Replacing Components

General rule of thumb is: "If you're not sure it'll last the trip then replace it with a new one". Part-worn components can always be put back on and finished off when you get back home. This applies to:

A list of suggested spares and tools are also shown other sections of this site. For now I'll just go over replacements before your departure rather than what spares to take with you.

Chain and Sprockets

The best way to avoid problems with chains and sprockets (and in fact reduce your drive-chain maintenance to zero) is to buy a motorbike with a shaft drive! For those of us that can't afford a BMW R1200GS we'll just have to stick with the old chain and sprocket set-up. I personally think these are the most important parts of the bike and not worth scrimping on. You generally get what you pay for and buying a cheap chain and sprocket set will be a false economy. Plus you're likely to be stranded in the middle of nowhere when your chain breaks. A fully loaded motorcycle is also going to put more strain on your chain and sprockets, causing more wear. Buy a good quality O-ring chain and good quality steel sprockets. Change them both together so they wear at the same rate.

Also, Set the chain slack and wheel alignment when the motorcycle is fully loaded with all your equipment (and you). It is better for your chain to be slightly slack than too tight. An over-tight chain can cause serious damage to your engine and premature wear to the chain and sprockets. Check your motorcycle user manual or Haynes Service & Repair manual for the correct chain slack measurements.

Tyres

When replacing your motorcycle tyres think about what road conditions will be like where you're going. It might be that you want to try dual purpose tyres for paved and dirt roads. Pirelli, Metzeler (part of Pirelli), Continental, Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone and Maxxis all produce dual sport tyres and it seems that opinion is divided on all of them. I guess it's all down to personal preference. If you're riding your motorcycle on mainly paved roads then just replace your worn tyres with a new set of the same. Don't forget to ride with extra caution on your new tyres until the shiny wax coating has been worn off them.

Most tyre manufacturers have technical help phone lines. Don't be afraid to give them a call and have a chat. All the people I spoke to were very helpful. I won't put the phone numbers here because they might change. I found the numbers by searching on google.com or yell.com.

Depending on your wheel sizes you can also get heavier duty inner tubes that are less likely to puncture. Michelin inner tubes are expensive but they have the advantage of being non-synthetic so repairs are stronger and they are molded round rather than from a long tube of rubber that is then bent in a circle so they do not crumple on the inner edge. If you're doing a significant amount road riding as well off-road riding you will not want the Ultra-Heavy duty tubes because they will over heat and melt to the sides of your tyres. Lez at 'Round and Black' explained this all to me. A very helpful chap (01582 600 788).

Brake Pads

Along with your tyres, your brakes are going to take a hammering when your motorbike is fully loaded and your traveling over mixed terrain. Buy good quality sintered brake pads that are going to last.

Liquids

Oil is the life-blood of your motorbike. Therefore, it is critical that you use the highest quality oil you can afford and ensure you keep it topped up. Get used to checking your oil every few hundred miles. Unless done recently I would suggest you change your oil and oil filter just before you leave on your motorcycle adventure.

When you change your brake pads check your brake fluid is topped up (with the correct specification of fluid). Also check and top up the amount of coolant you have in the reservoir.

Air Filter

Check your service manual for suggested air filter change mile or months limit. If you're traveling to somewhere that is particularly dusty or you don't want to take a spare air filter with you perhaps think of replacing the OEM filter with a reusable oiled foam air filter. You can see more on this in the modifications section.

Obtaining Spares While You're Away

Infomration on how to source spare parts while you're away can be found in the spare parts section.

Now components are replaced lets look at any modifications you might need >>.