F800GS - prep for long trip to Morocco

[ymfb]

Possibly joining friends for a 2-1/2 week on/off road trip to Morocco next year.

My immediate thoughts were

Upgrade rear shock or spring for increased load

Obtain used or new wheels to fit TKCs

Change front foot pegs for something more grippy

Anything else spring to mind ?

Cheers

 

[Wreford Miles]

Carry less and wind up the pre load on what you have
Fit TKC to your current wheels
Take the rubbers out if your standard pegs (if they have them) although I doubt it will be slippery so you could just leave them

 

[david a hall]

Are you camping? If not then you don't need much gear. A lighter bike is more fun and easier. The standard shock will be fine, the tracks are just that tracks, you won't be going fast on them. Are you riding down or ferry to North Spain? You may want to strap a tire to the back of the bike and have it fitted in Southern Spain.

 

[ymfb]

probably ferry to Santander. Going to be doing a weigh in of rider and gear as will be camping and doing hotels.

 

[Wreford Miles]

You may want to try one of these on the rear: http://www.zenoverland.com/tyres_tubes/heidenau-k60-k60-scout.html

And a TKC on the front

They last longer than a TKC and provide good grip that I should imagine will be fine for Morocco, it's the combo I use on my HO2 for a 3500 mike trip and it worked well

 

[Enduroman]

There's quite a bit you could do, but equally you could just ride the bike as is. I've been put off the scout due to the solid centre band which, although very useful on road, seems counter intuitive off road. I used mitas last year (e07 rear and e10 front). The front wasn't great, but I think this wax my fault - too much motorway in order to get to Morocco! I rode all the way. Lighter is definitely better! 100% true. For my next trip in a few years, I'm personally going to get stronger rims (excel). I've seen many examples of bent rims when off road. I'm also only using soft luggage. Lighter is also psychologically better for me, too.

 

[ymfb]

I have got ARD cases at present, but can see some advantages of soft luggage, weight being one, however, metal gives some security.

 

[nrg]

There's quite a bit you could do, but equally you could just ride the bike as is. I've been put off the scout due to the solid centre band which, although very useful on road, seems counter intuitive off road. I used mitas last year (e07 rear and e10 front). The front wasn't great, but I think this wax my fault - too much motorway in order to get to Morocco! I rode all the way. Lighter is definitely better! 100% true. For my next trip in a few years, I'm personally going to get stronger rims (excel). I've seen many examples of bent rims when off road. I'm also only using soft luggage. Lighter is also psychologically better for me, too.

Couldn't agree more.
Would add that if there is one thing you must do is make sure you get a bigger footprint for the side stand. The bike is fine on and off road as it is but....you will struggle with the mass. All doable though apart from the deep sand.

 

[Ash]

Cheap off road end can

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showth...00-800-Twin-standard-end-can-for-off-road-use

 

[Micky]

Carry less and wind up the pre load on what you have
Fit TKC to your current wheels
Take the rubbers out if your standard pegs (if they have them) although I doubt it will be slippery so you could just leave them

What he says

Done Morocco on mine, no probs. Any off-roading? Fit a proper sumpguard rather than the pathetic plastic excuse ....

Just go and enjoy

 

[ymfb]

Thanks, sounds like wise words. Put a wanted post

What he says

Done Morocco on mine, no probs. Any off-roading? Fit a proper sumpguard rather than the pathetic plastic excuse ....

Just go and enjoy

 

[Micky]

Thanks, sounds like wise words. Put a wanted post

One of my best photographs ... taken by Ballistic of this Parish

 

[STUBBS]

service the bike and go

 

[Dave Ett]

Fit a serious sump guard! Lost count of the number of times I bottomed out crossing dry river beds...

Otherwise I'd recommend the K60 - much better than a TKC on road, and just as good on the Morocco trails.

Forget riding in sand unless you are a God. Anything over 350cc is too much for mortals!

Fit a decent GPS (like a Garmin 60CSx) which will help you navigate the myriad tracks when time is tight and they all look the same!

Buy Tim Cullis' book and everything else you need is in it.

I bought a couple of maps up front and marked the sights / routes I wanted to ride which made planning a bunch easier.

No need to camp as there are loads of good, cheap hotels / B&B's.

Prepare your head for a third world country!

Learn some French.

Enjoy!

 

[david a hall]

Sand is good if it's rained.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

.... Prepare your head for a third world country!

A lot of folks who have never been to Morocco before often overlook this one and end up experiencing a massive culture shock.