Scootering around on gravel

[Nagash]

G'day scooterists,

I'm intending to participate in the CC challenge (Adventure Ho!) on a wee Honda DJ1. Now this ride is up to Cape Reinga and back and a fair lot of that is gonna be gravel..

Now on my scoot i'll probably be caring rubbish like a tent, 10L fuel can and some other weighty items. Which is probably gonna make it quite heavy.

I was just looking for some advice on how about going about doing this, cause I am definately no scooter rider and have only just recently started riding this little thing. I was just wondering if there are some tips or pointers that may stop me from bailing.. other than 'go slow'. (The bloody thing max's out at 55)

Cheers,

[scootnz]

Suggest carrying a 5 litre rather than 10 litre. Maybe get some idea of fuel consumption - how many kms can you get from a full tank + the 5 litres you're carrying. And making more frequent fuel stops mean you get to stretch more often, which by the sounds of the kind of trip you're making, will be essential.

Cut the weight down as much as possible - as if you were backpacking, but even less. So get a light weight tent - under 2.5kg - just a one man tent will do. Or even a bivvy bag. Make sure you take a thermarest - the self inflating mattress.

Everything else that you're going to carry on the scoot, get light weight versions. Every gram of weight will make a difference.

Spend plenty of time packing the stuff on the scoot, keeping the weight down as low as possible, and balanced front and rear. Make sure you can put petrol in without having to remove any luggage. But keep essential stuff real handy (drinking water, cellphone, chocolate, sunblock etc)

Gravel: as said before, keep the weight as low as possible, and balanced front and rear. I'm used to riding gravel on 10 inch vespa wheels - what size are the DJ1? I'm guessing smaller - that's going to be tricky, and tiring, depending on what condition the unsealed roads are in.

Good luck.