Prepping the bike for green laning

[Mouse]

Well I'm getting all excited, got my TKC80s on order

I'm wondering, what precautions would it be wise to take before taking the GS onto the lanes? Nothing OTT, just sensible inexpensive things that could save expensive damage when it falls over etc.

What I can think of so far, any comments?

Remove light bar
Refit the rear mudguard to avoid spraying people behind me
Headlight protector
Oil cooler protector
Engine bars (got them already)
Head protectors? Are these really necessary with engine bars?
Remove mirrors (is this technically legal?)
Remove screen (or would it be better left on to protect instruments?)
Wire the ignition key to the bars (so it doesn't fall out into a pond!)

 

[Zwerver]

Remove light bar
Yes!
Refit the rear mudguard to avoid spraying people behind me
No, with the combination of TKC and sticky mud its better to leave it off.
Headlight protector
Handy, when riding in groups on stoney surface.
Oil cooler protector
Handy, when riding in groups on stoney surface.
Engine bars (got them already)
A must, as extra handling grip for pulling you out of the mud!
Head protectors? Are these really necessary with engine bars?
Handy, when riding on stoney surface.
Remove mirrors (is this technically legal?)
No, just loosen them a bit.
Remove screen (or would it be better left on to protect instruments?)
Yes, remove the screen. If you've got an adv screen, even romove the fittings, as they can break too.
Wire the ignition key to the bars (so it doesn't fall out into a pond!)
Can they fall out? Never had that "problem"...


Other ideas:
Bar raisers, lower pegs for more comfort when standing up a lot.
Something Camelbag-like for all the water you will need!
Shortened original or short aftermarket indicators.

 

[Bob Jeffries]

Don’t forget to take out the rubber footrest inserts or your feet WILL slip off the footrests and if you have ABS switch it off on slimy slippery stuff or you’ll have no brakes (it’s OK on stony stuff though).

 

[Mouse]

Originally posted by Bob Jeffries
Don’t forget to take out the rubber footrest inserts or your feet WILL slip off the footrests

I did that about 10,000 miles ago!

Cheers for the suggestions so far!

 

[Spout]

Try not to have a full tank of fuel.
Better to fill up after 60 miles than lug all that weight around.

Check your gear lever isn't in the way of your boots when stood up.
Likewise make sure clutch and brake levers are positioned for stood up use.

It's also handy to forget how much you paid for the bike.

 

[Patch]

It's also handy to forget how much you paid for the bike.

The best advice yet.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

It's also handy to forget how much you paid for the bike.

Wrap the bike in cotton wool

 

[Gecko]

I take a metal water bottle (bicycle style) and zip tie it onto the frame somewhere round the rear footpegs. Lovely to have some water when you've been gasping for a while.

If you don't have a baglux Get some low tack tape - and paste the vulnerable bits in tape. It'll save little scratches and damage if you drop it.

Practice picking the bike up a few times in a controlled environment. (your back garden) You don't want to try this in anger somewhere - it's not funny to put your back out 10 minutes down a trail and 15 miles from civilization.

Get shot of your lead acid battery and replace it with a GEL or better still an AGM battery. When the bike goes down - the acid leaks and instant paint stripper is released.

Most importantly ride to your own level - don't try too much too soon - don't try and keep up with the quicker guys and don't ride alone. The GS is a big pig of a bike and it bites so build up gradually. On soft sandy surfaces you HAVE TO give it loads of gas.....it's against all natural instincts but if you don't you will go down for sure.

 

[stumpi]

Be prepaired to spend a few days getting it back to being clean.
My advice would be don't subject it to such abuse and go buy a ktm to get muddy.

Be warned, your bike will never be the same again after a proper offroad sesh.

It's fun tho.

And don't forget your camelback like others have suggested, theyre indispensible peices of kit.