any off road and perhaps expect the odd drop of the bike I would add a spare clutch lever and a front brake lever. In the old days I only needed the one but with hydrauilic brakes these days you can't use a clutch lever upside for a brake lever like you used to be able to do.

Chuck in a can of chain lube and no harm having a few spare chain links including a joining link and a chain breaker just in case you snap a chain and need to patch it until you get a new one.

I also include a few lengths of mild steel tie wire, the type you use on concrete reinforcing - will come in handy to tie a few things if you break a luggage rack mount or something like that.

[XP@]

Navigation & Communication
2. Spare rechargeable batteries (and charger for these items)

Think about wiring in an accessory socket (cigarette lighter) useful for all kinds of stuff from mini air pump to GPS car kit, mobile phone car charger.

Other equipment
Cooker: go for a multi fuel cooker then you can empty your tank in to your cooker or your cooker in to your tank and you don't need a bigger tank. (unless you are heading in to the middle of AU in which case strap on a plastic petrol can, lots cheeper)

You need clothes to wear off the bike comfortable and light is good (cargo pants etc)

If you are setting off tomorrow (in the winter) then polypropolene is your friend!

[Jantar]

You are definitely on the right track. For a trip of that length you need to add two complete changes of clothes (one always clean and dry and in a completely waterproof bag), and extra dry socks and underwear.

Try packing all your stuff together and see how much room it will take on the bike, then start dispensing with anything that is not absolutely neccessary.
Tape a spare clutch & brake lever to your handlebars. That way they don't take up extra room and are right where they are needed.

The main thing is to enjoy the ride and don't make the packing a chore.

[Zukin]

We don't mind you asking questions as long as we don't have to work hard so I'll leave you to sort out how you incorporate my comments.

If you do any off road and perhaps expect the odd drop of the bike I would add a spare clutch lever and a front brake lever. In the old days I only needed the one but with hydrauilic brakes these days you can't use a clutch lever upside for a brake lever like you used to be able to do.

Chuck in a can of chain lube and no harm having a few spare chain links including a joining link and a chain breaker just in case you snap a chain and need to patch it until you get a new one.

I also include a few lengths of mild steel tie wire, the type you use on concrete reinforcing - will come in handy to tie a few things if you break a luggage rack mount or something like that.

Thanks
I have added your suggestions to the list, I would never of thought of the cable ties.
Hopefully others will use this list too :)

[chris]

Dump the intercom (why the need to converse?) and GPS gubbins (just use a map). Where are you gonna plug your chargers in if you're stopping in a tent?

Finally when it's all packed in your panniers etc, lay the bike on the ground and try and pick it up. When you realise you can't, re-evaluate what you want to take.

[inlinefour]

I would not carry about half of that lot at all and I only carry what I really need. Are you lot on bikes or using a cage & trailer? :wait:

[chris]

Don't end up like these two munters

[Macktheknife]

Looks good to me, are you crossing the strait? if so then get some ratchet tie-downs for the ferry. I would leave off the batteries as you can get some more anywhere on the road. Comms gear was a good idea but on my last tour it really wasnt much help.Do a test pack and then see if you can move the bike, if not, reconsider your list.

[chris]

Do a test pack and then see if you can move the bike, if not, reconsider your list.


Err,
Finally when it's all packed in your panniers etc, lay the bike on the ground and try and pick it up. When you realise you can't, re-evaluate what you want to take.

Above all, have fun.

[XTC]

I call waterproof liners "plastic bags"..... Free from any small town supermarket. I think in NZ that GPS is something you could do without. You may want to find a really strong luggage rack so you can take along a spare bike for parts?? (p/t)

[laRIKin]

Things I would like to have but may not be available or need
1. Larger capacity fuel tank


It's pretty much carry the same gear.

Would suggest a small length of chain to go with the spare links and a chain breaker.
We now carry a GPS but I do not turn it on, unless we want to register a way point.
Or if we get lost and it could come in handy if some one gets hurt real bad in the middle of know where.
At least then you can give the Ambo people a good idea where the hurt rider is.
After all it's better than saying , he is down a track just passed the big tree.

And we both want larger tanks, not that we really need then, just to be on the safe side.

[merv]

I'm using a GPS for fun these days but run it on AA alkaline batteries which you can buy anywhere, just have spare pair on me each day. Last about 3 days if on for about 10 hrs a day.

The hardest thing about packing like this is trying to imagine what you might want because the bugger is when "it" happens the things you need you won't have e.g. a large heavy hammer or a bench vise or something to straighten stuff out, and all the stuff you do carry you won't use. One advantage of riding the XR is they are pretty tough with little extra hanging out and unless you have a big off you shouldn't bend it much. Riding with mates is handy because then you can share the things you carry. All up I pack my tools in one roll and the few bike spares, levers etc in another roll - don't take up too much space

I haven't been away on the bike as long as 20 days but have done two complete South Island tours on the VFR and managed with the two Ventura Aero bags that zip together on the pack rack. I did put everything in plastic bags but believe me plastic bags are like sieves if the main bag gets wet - something to do with osmosis I guess, so the trick is I have a storm cover for the Ventura bags and put that over them as soon as it looks like rain. Free supermarket bags are usually split in the bottom corners from the day you get them so they don't help much at keeping water out.

The other thing I thought of is that I carry is a fire extinguisher - just a small one on each bike - never sure what use they'll be as I've never had to use one but the adventure rides in some cases have made them compulsory so I now own some so figure they are not much use left in the garage when off on the dirt bike in some dry back country. Don't worry about them on the road bike usually.

Also the other things I always carry, road or dirt, is visor (goggle) cleaner and nice cotton rags. Nothing worse than not being able to see where you are going.

p.s. should say I never bother with any of the camping stuff - always stay where they at least have a decent queen or king bed and a spa bath.

As for the munters above they really didn't need all their stuff because they had a support crew.

[laRIKin]

I forgot to add.

We do not have a intercom as such, but do sometimes carry a RT each. (does have a under helmet head piece if needed)
So SDU could, if needed tell me she is in trouble.
Or I can tell her what to look out for when she is trying to get up a tricky trail after I have gone up it.
Or if she gets lost and by beeping a horn can advise how to find the trail or me again.

And as long as you can unload enough of the luggage easily so you can pick it up. (the bike)
You can reload the bike again and ride off.

[Oscar]

Get an old inner tube and cut it into rubber bands - it's amazing how handy they can be.

[XTC]

Get an old inner tube and cut it into rubber bands - it's amazing how handy they can be.
Just be careful when coasting along no handed while trying to flick rubberbands at your mates....

[far queue]

Just be careful when coasting along no handed while trying to flick rubberbands at your mates....
:first: Ha ha ha ha ha

[far queue]

Here's my suggestions, agree or not as you wish ...

Delete from list
Spare Bike Key - how often have you lost your vehicle keys ?
Spare lock keys - as above
Kidney Belt - you wont be riding that aggressively carrying all this shit.
Waterproof stuff sack for tent etc - see below
Waterproof liners for Panniers - see below
Tie downs for attaching things to - Tie downs are overkill, except to secure the bike on the ferry.
Cables (brake, clutch and throttle) - do your maintenance and these shouldn’t break
Spare clutch and Brake lever - see below
Fire Extinguisher - highly unlikely to need, why bother
Intercom (rider to rider) – more of a novelty, stop for a chat if you have to, you’ve got 20 days
Spare rechargeable batteries (and charger for these items) - not needed, I’ve deleted the items that use them for you
GPS - not needed, I understand there are no maps for the back country of NZ anyway
GPS mount – not needed, I’ve deleted your GPS for you


Add to list
Council rubbish bags - They make good bag liners. They’re larger and stronger than supermarket bags and you can put your tent inside 1 or 2 of them if needed.

A warehouse blue tarpaulin - they’re cheap, light, and can be rigged up as extra rain protection in bad weather so you can get out of your tent for cooking etc.

Bungies - They’re good for tying stuff onto your bike like your sheepskin, tent etc and also useful for securing the tarpaulin as above. Buy a pack from The Warehouse.

Barkbusters - Fit them to your bike, then you won’t break your levers.

Compass - It’s a good companion for your map if you get disoriented

Whistle - It’s a damn site easier to hear than you yelling if you get injured and need to summon help, and requires a lot less effort to use if you’re in a bad way.

Some suggestions.
Chuck out some of the crappy tools that come with your bike, and replace them with decent quality multi use tools. For example, replace the standard cheap and nasty pliers with a small pair of long nose vice grip pliers, these also have a wire cutter on them. When you do any work on your bike at home, use the tool kit you carry with you on the bike, then you’ll soon find what’s missing.

Before doing the big trip, do a few weekend trips and take note of what you haven’t used and can therefore leave behind.

[Zukin]

Here's my suggestions, agree or not as you wish ...

Delete from list
Spare Bike Key - how often have you lost your vehicle keys ?
Spare lock keys - as above
Kidney Belt - you wont be riding that aggressively carrying all this shit.
Waterproof stuff sack for tent etc - see below
Waterproof liners for Panniers - see below
Tie downs for attaching things to - Tie downs are overkill, except to secure the bike on the ferry.
Cables (brake, clutch and throttle) - do your maintenance and these shouldn’t break
Spare clutch and Brake lever - see below
Fire Extinguisher - highly unlikely to need, why bother
Intercom (rider to rider) – more of a novelty, stop for a chat if you have to, you’ve got 20 days
Spare rechargeable batteries (and charger for these items) - not needed, I’ve deleted the items that use them for you
GPS - not needed, I understand there are no maps for the back country of NZ anyway
GPS mount – not needed, I’ve deleted your GPS for you



Hey there

In regards to some of the stuff you have deleted, I already have, so might as well use em if I ave em :) (waterproof liners)

The GPS - I will take the GPS, I know how they work and when they dont work, I know how to work them, they dont take up much space, I have a special map on them so I can use them for auto routing (not like a Navman) and have a pc based map program so I can use it for the trails to :)
Most of all, when you have had to save someone elses life (in which I have had to do) it is a very useful tool, and I consider it part of my survival kit, anything that I consider life saving equipments when off the beaten track goes. I guess the fire extingusher fits here to, they are small (but a pain to mount anywhere), I dont think the bikes catch fire very often, but what about things like cooking, or other cars etc

Keys - Reminder there are 2 of us travelling so the other bikes "Spare keys"will be on their key ring, knowing my luck I would lose my keys somewhere remote, then what!! :gob:

You are right about some of the tools and levers.
Thanks heaps

[XP@]

GPS - not needed, I understand there are no maps for the back country of NZ anyway
GPS mount – not needed, I’ve deleted your GPS for you
Have to disagree with the gps... whilst not essential, and possibly usless on the trip it can save the conversation (note NOT necessarily phone call)
"Hi, my mate fell off"
"Where?"
"Urr... on the hill"
"Which hill"
"Urr, the one on the way to blah"

Instead the conversation goes like this:
"Hi, my mate fell off"
"Where?"
" 41° 6'34.02"S 174°53'31.46"E"
"Ok, the chopper is on it's way"

The GPS is also a fun toy which you can use to auto document your adventure, especially if you are somewhat geeky in nature. or just have a bad memory.

