www.franglais-riders.com
| Motorcycling around South America... and beyond! |
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Bikes modifications: (Maria's bike: BMW F650GS 2004 - Alistair's bike: F650GS/Dakar
2004)
Luggage:
- Aluminium panniers, MoTech frame
- Hepco&Becker 42l. Gobi top Box
- Additional Ortlieb roll bag each for the camping gear
Protection and kit:
- MoTech Crash Bars
- Ermax windshield (for Maria)
- Head lamp protector from motorworks
- Fork gaiters & Radiator cover from Touratech
- Custom made seat from motorbike-seats.co.uk (for Maria's bike: I had them to scoop out the
foam and replace it by a gel seat, lowering the standard BMW seat height by about 4cms (1''
1/2). The seat is very thin and flat but very comfy on long distance riding. I totally recommend
this company. Always excellent service and craft.
- 139dB horn (the standards ones are pathetic!)
- The bikes are already fitted with power socket, heated grips and ABS
- I replaced the original shock on my GS by a WP (ex-white power) one and the bike rebalanced.
I got this done by MCTechnic Suspensions. They have been dealing with Travellers requests
and were very competent. On the Dakar they only adjusted the fork springs by inserting a small
piece of metal, so that the springs are tighter. The rear shock in the dakar is better quality.
- Sheep skin (over the seats)
Parts checked / replaced before leaving:
- Replaced the waterpump shaft and seals
- replaced battery on both bikes
- Changed all body fluids (oil, coolant and brake fluid)
- Changed oil filter & spark plugs
- Changed the wheel bearings
- Changed the Sump plug (metal very soft and ends up round!)
- Fitted a washable air filter
- Valves clearances and replaced shims
- Fitted fork gaiters on the dakar - Touratech fork protectors on the GS
- Removed and greased all seized bolts and nuts (everything that should move should ... well...
move)
- Checked electrics
- Fitted centre stand on the Dakar
2004)
Luggage:
- Aluminium panniers, MoTech frame
- Hepco&Becker 42l. Gobi top Box
- Additional Ortlieb roll bag each for the camping gear
Protection and kit:
- MoTech Crash Bars
- Ermax windshield (for Maria)
- Head lamp protector from motorworks
- Fork gaiters & Radiator cover from Touratech
- Custom made seat from motorbike-seats.co.uk (for Maria's bike: I had them to scoop out the
foam and replace it by a gel seat, lowering the standard BMW seat height by about 4cms (1''
1/2). The seat is very thin and flat but very comfy on long distance riding. I totally recommend
this company. Always excellent service and craft.
- 139dB horn (the standards ones are pathetic!)
- The bikes are already fitted with power socket, heated grips and ABS
- I replaced the original shock on my GS by a WP (ex-white power) one and the bike rebalanced.
I got this done by MCTechnic Suspensions. They have been dealing with Travellers requests
and were very competent. On the Dakar they only adjusted the fork springs by inserting a small
piece of metal, so that the springs are tighter. The rear shock in the dakar is better quality.
- Sheep skin (over the seats)
Parts checked / replaced before leaving:
- Replaced the waterpump shaft and seals
- replaced battery on both bikes
- Changed all body fluids (oil, coolant and brake fluid)
- Changed oil filter & spark plugs
- Changed the wheel bearings
- Changed the Sump plug (metal very soft and ends up round!)
- Fitted a washable air filter
- Valves clearances and replaced shims
- Fitted fork gaiters on the dakar - Touratech fork protectors on the GS
- Removed and greased all seized bolts and nuts (everything that should move should ... well...
move)
- Checked electrics
- Fitted centre stand on the Dakar