Spare Parts for a Motorbike Tour

Tools and spare parts are heavy. Tools are essential travel companions. Whether you take spares with you will depend on if they are readily available and how much they'll cost out there. No point in weighing yourself down with parts if you can buy them easily and cheaply as and when you need them. Below is a list of general spare parts worth considering.

• Front inner tube
• Rear inner tube
• Clutch cable
• Throttle cable
• Clutch lever
• Front brake lever
• Rear brake pedal
• Clutch kit
• Gasket kit
• Air filter
• Oil filter
• All bulbs
• All fuses
• Spark plugs
• Front brake pads
• Rear brake pads
• Oil
• Brake fluid
• Mirror (preferably one that can be left or right)

Before you leave your home country there are a few things you can do with regard to spares for your journey.

• Find out which components are likely to wear out (see replacing components section) and either replace them, take spares or make sure you can obtain them when away (see below).
• Find a couple of suppliers that stock parts for your make and model of motorbike. Call them up and SPEAK TO A PERSON. Don't just check their website because often websites are not up to date or companies advertise all parts without having them on the selves.
• When you chat to the supplier explain what you're doing and where you're going and ask if they would be able to ship to an address in that part of the world. If they can then check what delivery times and prices are likely to be.
• Check they actually have stock on the shelves. If you feel sneaky you can do this by asking for a relatively uncommon part and seeing what they say the delivery time will be. If 1-2 days, it's on the shelf (use them). If 2-3 weeks, they'll be ordering it in (avoid them).
• For the suppliers you decide on ensure you have a contact name, phone number, fax number, email and website address for the contact.
• If they are sending items abroad make sure they use a courier that will sort import taxes for you.
• If your supplier won't send direct to you abroad, you'll need a friend or family member to be you 'agent'. Make sure they have all the necessary contact and payment details to buy on your behalf.