So, if you have the room, carry it, just don't expect it to tell you which direction to go in (but the garmin V does a good job if you are on the road).

[laRIKin]

Keys - Reminder there are 2 of us travelling so the other bikes "Spare keys"will be on their key ring, knowing my luck I would lose my keys somewhere remote, then what!! :gob:

You are right about some of the tools and levers.
Thanks heaps

A key at the end of the day is not big or heavy, so if you feel better carry a spare, do so.

I have been on trips where we have had to play, find the key in all the pockets and gear and it is not fun.
It has been found in a rolled up tent.
The key is always some where safe and does turn up, but you can waste 1/2 an hour to an hour to find it. (and that does piss the rest of the group off)
And if that 1/2 an hour makes you late for the Ferry you are in the shit.

I work on my bikes out of the tools I carry so to see if I carry the right tools.

Even though I have Bark Busters I still carry a clutch lever taped to the frame under the seat, just in case. (could tape bolt etc to the bash plate)
You can ride out of the bush slowly with out one brake.
But try and ride with out a clutch, in and out off trees and up and down hill and out of bog holes.
On the road it's not to bad, but in the bush you have to keep finding flat or down hill tracks and get help to push and restart the bike so you can take off.
And that gets old real quick, trust me and pushing/towing a bike up hill is not fun, because the track/road are to narrow to start them down hill so they can do a U turn.

I carry to much gear so I'm told.
And when there is a break down, guess who's tool kit gets used.
That's when I get my own back.

As you can see on a other thread we do not look like we are carry to much gear.
And remember that you can spread the gear around.
After all you only (in a group) have to carry one of every thing.
Not three sets of tire levers pumps and spanners.
Every one should carry one tube and their bikes (not all the same) and a spare spark plug.

[Zukin]

Have to disagree with the gps... whilst not essential, and possibly usless on the trip it can save the conversation (note NOT necessarily phone call)
"Hi, my mate fell off"
"Where?"
"Urr... on the hill"
"Which hill"
"Urr, the one on the way to blah"

Instead the conversation goes like this:
"Hi, my mate fell off"
"Where?"
" 41° 6'34.02"S 174°53'31.46"E"
"Ok, the chopper is on it's way"

The GPS is also a fun toy which you can use to auto document your adventure, especially if you are somewhat geeky in nature. or just have a bad memory.

So, if you have the room, carry it, just don't expect it to tell you which direction to go in (but the garmin V does a good job if you are on the road).

That is exactly what happened to me, hence why whenever I travel, regardless of whether it is by bike or car, I carry it
I was on a 4wd trip with a small group a few years back, we were on a private property in the South Island, when the truck behind me (I was the leader) got to close to the edge of the bank, the bank gave way and the over he went, he rolled and rolled and rolled and rolled......
The first I knew was the radio call, so we raced down the bank (which was very steep, until we reached the truck, which was now almost flat, the female passenger was injured but not seriously we managed to get her out the back door, but the same could not be said for the driver!!
So as we were in a remote area, there was no cell ph coverage, so one of us had to continue on until we could contact the rescue services. I used the GPS for the co ords and carried on the track, I also stopped where I thought would be a good place for the copter to land nearby. (this would prove very valuable), It took me about 45 mins to reach a place I could use a cell phone, made the call and they took the co-ords, I was then called back by the copter base crew to check the co-ords, they told me to wait in cell coverage until they were in the accident scene.
Anyway to cut a long story short, if it wasnt for the GPS that day, we think the driver of the trauck would not be with us today! That was almost 2 years ago and he is still on the road to recovery.

Thats why I carry a GPS, not always for me, but you never know what you may find around the corner!

[XP@]

Almost forgot the single most useful accessory....

an umbrella!

It is shade when the sun shines.
It is shelter when it rains.
It is saviour from the wind.

Never leave on a long trip without one.

[Big Dave]

Get an old inner tube and cut it into rubber bands - it's amazing how handy they can be.


Sex sex sex - it's all you ever think about.

What about coming up with 500 words on this topic and submitting it to kiwi rider, some of you blokes - Merv?

[Zukin]

Just thinking about the Soft Panniers again

Has anyone ever had a problem with them getting into the back wheel, or equally as bad catching on fire from them being to close to the exhaust??:gob:

[Zukin]

Don't end up like these two munters

Why do you think they are munters???
I seem to think they are ok, they lived a dream, they probably managed to get most of it funded from sponsors
They raised quite a considerable amount of cash for those less fortunate
and
They put adventure riding on the world map??

I am confused??

I probably wouldnt like them if I was jealous of what they achieved, but I am struggling to think of any other major reason why I would like them?

[clint640]

Just thinking about the Soft Panniers again

Has anyone ever had a problem with them getting into the back wheel, or equally as bad catching on fire from them being to close to the exhaust??:gob:

If you are solo on the bike the panniers should sit well forward so there's no chance of them getting into the wheel. If they are too close to the exhaust you need to make a rack to keep them away a bit, or as someone said, if they are pressing the sidepanel into the pipe put a bumper between the pipe & the plastic.

Charley & Ewan were munters 'cos with little dirt experience, they chose the biggest heaviest bikes they could find to travel lots of shitty roads on & loaded them to buggery even though they had support vehicles. Then complained how hard it was. It was good for a laugh & they did do some good, but there's probably a trip report on Advrider every few weeks that would be far more worthy of being made into TV.

Cheers
Clint

[Wolf]

Charley & Ewan were munters 'cos with little dirt experience, they chose the biggest heaviest bikes they could find to travel lots of shitty roads on & loaded them to buggery even though they had support vehicles. Then complained how hard it was. It was good for a laugh & they did do some good, but there's probably a trip report on Advrider every few weeks that would be far more worthy of being made into TV.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Way Round but it buggered my mind why they would practise dirt riding on F650GS Dakars and then set forth on R1100GS's.

The Silk Riders chose a fleet of F650GS Dakars for their journey along the Silk Road because their research deemed it to be the most appropriate bike for the task. I do not know if the F650GS would be the most appropriate bike for the route Charley and Ewan took, but I suspect it would be better than what they took - lighter, more manoeuvrable, less carrying capacity ( = less crap on the bikes and more in the support vehicles, it'd force them to pack light).

I admire what Charley and Ewan did and I applaud them for giving Adventure Riding a higher profile in the minds of the general public, but I think they made some stupid choices along the way and I bloody-near cried every time I saw them struggling like mad trying to get their bikes out of the river or the mud or pick them up - because it was so bloody unnecessary!

Fucking near pissed myself when their cameraman (aka "the least organised adventurer on the planet") had to ride a Russian motorbike after he buggered his R1100 and he went tootling past Charley and Ewan while they were buried bloody-near up to their tanks in a bog. They should have ditched half their gear and the R1100s and grabbed a couple more of those Russian bikes.

Personally I'd go with as small and as light a bike as I could get away with and still carry the essentials - the decreased carrying capacity would ensure I only carried essentials. Neat tricks like: Instead of the entire Snap-On tool range, carry only the tools required to repair your bike and get dual- or multi-purpose ones where possible - like the tyre irons that incorporate six-point ring spanners in various sizes (the set also has a socket adapter for one of the rings so you can use the tyre irons and a selection of sockets to take apart bloody-near anything).

I've compiled lists based on what other people have taken on their world tours (Sjaak Lucassen's list for his R1 World Tour, various lists on the Horizons Unlimited site etc) and then modified (read "thinned down") those lists based on where I hope to travel (New Zealand first, then Europe later when I can afford it) and my personal experience of camping/tramping and lengthy bike rides. Even then, I suspect that if I assembled the equipment I have listed for a European tour, I'd be forced to ruthlessly cull a lot of weight and mass to fit it on the bike.

Deciding things in advance based on best possible research is paramount - like where you'll stay en route (budget and availability can be deciding factors), what sort of roads you'll be on (and the risks they entail = what sort of bike to take and what spares are likely to be needed) and all the travel information, risks and hazards (do I pack the snake-bite kit and anti-malaria meds, do I need a bullet proof vest and armoured fuel tank?) and legal requirements (safety vests and warning triangles for every vehicle driving/riding in the Czech Republic, for example) for the area you will be traversing.

[XP@]

but there's probably a trip report on Advrider every few weeks that would be far more worthy of being made into TV.

... or on http://www.horizonsunlimited.com

[far queue]

Just thinking about the Soft Panniers again

Has anyone ever had a problem with them getting into the back wheel, or equally as bad catching on fire from them being to close to the exhaust??:gob:

When I melted the sidecover against the exhaust, I also burnt the sheepskin that was against the muffler as well, but the soft pannier itself was fine, other than having some melted sidecover plastic stuck to it - it's still there as a reminder. Never had a problem with the bags getting near the well, keep them mounted as high as you can.

I've seen a mates pannier on his road bike get a big hole worn in it from the wheel though - and he'd only borrowed them for the weekend too :nono:

[laRIKin]

Just thinking about the Soft Panniers again

Has anyone ever had a problem with them getting into the back wheel, or equally as bad catching on fire from them being to close to the exhaust??:gob:

I welded a hoop made from some 10mm steel rod to the rails of the pack rack to hold the bags out and so I could use the same cargo nets to hold the bags in place.
I can ride off road and they seem to stay in place.

I would take a pic of them, that is if they were still on the bike.
I only have them on for trips as I like to ride the 640 like a MX bike and do not want to break the pack rack rails or get caught up in them in a crash.
It also makes the bike lower at the back, which makes it easier to swing your leg over then you are getting tired.

I may if I have time put them back on and take a pic for you this weekend.

