Well here it is less than six months from my departure and the bike is not even close to ready.
I have had many of different ideas for the bike to store all my camping gear and clothing. I finally made a decision on the side boxes (panniers) that I will be using. First idea was to build some out of aluminum but with time and having to use the equipment at work and price wise I decided on Pelican 1440 boxes. These boxes are made of a very strong plastic. The military uses them now instead of the heavy steel boxes. I have made an Aluminum radiator sheild/guard that from what I have seen online looks to be built much better. The guard will have to protect the radiator for roughly 3,000 miles of extremely rocky dirt roads. I have also added a fusebox under the seat away from the elements. The fuse box will power acc such as fog lights, heated clothing and an auxillary plug for and air compressor or GPS. For safety I have added a brake light Back Off modulator. This thing will make the brake light fash five times quickly then the light will be on normally. Riding this far I will try to do everything that I can do to keep safe. Another safety is I will be adding some TrailTech fog lights. These are very bright HID light. The comfort creatures added so far are hand guards, Heated grips and a comfy seat.
The components I still have to add are:
1 Engine Guard/Tank Guard I will build these myself. Hopefully.
2 Rear box mounts. I will also try and build these.
3 Taller windshield. Probably a CeeBailey
4 More rear lights and brake lights.
5 If possible a GPS I have looked at the Tom Tom and the Zumo.
6 Metzler Tourance tires for the majority of the ride
7 Continental TKC 80 knobby tires for the 3,000 miles of dirt.
Sometimes I feel that June 6 of 09 is just not possible. Well with money and work being scarce.
Put aside the feelings I will still seek my goal. June 6 09.
I will let you all know when I have finished something of the seven things left for the bike.