On SDU DR650 I made a extra heat shield to go over the factory one and put a extra rubber bung to space the side cover out to stop it melting like far queue's did.
We can smell the rubber (bung) getting hot some times, but as the bung are only a $1 or so I'm not to worried about that.

I'll post some pic's of that as well for you in the weekend.

[Henk]

As for the radios that got ditched. We run a couple of cheap uniden VHFs with $30 worth of bits from dick smith and a couple of dirt bike kill switches. The don't get used much but are handy for "Car coming, car coming, logging truck coming park yourself in the drain" on narrow gravel back roads. Means that whichever of us is riding sweep can concentrate on lines instead of being paranoid about oncoming subarus.

[laRIKin]

I found a pic of my rack alteration.

[far queue]

I found a pic of my rack alteration.
Really :gob: You got implants :gob:

[Zukin]

As for the radios that got ditched. We run a couple of cheap uniden VHFs with $30 worth of bits from dick smith and a couple of dirt bike kill switches. The don't get used much but are handy for "Car coming, car coming, logging truck coming park yourself in the drain" on narrow gravel back roads. Means that whichever of us is riding sweep can concentrate on lines instead of being paranoid about oncoming subarus.

Hi

I wouldnt ditch the radios, but want I want to do is the following (it sounds like you have this sort of setup anyway)

2 x UHF radios
2 x Earpieces to go inside helmet
2 x mics also inside helmet

and to switches to attach to the handle bar, then all I do is press the button and talk.
The radios can then be hiden inside a pocket out of the way :yes:
Cheers Scott

[Zukin]

I found a pic of my rack alteration.

Cheers for that, it definately gives me some food for thought.
The only difference I see is on the DRZ, the exhaust comes all the way out the back, unlike yours which doesnt extend all the way out.
You can see it here (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/bike.gallery/dr-z250k6(onroad).m.jpg)

So I will in the interests of safety (and being mechanically challenged :doh:) I will speak to my friendly Suzuki Dealer to find out what we can do about that!!

Cheers for the pictures

[laRIKin]

Really :gob: You got implants :gob:

I'm not saying.

[laRIKin]

The only difference I see is on the DRZ, the exhaust comes all the way out the back, unlike yours which doesnt extend all the way out.


You may not realise that my exhaust pipe crosses over and comes out the other side of the bike.
In the pic you will see my exhaust and that I have the Shinko's on and only stopped because I
threw a chain when I hit a tree root?

[laRIKin]

Here is the pic of the double heat shield.
The out most one I made and I left the factory one underneath.

And on the side view you may see a small black dot on the side cover next to the heat shield, which is the extra rubber bung to keep the side cover off the pipe.

[Moki]

I would recommend including the following when the going really gets tough:
-zip ties
-spare fuses
-spare bulbs
-tie down straps (at least 2)

(No I'm not some perv... sorry -wrong thread- this was meant for the Adventure Riding toolkit)

[Nathan]

Nice list.

[NighthawkNZ]

(No I'm not some perv... sorry -wrong thread- this was meant for the Adventure Riding toolkit)


Are you sure... could have fooled me... :lol:

[chris]

Why do you think they are munters?
Have you read the replies by Clint and Wolf to this question? If so, you have your answer. It is the reason I posted this early on
Finally when it's all packed in your panniers etc, lay the bike on the ground and try and pick it up. When you realise you can't, re-evaluate what you want to take.?


but I am struggling to think of any other major reason why I would like them?So you don't like them?

[Oscar]

Why do you think they are munters???
I seem to think they are ok, they lived a dream, they probably managed to get most of it funded from sponsors
They raised quite a considerable amount of cash for those less fortunate
and
They put adventure riding on the world map??

I am confused??

I probably wouldnt like them if I was jealous of what they achieved, but I am struggling to think of any other major reason why I would like them?

They spent too much time worrying about having the right gear and not enough worrying about their riding skills. They were lucky to survive in my opinion.

Charley probably would come down the B Grade field in a NZ National Enduro and Ewen would be lucky to finish. I pissed myself when they came to the "almost impassable" Mongolian bogs - they had NO idea...

[Skyrich]

I purchased a Garmin Zumo a few months back and was pretty impressed at the detail on the latest Streemaps for NZ - most, if not all the back country roads are on it on both North and South Island. We found outself on a small track on Old Mans Range down south and even that track was listed. I thought it would be a novelty item but don't ride without it now. Besides it does not take up any space mounted in my cockpit.

You havent' got a pump listed - how are you going to get going again if you can't pump your tyres ? The CO2 cannisters are useful however I am told it takes at least 3 if not more to fill a GS rear tyre. So a small hand pump strapped to the bike would be a good idea.

I ride 2 up and have found the intercom system to be essential. Its great to be able to communicate and pass the time. And again takes up minimal space and weighs a couple of hundred grams. I also have my Ipod in my jacket pocket connected to the sound system. :rockon:

Tie down ratchet straps, as previously mentioned, are essential if you intend going across the Cook strait as the ferries don't always have an adequate number of straps.

Those two brits are jerks - but they have raised the awareness of adv riding and their charoty work was great. Personally I prefferred Charlies Dakar race - more realism !

Cheers
rich

[tri boy]

Two essentials:
Chewing gum.(better than chewing ya tongue, or inner cheek.:shutup:
Wallet and cash. (amazing what you can bribe ya way out of).

Chewing gum makes a great patch job on all sorts of broken things, if you got the time to let it set.

[buggsubique]

" 41° 6'34.02"S 174°53'31.46"E"


Will you look at that...I live just around the corner from you...

[RedKLR650]

I wouldnt ditch the radios, but want I want to do is the following

2 x UHF radios
2 x Earpieces to go inside helmet
2 x mics also inside helmet

and to switches to attach to the handle bar, then all I do is press the button and talk.
Cheers Scott

You can get this exact setup fairly cheaply from Jaycar Electronics..... :whocares:

Cheers, Stu :shutup:

[RedKLR650]

I would recommend including the following when the going really gets tough:
-zip ties
-spare fuses
-spare bulbs
-tie down straps (at least 2)


Totally agree about the spare fuse thing, but would also add a small torch;)

Was in darkness north of Wellington near the old Tui Brewery in the middle of bloody no-where while on the Southern Cross when the main fuse suddenly blew ( that's where I found out that a still working indicator can come in very handy in finding the road while slowing down to a stop ):clap:

Standing there in the dark while unloading my gear to get the seat off to change the fuse, I really appreciated the small torch I'd taken along. There was a spare fuse in the fuseholder luckily as I hadn't taken one along - I had almost everything but.... :angry2:

( I had briefly considered walking back to the Tui Brewery for help, but realised that by 11.30pm, the Tui chicks would have gone home for the day anyway.... ) :cold:

Note to self, replace spare fuse in fusebox :-) :bash:

Stu :scooter:

[pete376403]

Two essentials:
Chewing gum.(better than chewing ya tongue, or inner cheek.:shutup:
Wallet and cash. (amazing what you can bribe ya way out of).

Chewing gum makes a great patch job on all sorts of broken things, if you got the time to let it set.
Carrying the chewing gum in the spares kit yes - chewing while riding - risky if you crash, there's every chance of inhaling it. Get a foreign object in your lung and you'll cough for the rest of your life (assuming it doesn't choke you on the way down)

[Oscar]

Carrying the chewing gum in the spares kit yes - chewing while riding - risky if you crash, there's every chance of inhaling it. Get a foreign object in your lung and you'll cough for the rest of your life (assuming it doesn't choke you on the way down)



I had no idea Auntie Helen was a member here.
I say chew gum and run with sissors at the same time...

[homer]

where r u going in nz for 20 days .....with no one anywhere for a week at a time ?
top of mt cook ?
Id have about a quarter what you said

Just a thought what about road side assist?

[Transalper]

...Just a thought what about road side assist?Roadside assist implies you think we might actually have our breakdowns somewhere near an actual paved road or somewhere the will service. Not usually the case.

[deanohit]

I have been told that insted of carrying spare levers, file a break line halfway along the lever so they can snap off if they hit hard, you are then left with a stubby lever which you can then slip a short piece of garden hose over to give you a full lever again.

[Wolf]

I have been told that insted of carrying spare levers, file a break line halfway along the lever so they can snap off if they hit hard, you are then left with a stubby lever which you can then slip a short piece of garden hose over to give you a full lever again.
I've found my bark busters have been great for stopping the buggers getting damaged at all. Get ones with decent fairings on them and they'll keep some of the wind and water off your hands as well.

[GaZBur]

I've found my bark busters have been great for stopping the buggers getting damaged at all. Get ones with decent fairings on them and they'll keep some of the wind and water off your hands as well.
Bark busters are great for protecting the levers up to a point and in fact take a lot of punishment off the whole bike itself. You are right too about wind protection as it helps prevent painfully numb fingers in the cold which is my personal hate about biking.
What I do is loosen the lever bolts a little until they are firm but when you whack them they turn on the bars instead of breaking, proven this works for motard crashes anyway. No need to take a spare then. I am about to set up for Adventure riding and my objective is to carry as little weight as possible - which means just essentials not a huge list of gear and replacement parts that I will probably never use. The more you carry - the more weight you bike is - the more likely you are to fall - the more likely you are to break things etc etc.

[GaZBur]

Far queues idea about dumping the stock toolkit items has some merit although some of the lists of things on here are surely enough for expedition riders not adventure riders. The spanners you get are crap and are more likely to strip a bolt head than turn it, so replace with decent ones (ring spanners). Are you like me and instead of using the tool in your toolkit to loosen the back axle get out a dirty great socket spanner instead so when you need to loosen it at the roadside its way to tight for the pathetic tool in the toolkit?

MOTORCYCLISTS MUST ALWAYS CARRY
Tying wire
Duct Tape.

[deanohit]

Some guy has a sig on here that says:
Always carry duct tape and CRC.
CRC for the things that don't but should move.
Duct tape for the things that do but shouldn't move.

[Oscar]

Far queues idea about dumping the stock toolkit items has some merit although some of the lists of things on here are surely enough for expedition riders not adventure riders. The spanners you get are crap and are more likely to strip a bolt head than turn it, so replace with decent ones (ring spanners). Are you like me and instead of using the tool in your toolkit to loosen the back axle get out a dirty great socket spanner instead so when you need to loosen it at the roadside its way to tight for the pathetic tool in the toolkit?

MOTORCYCLISTS MUST ALWAYS CARRY
Tying wire
Duct Tape.

Nuthin' wrong with KTM toolkits.
I dunno if it's been mentioned, but a pair of quality vice grips are very handy. Not only can they be used as a spanner, you can use 'em as an emergency gear shifter or to hold things together...

[Wolf]

Tools.

As my bike didn't have the tool kit when I got it, I've had no choice re assembling my own.

I carry a 1/2" ratchet drive with a 1/2-1/4" adapter and a selection of sockets in addition to a small selection of decent-quality combination (open-end/ring) spanners. My screwdriver is an "L" shaped bit driver and I have a selection of hex bits in my kit along with slot and phillips bits - it makes a great screwdriver-and-allen-key.

Still lacking a few essential tools (like a plug socket) and I'm planning on getting 3 "ring-spanner/tyre iron" combinations (2x22mm and 1x19mm) to cut down on weight/bulk (rather than carrying three large spanners and a set of tyre irons).

[tri boy]

You know i'm bored when i start taking pic's of the "Adaptor Kit".
Pretty much, what you see is what goes on the Scrambler if i'm going for a long day ride, or for 5day round the block ride.
It gets adapted as need be, and the small black vinyl bag goes with the Daytona, but is fitted out with special torx screws etc.
If i still can't get mobile, there is a "special" pill tucked out of site for extreme needs.
Dib Dib Dib, Dob Dob Dob.:whistle:
or if you like the 5 "p"s. Perfect Preperation Prevents piss poor Performance.

Bag is an old camera bag. Survives dust, tumbles, and the ocassional dunking.

Contents displayed.

Daytona day kit.

Mish mash of murphy's essentials.

[warewolf]

the small black vinyl bag goes with the DaytonaEver found a need for the second big allen key? Contrary to the handbook instructions, it's not needed to adjust the drive chain tension. I never carry the second one, it weighs a ton!

[tri boy]

On a couple of ocassions in Oz, the adjusters got out of alignment, so now i just carry both. I hear what ya saying though.;)
Theyr'e great for squashing big cockcroaches, using the crc and a lighter does a good cremation job also.:lol:

[deanohit]

Triboy, instead of carrying a bulky full can of CRC, I now carry a small can of WD-40 I got at the Warehouse for a few bucks, lasts for many trips and doesn't take up much space. :niceone:

Although you won't be able to cremate too many cockroaches with it.

[tri boy]

Trust me, when you own a Triumph Scrambler, a 44gallon drum of the stuff isn't an overkill.:whistle:

Dude. whats with the can of ether? That shit should only be found in the cabs of British Leyland trucks.

[deanohit]

Yea, but it doesn't fix oil leaks?! :dodge:

[tri boy]

Yea, but it doesn't fix oil leaks?! :dodge:


Oh, thats cruel.:eek5:
The Volty will hunt you down.:Pokey:

[deanohit]

Oh, thats cruel.:eek5:
The Volty will hunt you down.:Pokey:

Yea, I know sorry, <_<

Mind you, would ya missus be chasing me on the Volty because you and the Scrambler are stuck some where? :laugh:

[tri boy]

You must spread rep blah blah.......lol

[Wolf]

The tiny WD40 can looks the business. Excellent, considering the lack of space on my little XT225 (which doesn't need as much penetrating lubricant as a Triumph Scrambler. :devil2: ) Cheers Deano.

[deanohit]

Dude. whats with the can of ether? That shit should only be found in the cabs of British Leyland trucks.

Heck, I just noticed that as well, dunno what the Ether is doing in the shed, good shit though! :niceone:

[warewolf]

On a couple of ocassions in Oz, the adjusters got out of alignmentAh, difference could be your sidestand. The Trophy has a centrestand so when the chain adjusters are rotated the axle is under almost no stress.

[warewolf]

I have been told that insted of carrying spare levers, file a break line halfway along the lever so they can snap off if they hit hard, you are then left with a stubby lever which you can then slip a short piece of garden hose over to give you a full lever again.File about 3-4cm in from the end, that will leave you with a 2-finger lever which is pretty much all you use on a dirt bike anyway. No hose needed. I used to drill a hole rather than file, but that leaves a nasty jagged end when it breaks. Also, wrap a few layers of teflon tape around the bars and leave the lever mounts loose enough so that a decent whack will move them.

Of course, if you have a KTM this is already done for you:
<img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/desmonc/lever2.jpg>

And if all else fails, for the EXC models they have emergency lightweight plastic levers that store behind the headlight on top of the lower triple clamp. I need to see if they are usable on the Adventure, they are slightly different:
<img src=http://www.ktm.at/fileadmin/systemdata/hardequipment/50302042100(2).jpg>

[warewolf]

Bark busters are great for protecting the levers up to a pointAll I can say is "choose wisely." The Acerbis Rally Pro (or Rally II?) plastic handguards I used on the DR-Z250 were pretty useless, broke lots of levers with them fitted. I always carried spare levers when going off-road, usually ones that had already had the end snapped off as ball-ends are required for WOF. The trouble was the plastic end-fitting simply wasn't strong enough to stop the guards rotating on the bars (the KTM OEM plastic ones have the same problem for a different reason). Even with loose perches the levers would still break. I'm running genuine alloy BarkBusters on the 200EXC and despite some big hits the levers haven't broken. One rock pushed up between the handguard and bars, this just rotated the perch.


and in fact take a lot of punishment off the whole bike itself.That's debatable, they strengthen the handlebar assembly so put more force onto the bike. Without them, the handlebar would bend thereby absorbing some of the impact force. Admittedly they do bend the bars inboard of the anchor points (ie at the next weak spot) but the BarkBuster triple-clamp mounts do the opposite. I guess the theory is that a stronger assembly shunts the load directly onto a part of the bike that is stronger than the handlebar, one that can handle the impacts.

[GaZBur]

...That's debatable, they strengthen the handlebar assembly so put more force onto the bike.....
Sorry - I gave the wrong impression. The guards I am talking about are the standard ones not real Bark Busters (TM) - just plastic without the metal bar that attaches in two places on the bar, those are illegal for motards if I read the rules correctly anyway. The plastic ones actually flex and cusion the impact -thus saving damage. I still argue against taking spare levers or weakening the existing levers as if you just loosen off the holding bolt a fraction the lever will turn on the handlebar instead of breaking. I have never broken a lever on the DR and its seen a lot of lever meets ground action, both clutch and brake.

[warewolf]

Sorry - I gave the wrong impression. The guards I am talking about are the standard ones not real Bark Busters (TM) - just plastic without the metal bar that attaches in two places on the bar, those are illegal for motards if I read the rules correctly anyway..Ah, I see. I dunno about the use of the term 'standard', they are known as 'flag type'. Motocrossers can only use those ones (mainly for roost protection) and enclosed ones are banned, probably as in motard, to stop the argy-bargy that might result from having enclosed hands. They are permitted in enduro and cross-country as the course is not so well groomed and you could be a long way from help (or not allowed any help).


I still argue against taking spare levers or weakening the existing levers as if you just loosen off the holding bolt a fraction the lever will turn on the handlebar instead of breaking. I have never broken a lever on the DR and its seen a lot of lever meets ground action, both clutch and brake.Off-road or on the track? I'll argue the other way :D 'cos even with loose perches (and guards fitted) the DR-Z250 broke plenty of levers in the forest (and the DR200 broke a couple, and the Domi...). I've watched a low-speed tumble where the lever broke because the load was at an angle that wasn't conducive to rotating the perch... and that was what I suspected was the typical loading angle for the many I didn't see in slo-mo. btw not sure if the enclosed BarkBusters are banned from motard (in all markets), as they sell replacable end-scrapers specifically for motard!?

I've had modified levers snap the ball-end off, but never had them fail inboard of the weak spot and never been left in the lurch. Filing the levers costs almost nothing and saves weight! Everyone should do it.

[GaZBur]

...Off-road or on the track? I'll argue the other way :D 'cos even with loose perches (and guards fitted) the DR-Z250 broke plenty of levers in the forest (and the DR200 broke a couple, and the Domi...). I've watched a low-speed tumble where the lever broke because the load was at an angle that wasn't conducive to rotating the perch... and that was what I suspected was the typical loading angle for the many I didn't see in slo-mo....I've had modified levers snap the ball-end off, but never had them fail inboard of the weak spot and never been left in the lurch. Filing the levers costs almost nothing and saves weight! Everyone should do it.
Hmmmm!!! Now I think about it all my offs have been at speed and I see how lower speed falls will create a force directed more along the angle of the bar than against it so breaks are more likely. You make a convincing arguement and I conceed the point - now wheres the damn file gone!!! :D

[warewolf]

I'm planning on getting 3 "ring-spanner/tyre iron" combinations (2x22mm and 1x19mm) to cut down on weight/bulk (rather than carrying three large spanners and a set of tyre irons).See my thoughts on combo tools (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1175568#post1175568) in the Changing Tyres thread.

[young1]

Ah, I see. I dunno about the use of the term 'standard', they are known as 'flag type'. Motocrossers can only use those ones (mainly for roost protection) and enclosed ones are banned, probably as in motard, to stop the argy-bargy that might result from having enclosed hands. They are permitted in enduro and cross-country as the course is not so well groomed and you could be a long way from help (or not allowed any help).



I thought the enclosed ones were banned in mx because of the number of guys breaking wrists (open ones are a bit more forgiving than enclosed ones)?

[partireper.it]

Hi again

Now as you all know I am a novice when it comes to this, so again I ask for wisdom and advice!
I have made a list of things I need (or want) in some sort order, am I on the right track?

Please feel free to add or move things in your replies (it is for 2 bikes & riders), and imagine it is for 20 days on the road, stopping in town to refuel restock food etc.
If you see something that should be moved, or deleted or added please let me know in this thread by replying.

Then there is always incidentals like camera, drivers licence, personal toiletries etc

Cheers and thanks for your help

is this setting up for new zealand or other countries?

[Paladin]

Hi guys,

As a newbie to the world of adv riding, just wanted to say that this is a really helpful thread - cheers!

Dave

[Wolf]

After working on the XT a few weekends back, I'm adding a 16mm metric fine bolt to my tool kit - it'd make it easier to remove the magnetic rotor from the end of the shaft than what we wound up doing (just wind it in and let it push the rotor off).

[Lonebull]

Hi guys,

As a newbie to the world of adv riding, just wanted to say that this is a really helpful thread - cheers!

Dave

I Agree this thread has been very informative. I'm just starting out on this Adventure riding caper. Have a new KTM on the way and can't wait.

I have done lots of long distance road touring and what I have learned is that you won't use half of what you think you should take. I have spent years hunting too and I can survive on bugger all for quite a while. I have a dehydrater. I dehydrate a good stew and seal it in a bag. Its light and lasts ages without freezing. Heaps cheaper than those freeze dried things and much tastier.
A roll of Duct tape is great and as mentioned by someone earlier some soft wire for tying stuff up. With regard to the GPS, can it. Learn how to read a map and use a compass. Don't rely on something that can break down if you don't have to (bike excluded of course). Coleman make a really good single burner cooker that will run on virtually anything. gas canister burners are great but I prefer the coleman. It has a bullit proof design and no bloddy o-rings to crap out and it will run on, white spirits, kero or petrol (yes petrol)

Would like to hear a little more on Bike set up and prep from those in the know...:scooter:

[clint640]

Would like to hear a little more on Bike set up and prep from those in the know...:scooter:

I don't really qualify as 'in the know' but I won't let that stop me:

Have a readup on setting up your suspension for offroad, your new KTM will be fully adjustable so if you're lucky a few clicks here & there will get it working pretty good, check the sag with it loaded right up too.

Have a look over on Advrider.com for more bike specific stuff, heaps of good info from all over the world there - the Orange Crush section if your new beast is a twin, Thumpers for the singles.

When you start getting really adventurous, a GPS can be bloody handy. I can use a map & compass pretty well, & will take them also for serious exploring, but when you're trying to work out which one of the 6 nondescript tracks you've seen heading off into the scrub off the last 500m of some backroad is the one that takes you through 50km of great riding with a pub at the end, as opposed to the other 5 that are just dead ends, the GPS is the shizz.

Cheers
Clint

[alfonz]

hi you have lots of gear . only thing is i would lose the bike lock and kidney belt . because you can lock your bike wiht your keys and the kidney belt ur riding 2 up ? i think so you wont be needing it all the other stuff is good i would add a tube of needit metal putty as it is very usefull for repairs and a bike pump

[Wolf]

hi you have lots of gear . only thing is i would lose the bike lock and kidney belt . because you can lock your bike wiht your keys and the kidney belt ur riding 2 up ? i think so you wont be needing it all the other stuff is good i would add a tube of needit metal putty as it is very usefull for repairs and a bike pump
Sadly, the thread-starter to whom you are replying is no longer with us and the question of what gear he's using to explore the Undiscovered Country is a matter for philosophical debate.

RIP Scott.

[NordieBoy]

A SPOT may be a useful addition.

[Wolf]

A SPOT may be a useful addition.
Nah, don't use drugs before a ride...

[NordieBoy]

Nah, don't use drugs before a ride...

Not before. During.

[Paladin]

Not before. During.

Workin for me at the mo!!!

:whistle:

Only Panadol tho - go on, call me a lightweight!
;)

[gav24]

This tip may already be buried somewhere else in this (long) thread, but instead of taking spare levers and having to change them, drill a 3 or 4 mm hole about 2/3 the way along the lever towards the ball end. If you drop it the lever still breaks, but at the weakest point where the hole is and you should have enough left to get home or to the next bike shop for a new one.
Also not a bright idea to leave the lever with no ball on for too long as they make a great spear! I have the scar on my arse to prove it - sorry no photos!

Also barkbusters are banned from mx, because if your hands slip forward off the bars, or you go over the bars, the leverage on your wrists will snap them easily - ouch! Also notice that most riders in the world enduro champs use the flag type for that reason even though bark busters are allowed... But, having said that, I use bark busters and dont worry about levers!

[junkmanjoe]

umm not sure about haveing a look at your ass.
bit i got a big scar on my back from a crash.

and yes it plays in the back off my mind about hands falling through the barkbuster bars after kissing the dirt.

[Oscar]

Also barkbusters are banned from mx, because if your hands slip forward off the bars, or you go over the bars, the leverage on your wrists will snap them easily - ouch! Also notice that most riders in the world enduro champs use the flag type for that reason even though bark busters are allowed... But, having said that, I use bark busters and dont worry about levers!

I keep hearing this (and the first time I can clearly recall, by a Aussie competitor at the NZ Three National Enduro at Riverhead about 20 years ago), and in all this time - racing, organising and officiating at any number of off-road events I have yet to see it happen. It would take a strange set of circumstances to propel your hands down rather than forwards. Think about it, if you're propelled over the bars, you go forward and up and so do your hands.

Edit: this got me to thinking and I checked the MNZ rules. They were pretty much as I left them - MX bikes aren't allowed "metal handlebar protectors" in NZ or Island Championships, SX bikes are never allowed them.

[Wolf]

I keep hearing this, and after twenty five years of racing, organising and officiating at any number of off-road events I have yet to see it happen.
It would take a strange set of circumstances to propel your hands down rather than forwards. Think about it, if you're propelled over the bars, you go forward and up and so do your hands.
I've dropped the XT four times and ridden into a gorse bush once and not had any risk of getting my hands caught in the bark busters but they sure as fuck spared my levers.

I've been warned off the flag type by other riders on the grounds that they do not have the rigidity to protect your knuckles if you clip a tree branch - admittedly not as much of a risk on an MX track as on a natural trail.

[Oscar]

I've dropped the XT four times and ridden into a gorse bush once and not had any risk of getting my hands caught in the bark busters but they sure as fuck spared my levers.

I've been warned off the flag type by other riders on the grounds that they do not have the rigidity to protect your knuckles if you clip a tree branch - admittedly not as much of a risk on an MX track as on a natural trail.

I hear ya.
Pre-bark busters I broke fingers and levers.
Since fitting them (on my barnd new 1984 IT200!), no broken levers of digits.

The other problem used to be gorse and scrub pulling in/jamming clutch levers (bad) or front brake levers (much worse).

[Wolf]

The other problem used to be gorse and scrub pulling in/jamming clutch levers (bad) or front brake levers (much worse).
Yeow! Fuck. That evoked a cringe reaction. My gut still feels knotted at the thought of it - especially the idea of clipping the front brake lever...

Junkmanjoe, it's never crossed my mind when I've come off that my hands might get caught in the bark busters. Usually I've fallen well clear of the bike and the only thing I've managed was to twist my ankle from getting it caught under the bike and (in another accident years ago) smack my nuts on the instrument panel as I went over the handlebars...

[Oscar]

Yeow! Fuck. That evoked a cringe reaction. My gut still feels knotted at the thought of it - especially the idea of clipping the front brake lever...



I got worse stories than that - how about getting into a wicked slide in deep mud, thinking you'd cleared that fence and then smacking your clutch lever into the strainer post with your hand still on the bars...

[Oscar]

Junkmanjoe, it's never crossed my mind when I've come off that my hands might get caught in the bark busters. Usually I've fallen well clear of the bike and the only thing I've managed was to twist my ankle from getting it caught under the bike and (in another accident years ago) smack my nuts on the instrument panel as I went over the handlebars...

I've been out of competition for a while, but I think that stuff's an urban myth.
The 2009 FIM MX regulations only say that handlebar protectors must be constructed from a shatter proof material.

[warewolf]

I keep hearing this (and the first time I can clearly recall, by a Aussie competitor at the NZ Three National Enduro at Riverhead about 20 years ago), and in all this time - racing, organising and officiating at any number of off-road events I have yet to see it happen. It would take a strange set of circumstances to propel your hands down rather than forwards. Think about it, if you're propelled over the bars, you go forward and up and so do your hands.

Edit: this got me to thinking and I checked the MNZ rules. They were pretty much as I left them - MX bikes aren't allowed "metal handlebar protectors" in NZ or Island Championships, SX bikes are never allowed them.Yep, lots of rumours about it, but never known it to happen, or talked to anyone who knows anyone who had it happen to them.

One reason barkbusters might be banned from MX/SX could be to stop the argy-bargy.

Another reason might be because landing from a big jump is the most likely time your hands could get knocked off the bars and down between the bars and barkbusters - and shortly after that the bike will tumble with some force.

[junkmanjoe]

Junkmanjoe, it's never crossed my mind when I've come off that my hands might get caught in the bark busters. Usually I've fallen well clear of the bike and the only thing I've managed was to twist my ankle from getting it caught under the bike and (in another accident years ago) smack my nuts on the instrument panel as I went over the handlebars...

you bring a tear to my eye, banging ya nuts.
im my younger years i slid forward on to the tank of my 125 mudbug, smacking my nuts and arseing off.
i understand the odds are next to none of hands through the bars.
i dont have the barkbusters.
mine do have a solid alloy piece of flat running around the front.
not that im in to crashing, but the ones i have do work great.

[warewolf]

This tip may already be buried somewhere else in this (long) threadYes... try a search for "lever". Some discussion prior to post #73 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1329329&postcount=73) and after. (And yes, the spare clutch lever works on the 640A, the brake won't but should fit the single-disc 640E.)

Oh, and metal putty can be used to make a new ball end for WOF and to stop the jagged end wearing a hole in your gloves. DAMHIK.

[Wolf]

you bring a tear to my eye, banging ya nuts.

Meh. Was so hyped up on adrenalin and such at the time of the crash that I didn't feel it.










Five minutes later, when I started to calm down, however...

[Padmei]

Yes... try a search for "lever". Some discussion prior to post #73 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1329329&postcount=73) and after. (And yes, the spare clutch lever works on the 640A, the brake won't but should fit the single-disc 640E.)

Oh, and metal putty can be used to make a new ball end for WOF and to stop the jagged end wearing a hole in your gloves. DAMHIK.

Um... you need the ball ends for a WOF? Ohoh...:(

[NordieBoy]

Um... you need the ball ends for a WOF? Ohoh...:(

In theory you do...

[Woodman]

barkbusters are great for smacking the flimsy markerposts out of the way on tight gravelly roads, until you hit a solid oldschool type one that is concreted in.

Trust me it is not very pleasant.

Do not run them now and have started a gorse collection in me gloves:(

[Wolf]

Fix up your bike, Padmei, it looks like it's been totally Gonzo'ed at some stage.

[MXNUT]

One reason barkbusters might be banned from MX/SX could be to stop the argy-bargy.

This is the reason i have always been given ---- to stop bikes from being able to bash :bash: handle bars in the first few corners

[Paladin]

This is the reason i have always been given ---- to stop bikes from being able to bash :bash: handle bars in the first few corners

I would have thought the MX/SX guys would've liked a bit of extra argy-bargy in the first few corners!

;)

[Eddieb]

Fix up your bike, Padmei, it looks like it's been totally Gonzo'ed at some stage.


More than once, I was watching Nordie's latest vid on Youtube last night and it looked like it was gonzo'd several times last weekend alone. If he's not careful it'll start looking like Woodmans.

Come on Wolf, get that XT out and do some riding. I'll be up there with my bike in a few weeks, I could take ya some places and scare ya, Or we'll get you getting that front wheel off the ground :Pokey:

[Paladin]

........I could take ya some places and scare ya, Or we'll get you getting that front wheel off the ground :Pokey:

Can I come too then? Seein the PD in scary situations AND gettin thru them is always cool!
:yes:

Haven't been scared since, oooh... last Saturday! LOL!

;)

[warewolf]

I would have thought the MX/SX guys would've liked a bit of extra argy-bargy in the first few corners!Which is why hand armour that would encourage such bad behaviour is banned...

[Woodman]

More than once, I was watching Nordie's latest vid on Youtube last night and it looked like it was gonzo'd several times last weekend alone. If he's not careful it'll start looking like Woodmans.
:

Will have to ask any potential purchaser if they are kb members if and when the klr is up for replacement.:crybaby:

[Padmei]

I bought my bike to ride, drop, tinker with & look at - in that order. I'm not into cleaning or having everything looking new & pretty. The ball ends were cut off so the guards would fit betterer.

[NordieBoy]

Paul was quite amazed when Padmei got the rear off the ground up some of the climbs :D

I've got footage from that coalish climb on Waitahu River Road on the way back with both wheels off the ground and Padmei is vertically above them!

[junkmanjoe]

ohh show us please please ...:yes: :yes: :yes:

[Paladin]

Which is why hand armour that would encourage such bad behaviour is banned...

I know! LOL!

;)

[Wolf]

I bought my bike to ride, drop, tinker with & look at - in that order. I'm not into cleaning or having everything looking new & pretty.
Was actually referring to the bike in your avatar pic.

[NordieBoy]

Was actually referring to the bike in your avatar pic.

There's a better one out there too...

[Wolf]

Come on Wolf, get that XT out and do some riding. I'll be up there with my bike in a few weeks, I could take ya some places and scare ya, Or we'll get you getting that front wheel off the ground :Pokey:
I'm up for it - providing you're up here on a weekend that I don't have the kids. Those weekends also correspond with pay week, so I'm likely to have the money for fuel...

[junkmanjoe]

any one useing spot lights on there bikes.

[NordieBoy]

I've got a flood light...

[Paladin]

any one useing spot lights on there bikes.

Wot, like those ones the fuzz use to light you up? Could be fun; keep one hand on throttle and other hand operatin a directionl spot light to............!

No, maybe not, I'd just crash LOL!
;)

[junkmanjoe]

No, maybe not, I'd just crash LOL!


you said it not me....

[Paladin]

No, maybe not, I'd just crash LOL!


you said it not me....

I don't need much of an excuse to crash LOL!

;)

[Eddieb]

any one useing spot lights on there bikes.


Nordie has that pretty cool one on the front of his bike.

Do you still have a spare one you were going to bring down here?

[junkmanjoe]

yea i got the one like the bemmer tours have.
i keep forgetting to bring it to you...

[clint640]

any one useing spot lights on there bikes.

I put on a little supercheap 55W one like Nordie's when I was prepping for the 1000 miler a while back, the KTM wiring is pretty light so I ran a fused heavier feed up from the battery via a relay to both the spot & the high beam. I mounted the light to a bit of alu angle on the inner handguard mount. Unfortunately it got destroyed in the sheep incident & as I don't do much riding at night I haven't bothered to replace it.
It worked OK, if I did it again I'd use one a bit bigger I think (reflector not wattage)

Cheers
Clint

[Padmei]

As this is a sticky maybe it would be a good idea to limit the posts to informative ones so any new members can gain a bit of prior knowledge without being subjected to the mindles banter that most threads get reduced to. I'm not against mindless banter but prefer to read the info in stickys that have been deemed to be important enough to be stickyed.:nono:

:niceone:

[Woodman]

As this is a sticky maybe it would be a good idea to limit the posts to informative ones so any new members can gain a bit of prior knowledge without being subjected to the mindles banter that most threads get reduced to. I'm not against mindless banter but prefer to read the info in stickys that have been deemed to be important enough to be stickyed.:nono:

:niceone:

ma bad, but point taken:niceone:

[Paladin]

As this is a sticky maybe it would be a good idea to limit the posts to informative ones so any new members can gain a bit of prior knowledge without being subjected to the mindles banter that most threads get reduced to. I'm not against mindless banter but prefer to read the info in stickys that have been deemed to be important enough to be stickyed.:nono:

:niceone:

Yes Head Mistress, whatever you say!

:devil2:

(just kidding!)

[terrypj]

Hi I also carry a Poncho also called a fly sheet and bungy cords. this is for making a quick shelter. so when the weather turn to shit. only take about 5 min to put up with practice, and you have got somewhere cold or make a brew, and if your game sleep.:2thumbsup

[junkmanjoe]

i have a pop up tent.
5mins,, shelter. is a tidy little package, room for two...
trade me special...like all my bike stuff...

[junkmanjoe]

is it safe to carry a small 0.5kg fire ex'tinguisher on your bike.

[Box'a'bits]

is it safe to carry a small 0.5kg fire ex'tinguisher on your bike.

A requirement to carry a fire extinguisher in some forestry rides.

[NordieBoy]

The summer forestry based x-country races usually require them to be on each bike.

[zeRax]

i have a small fireextinguisher in its own stainless tube mount very specifically made for it, bolts onto side of DRZ, just couple of tabs go out,


always wondered why the guy had it made up, maybe this is why?

was gonna sell it @_@

[junkmanjoe]

i clocked up 1500km over last few days and my fire extinguisher didnt fall off or explode, and i didnt need to use it. so im happy with where it is, and how it handled the trip.

[The Pink Panther]

Some gd comments the key is to travel light and enjoy.
Spear clutch and brake levers what ever Bark Buster's .
What sort of bike ? tank range ? sounds like a Fat bike eg GS or super ten.
Smaller rides help cos you work out real quick to travel light have a well
maintained bike know your and bikes limits .
1; Have heavy duty tubes fitted with rim locks.
2; a tow rope
3; one spare tube... 19 " it will fit a 18" rear and will go on a 21'" front rim.
4; when the shit hits the fan and your bike is dead in the middle of no mans land its called life , check for a pulse if your alive thats a gd sign . then get ur mate to dig a hole for the bike , say a quiet word then ride two up to the nearest pub .
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/smilies/argh.gif
Its Called Adventure riding for a reason .

[NordieBoy]

I've gone off HD tubes.
When I've got flats they've always been long sharp metal things and an HD tube isn't going to help there and if you keep it above 18psi or so pinch flats arn't likely either.
At those pressures rimlocks arn't as needed either.

Tavelling light is good but tools/spares/tent/sleeping bag/sleeping mat/clothes do add up.

[junkmanjoe]

yip not all trips are short ones..so gear is needed to be added.
sleeping bags, clothes, i dont use rim locks.
barkbusters may not save your levers, why dig a hole for your bike.
walk out, hich a ride and come get it later.

[dino3310]

i clocked up 1500km over last few days and my fire extinguisher didnt fall off or explode, and i didnt need to use it. so im happy with where it is, and how it handled the trip.

so did you manage to use a full tank then

[Rosie]

i clocked up 1500km over last few days and my fire extinguisher didnt fall off or explode, and i didnt need to use it. so im happy with where it is, and how it handled the trip.

I should figure out a decent mounting point for my little extinguisher. There have been a couple of ride reports on ADV recently involving bike fires :mellow:

[junkmanjoe]

so did you manage to use a full tank then

na mate, but i did have to most gas on ive ever had...3/4 full...very heavy..
i did the tourist thing on the way home, sat at 90km held up traffic stopped for photos in all the wrong places, had lunch on the side of the desert road....
i left rotoura with a good half a tank....and didn't reach reserve when i got home.
was 487kms door to door...

but i didn't have the biggest tank there mate, was a beemer with a monster tank. i think it was a 40L

[dino3310]

nice photo mate, nice looking well set up bimmer i prefer the old style ones to the newer GS's.
who's bimmer is it?

[Wolf]

Some gd comments the key is to travel light and enjoy.
...
3; one spare tube... 19 " it will fit a 18" rear and will go on a 21'" front rim.

Nice idea. Hadn't heard that before.

I definitely travel light - years of reducing everything I need to survive to a level I was happy carrying on my back up a mountainside. That keeps my personal shit down to a reasonable size and mass.

Sure, there are tools and spares required for adventure riding, but I cut those down, too - only the sockets required rather than a complete set, multifunction tools (bit driver with required screwdriver and hex bits instead of screwdrivers and allen keys) etc.

As my personal shit is so minimalist, it's no problem getting all my gear on the bike.

Small, light bike that I know I can pick up when I drop it - economical and manoevrable.

[MXNUT]

who's bimmer is it?

Guzzitony.......

[dino3310]

me like:drool:

[Oscar]

Nice idea. Hadn't heard that before.

I definitely travel light - years of reducing everything I need to survive to a level I was happy carrying on my back up a mountainside. That keeps my personal shit down to a reasonable size and mass.

Sure, there are tools and spares required for adventure riding, but I cut those down, too - only the sockets required rather than a complete set, multifunction tools (bit driver with required screwdriver and hex bits instead of screwdrivers and allen keys) etc.

As my personal shit is so minimalist, it's no problem getting all my gear on the bike.

Small, light bike that I know I can pick up when I drop it - economical and manoevrable.

The problem with the 19" tube idea is you will have to change it again when you get home. I carry both.

One good multi function tool is a pair of vice grips.
I've seen them used as a back up gear shifter.

[Wolf]

The problem with the 19" tube idea is you will have to change it again when you get home. I carry both.
Thank you. Tubes are so compact that it's not a biggie to carry both anyway.

Vice grips are definitely on my Must Buy list.

I also saw combination ring-spanner/tyre irons - in large sizes suitable for wheel nuts - on a US site. For the XT, I'd need two 22mm and one 19mm (22mm and 19mm on the front wheel, 2x22mm on the rear wheel) which would give me the requisite wheel spanners and 3 tyre irons in a convenient double deal. Certainly better than lugging around 3 large spanners and 2 or 3 tyre irons.

[clint640]

One good multi function tool is a pair of vice grips.
I've seen them used as a back up gear shifter.

Damn right. I got some 5WR vice grips for a birthday when I was a nipper, initially they were mainly used for wrecking fasteners on my XR185 but have since fixed many a roadside problem & continue to have pride of place in the KTM's tool box. Most bike tool kits have a set of cheesy pliers, throwing them away & putting in some lil vice grips should be mandatory.

Another good trick is to zip tie a bunch of zip ties along a frame rail somewhere, along with a few lengths of wire of varying gauge.

Those combo tyre iron-spanner things are available in NZ, we got a few at the local shop before going to Oz.

That BMW of Guzzitonys is a damn cool looking rig innit! Full marks for retro Dakar style.

Cheers
Clint

[Rosie]

I also saw combination ring-spanner/tyre irons - in large sizes suitable for wheel nuts - on a US site. For the XT, I'd need two 22mm and one 19mm (22mm and 19mm on the front wheel, 2x22mm on the rear wheel) which would give me the requisite wheel spanners and 3 tyre irons in a convenient double deal. Certainly better than lugging around 3 large spanners and 2 or 3 tyre irons.

You should be able to get these locally, I got 17, 22 and 27mm ones from Pattersons in Rotorua. I think they had to order the 27, but it may be cheaper/easier than freighting something moderately heavy like that from the US.

[Oscar]

I dunno if I mentioned it before but slice up an old tube for rubber bands (vary the width and angle for length). Very handy for roadside repairs....

[XF650]

You should be able to get these locally, I got 17, 22 and 27mm ones from Pattersons in Rotorua. I think they had to order the 27, but it may be cheaper/easier than freighting something moderately heavy like that from the US.

Or, make your own. Just buy any cheap ring spanner the right size & grind the open end down to a nice smooth spoon shape.

[Wolf]

Or, make your own. Just buy any cheap ring spanner the right size & grind the open end down to a nice smooth spoon shape.
Roj suggested he could either weld a ring spanner onto a tyre iron or crank up the forge and bash one end of a ring spanner into a smooth spoon shape

[warewolf]

Round and round we go... (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1331355#post1331355)

There are some good combo tools that include changeable inserts to suit different nut sizes. Maybe Terra-X brand or something? will have to have a search for them.

[Wolf]

Round and round we go... (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1331355#post1331355)
LOL!

I'm getting better - usually I don't wait nearly 2 years before repeating myself...

[XF650]

My set for the DT230. The two on the right are home made with a grinder.
1 for the spark plug & 2 for the axels

[DR650gary]

These look ok .

http://69.94.125.252/store/page163.html

[almoto]

...firstaidkit...:cry::beer:

[almoto]

...SuPeRgLuE...:yes:

[almoto]

Re: Insutape...made in NZ/petrolstations etc. not China/MI10...check t difference in flex and strength..:psst:

[almoto]

Re: ziiipties...again...Good ones...not the briddle chineese shiite/MI10...:angry2:

[almoto]

A bit of cash stached somewhere...:drinknsin

[almoto]

Sewingkit with strong thread and a piece of bicycle tube (thin racing...) for rip in tyre inmiddleofnowhere (+Superduperglue):weird:

[almoto]

SURVIVALBLANKET!!!..waterproof/roadsiderepairs/emergencyfly/bag/warm/dry/firstaid...thebeesknees:sleep:

[almoto]

littlebit of handwashpaste:rolleyes:

[almoto]

few pairs of latex rubber gloves for superdirtywork (chain...):msn-wink:

[almoto]

...have we mentioned metal putty yet?:ride:

[almoto]

small supermagnet...for those 15 minute repair- and half hour 'lookingforlostpartingrass' jobs:argue:

[almoto]

lighter:cold:

[almoto]

small radio...Mp3/radio...cellphone/radio...radio/radio=weather#news...:mobile::whistle:

[almoto]

Pen:wavey:

[almoto]

Beeeer :beer: :apint: :drinkup: :sick: :wings: :drinknsin:puke: :rofl:

[almoto]

the strongest painkillers you can lay your hands on:doctor:

[NordieBoy]

Ute with tray to carry these essentials.

[almoto]

small barometer (B-Watch)

[almoto]

solderless chrome steel barrel cable nipple with chrome steel screw (bicycle parts...for 2mm diameter cable...can be drilled out to take larger diameter):msn-wink:

[almoto]

important phone numbers written down...in case phone battery dies...:nya:

[almoto]

...all so far fitting in a bum bag...and not a ute sized bum bag..Nordiiiii:spanking:

[dino3310]

cant blame nordie for thinking that, i mean it was obviously to much to put in one post so it looks like a ute full of stuff

[almoto]

...except the beer... :dodge: :shit: :chase:....:wait:....Beer powder! :banana:

[Eddieb]

It looks like Almoto is just spamming this thread to get his post count up, 2/3's of his total posts ever are in this thread over the past day, and could have been put in one post.

[Wolf]

It looks like Almoto is just spamming this thread to get his post count up, 2/3's of his total posts ever are in this thread over the past day, and could have been put in one post.
Some of us had to hit "Forum Whore" status the hard way.

[NordieBoy]

cant blame nordie for thinking that, i mean it was obviously to much to put in one post so it looks like a ute full of stuff

And you can only get a few posts in the back of a ute...

[almoto]

So, who is jealous of my 34 posts?
Didn't know there is a competition running for amount of posts.:first:
Whats the advantage of a high post count?
Do you get a price for having a certain amount or is respect based on it?:confused:

And contrary to most, I don't have a ute/car/cage...'Cages are for Hamsters'.

Misunderstanding about size and weight of listed items:
First Aid Kit or FAK...It doesnt mean you have to carry a nurse.
Painkiller....contrary to what some nelsonians seem to think...it is not a sledge hammer...while very effective...the side effects leave a lot to be desired.

:laugh:

[NordieBoy]

Pain killer.

That's like little bro's precious codeine tablet then?
He's quite protective of it.
As Tuckerbag found, you need more than a few broken ribs to be offered it :doctor:

[almoto]

One of the few times when connections with the local 'Underbelly' crowd comes in handy :2guns:

[Woodman]

One of the few times when connections with the local 'Underbelly' crowd comes in handy :2guns:

In Motueka??? heaven forbid

[Padmei]

Pain killer.

That's like little bro's precious codeine tablet then?
He's quite protective of it.
As Tuckerbag found, you need more than a few broken ribs to be offered it :doctor:

geez that was a laugh. What do adv riders do at the end of a long ride?

eye up a poor injured mans only means of pain relief.


and laugh mercilessly at him:laugh:

[warewolf]

Apparently Panadol & Voltaren taken together make a potent painkiller. Good for out the back of beyond when help is a while away. (According to a paramedic teaching a remote area first aid course I attended.)

[dino3310]

yeah but beer and voltaren dont mix well so i leave the Voltaren at home now:laugh:

[NordieBoy]

Apparently Panadol & Voltaren taken together make a potent painkiller.

Voltaren +
Paracetemol based :niceone:
Aspirin based :sick:

[junkmanjoe]

dunny roll for them oh :shit:............moments........:eek:

JMJ

[bart]

dunny roll for them oh :shit:............moments........:eek:

JMJ

That's why you have sleeves on your shirt ain't it?

Had a truck driver mate who always wore checked shirts with the sleeves ripped off at the sholder. When he finally told me why....:sick:

[dino3310]

That's why you have sleeves on your shirt ain't it?

Had a truck driver mate who always wore checked shirts with the sleeves ripped off at the sholder. When he finally told me why....:sick:

thats what we use to do in the bush

[junkmanjoe]

just use ferns....make sure there no cutty grass in there aye...:(

JMJ

[dino3310]

or ciggy papers, only need 1

[NordieBoy]

Dock leaves...

[junkmanjoe]

could just drag ya butt along the ground like dogs do...........:eek:

[Wolf]

There's another broadleaf that grows in the bush that has a soft, slightly furry texture. Not sure what it's called, but it's better than dock. Going by personal experience... (Which I'm sure you ALL wanted to know, right? :devil2:)

[almoto]

Yep...The one and only orininal NZ Bushmans Toilet Paper: 'Rangiora'...soft, white and fluffy underneath.

[Wolf]

Yep...The one and only orininal NZ Bushmans Toilet Paper: 'Rangiora'...soft, white and fluffy underneath.
Cheers for that. We've always called it "Bushman's friend".

[JakeTehMuss]

:innocent:
<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9DItbharEN8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9DItbharEN8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>

Didnt know where else to put this video.

[NordieBoy]

Didnt know where else to put this video.

In the "Ready for the braai" thread?

[Transalper]

:innocent:
...

Didnt know where else to put this video.

Nice try, it's already been in the ADV videos thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/112165-Online-ADV-videos?p=1130182064#post1130182064) for half a week.... which is probable a better place for it unless there's a message there to pack a strop.

[dino3310]

unless there's a message there to pack a strop.

or a sharp knife:shutup:

[buggsubique]

I don't normally carry a knife but I'm gonna start. A few weeks back I bowled a half grown sheep on the Forgotten Highway. It aimed directly for the front wheel, went under and got spat out the back of the bike in pretty bad shape but not dead so had to put it down...just happened to be carrying one in the topbox that day.

[dino3310]

How much Mutton did ya fit in the top box:laugh:

[buggsubique]

How much Mutton did ya fit in the top box:laugh:

I thought it was dodgy enough that I was slitting a sheep's throat on the side of the road, let alone packing the meat, haha. Woulda been bruised as hell too.

[Waihou Thumper]

I thought it was dodgy enough that I was slitting a sheep's throat on the side of the road, let alone packing the meat, haha. Woulda been bruised as hell too.


Did you point it to Mecca and therefore it is now Halal? :) Naa, f..k it, get it over with and enjoy the side of lamb...bruised or not bruised.

[NordieBoy]

I thought it was dodgy enough that I was slitting a sheep's throat on the side of the road, let alone packing the meat, haha. Woulda been bruised as hell too.

Nope. Bruising only happens over time.
Run it over and put it down even within an hour and it should be all good.
No blood pumping, no subcutaneous bleeding.

Mmmmmmmm.....

[dino3310]

yip its called tenderised :laugh:

[Waihou Thumper]

I have just bought this from Plumbing World. It cost $26.30. I just need a way of mounting it to the brackets on the DR650. Any ideas guys please? I am sure some of you have done this already....I will give it a lick of enamel paint and see what I can do for mounting on the bike.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/album.php?albumid=4404&attachmentid=266573

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/album.php?albumid=4404&attachmentid=266572

[NordieBoy]

[I]I have just bought this from Plumbing World. It cost $26.30. I just need a way of mounting it to the brackets on the DR650. Any ideas guys please? I am sure some of you have done this already....I will give it a lick of enamel paint and see what I can do for mounting on the bike.
This should do it...
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/39743-Newby-post-(NordieBoy)?p=1129890581#post1129890581

[Waihou Thumper]

This should do it...
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/39743-Newby-post-(NordieBoy)?p=1129890581#post1129890581

Nice mate, thanks. I was thinking also of exhaust strapping to secure it.

[pouakai]

Anyone (and mates!) set up there their bikes for bike to bike (or wider) comms ? I mean aside from cell phone, more like radio maybe PRS/FRS or bluetooth ?
I have noticed that Sena (and others) have some pretty trick gear now but is there ANY installed base/convention amongst ADV Riders ?
P

[NordieBoy]

Got a handful of little Uniden 3km range jobbies but in the hill they're crap. < tim the toolman> Need moar power! < /tim the toolman>

[clint640]

Anyone (and mates!) set up there their bikes for bike to bike (or wider) comms ? I mean aside from cell phone, more like radio maybe PRS/FRS or bluetooth ?
I have noticed that Sena (and others) have some pretty trick gear now but is there ANY installed base/convention amongst ADV Riders ?
P

Rosie & I have a setup with some 2W Uniden radios, power wired into the bikes, PTT on the bars. Main issues have been wind noise - noise cancelling mics help but still not much shot over 80km/h - and connectors, tried mini DIN, USB, both flaky, about to wire in 2x RCA & try that.

Cheers
Clint

[Padmei]

This is an interesting thread on them.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226326

[Padmei]

Anyone recommend a good liteweight camping chair? Must have proper back support- not a slouch type seat.

[Rosie]

Anyone recommend a good liteweight camping chair? Must have proper back support- not a slouch type seat.

We got a couple of Helinox chairs recently: https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Accessory/HelinoxChair
They pack really small, and seem pretty comfortable... but we haven't had a chance to use them in anger yet :(

[Padmei]

Thanks Rosie.

[Alpha Solo]

The Sena's work well, but only with other Sena's I think? (I have only used them with other Sena's) great audio quality for MP3 playback too... :Punk:

[dino3310]

Heres the answer to the lockable end cap for the tube type tool kits
http://www.adilockablecap.com.au/

[gpcustom]

I've just made my first V strom bash plate took me 7 hours :bash:

Looks good but they are a lot different to the Dr's so much longer and you see a lot of gap as there is so much stuff forward of the engine
Also the exhaust hangs down so low so had to joggle the bash plate to get around the pipes
I'm happy with it though I will post some pics at some stage.

So far ive fitted new Shinko E705 tyres/ Givi crash bars / Hand guards / Driving lights/ Muffler . I made the light bar yesterday

[Eddieb]

I've just made my first V strom bash plate took me 7 hours :bash:

Looks good but they are a lot different to the Dr's so much longer and you see a lot of gap as there is so much stuff forward of the engine
Also the exhaust hangs down so low so had to joggle the bash plate to get around the pipes
I'm happy with it though I will post some pics at some stage.

So far ive fitted new Shinko E705 tyres/ Givi crash bars / Hand guards / Driving lights/ Muffler . I made the light bar yesterday

This post is useless without pics

[gpcustom]

This post is useless without pics

LOL sorry but the guy pushing the buttons on the key board as in ME cant work the new computer properly :brick::facepalm:

[gpcustom]

280415 ive done it :shutup:

[ADVGD]

ive done it :shutup:

Very nice mate

[NordieBoy]

God Stroms are ugly.

I want a one but they're still ugly...

[gpcustom]

God Stroms are ugly.

I want a one but they're still ugly...

I wasn't a big fan to tell you the truth. But once I started riding it I now understand why so many people do like them.
And now that I've made a few changes its starting to look better to me.

[gpcustom]

Very nice mate

Thanks. it looks like I will be adding V strom to the bash plate line up:yes:

[jimiwith2eyes]

Dump the intercom (why the need to converse?) and GPS gubbins (just use a map). Where are you gonna plug your chargers in if you're stopping in a tent?

Finally when it's all packed in your panniers etc, lay the bike on the ground and try and pick it up. When you realise you can't, re-evaluate what you want to take.

Hey I have some panniers and yeah they're good to put stuff in but be verii careful if you have to put your feet down eh' they tend to try and run you over!!!! just saying eh':shit:

[Waipukbiker]

I can remember when I first rode an old honda 3 wheeler, tried to put my foot down, Only did it once.

[Squiggles]

I can remember when I first rode an old honda 3 wheeler, tried to put my foot down, Only did it once.

I have a lovely scar on my right hip from a similar "learning experience" :doh:

[gav24]

I can remember when I first rode an old honda 3 wheeler, tried to put my foot down, Only did it once.

Ha ha!
Those calf scars are so common from 3 wheelers aye! Sort of like a badge of honour for those that rode one (even once ) in the mid 80's. Less embarrassing than a mid 80's tattoo though!

[bigboy]

Hi.. any advice here on best puncture repair solutions in the outback ?

Tire pando? repair kit ?

Thanks

[pouakai]

I tend to take a spare tube (cos nothing else can beat a ripped off valve stem) and a patch kit cos it takes no room
P

[Transalper]

Hi.. any advice here on best puncture repair solutions in the outback ?

Tire pando? repair kit ?

Thanks


I tend to take a spare tube (cos nothing else can beat a ripped off valve stem) and a patch kit cos it takes no room
P

bigboy you said you have a DR650 in the Canty Adv thread, DR has tubed tyres so yea, like pouakai said pack a spare tube and a patch kit.
Tire pando are not much good on tubed tyres such as the DR uses.
I'd take a 21" tube if only taking one as that could also be squeezed in to a rear if needed, but a 17" rear tube is real difficult to stretch in to the front.
We also carry a small MTB pump and a couple of tyre levers. In a group ride you could probably get away with just taking a tube and patches then borrow the pump and levers but a lot of us do like to be self sufficient.

Spark plug tool... it is important to have your own spark plug tool, lot's of other stuff might be borrowed from others in a group in a pinch, but spark plug tools are pretty bike specific.

So you coming out on Saturday?

[thepom]

19 inch tube will be better as you can use as a front and rear
.

[Transalper]

19 inch tube will be better as you can use as a front and rear
.
Same with the 21".
Linton and Phil (D.A.S.)originally advised me to pack a 19" for that reason but you can in fact use a 21" either end if you have to (as i said last post) and have you ever tried to use your 19" in a 21" wheel, I have, it's much more of a pain in the... than putting a 21" in a rear wheel is.
Not ideal but will still get you out of trouble.
On the Transalp with more space I carry both 17" and 21" tubes and the backup patch kit.
On the WR I just take a 21" spare and backup patch kit.

Pretty sure last time i spoke on the topic with Linton he had converted too.

[fridayflash]

ive stretched an 18" onto a 21" rim before. and thats a pain...19" probably not much easier. ive also used a 21" tube on the rear of my xr650 and that was a breeze, although not greatly easy to get the tyre right up on the bead with just a mtb pump..but certainly sufficient to get home or to the next port of call

[kevfromcoro]

Ute with tray to carry these essentials.
yeah your dead right there,, with a trallier, who carries an umbrella on a bike??
where are they going???? hawai>

[Transalper]

....who carries an umbrella on a bike??
where are they going???? hawai>

The man with the umbrella on our Queens Birthday ride when we got trapped by the weather up a valley in a DOC hut was everyones best friend that horribly wet n snowy weekend.

[bigboy]

bigboy you said you have a DR650 in the Canty Adv thread, DR has tubed tyres so yea, like pouakai said pack a spare tube and a patch kit.
Tire pando are not much good on tubed tyres such as the DR uses.
I'd take a 21" tube if only taking one as that could also be squeezed in to a rear if needed, but a 17" rear tube is real difficult to stretch in to the front.
We also carry a small MTB pump and a couple of tyre levers. In a group ride you could probably get away with just taking a tube and patches then borrow the pump and levers but a lot of us do like to be self sufficient.

Spark plug tool... it is important to have your own spark plug tool, lot's of other stuff might be borrowed from others in a group in a pinch, but spark plug tools are pretty bike specific.

So you coming out on Saturday?

Hi TA Thanks. I have only just now read your reply. I forgotten i had posted it in here and only just read it, ive only been reading the adv rides thread.
Ive got a repair kit and good hand pump and levers now, thanks. . . . and lol the irony of your spark plug tool comment. . . i think i used yours after i came off in the edwards river.
I was very close to going on the Clarence ride it looks like a good one. See you next time.

[R650R]

Is there a touratech distributor in NZ, these look like good value, like the Dakar logo one

http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com/spotlight/news-archive/19-spotlight/news/680-touratech-dry-bags#.U-PdSGccSUn

[RMOTO]

Is there a touratech distributor in NZ, these look like good value, like the Dakar logo one

http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com/spotlight/news-archive/19-spotlight/news/680-touratech-dry-bags#.U-PdSGccSUn

This is the NZ Touratech distributor / online retailer: http://touratech.co.nz

If you like that style of bag the Wolfman Expedition series is worth a look: http://wolfmanluggage.com/products/expedition-dry-duffel-large

Wolfman is quality gear but lots of buckles and straps on the Expedition series, more info/photos on them in this article here: http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/hard-luggage-versus-soft-luggage/

[RMOTO]

New article and review on the Expedition Duffels here:

http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/wolfman-expedition-dry-duffle-bags/

[awa355]

Does anyone know where I can buy denatured alcohol? Tried the local chemist but they dont deal with it. I did read on a website where a chap bought some Capt Phab alcohol from a marine shop.
I just want to try some in my little homemade stove. Have tried meths which worked, but would like to give the alcohol a go.

[Squiggles]

Does anyone know where I can buy denatured alcohol? Tried the local chemist but they dont deal with it. I did read on a website where a chap bought some Capt Phab alcohol from a marine shop.
I just want to try some in my little homemade stove. Have tried meths which worked, but would like to give the alcohol a go.

I was under the impression that denatured alcohol is most commonly Methylated spirits.
Homemade stove?