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It is not possible to travel long distances on a motorcycle without making some modifications to the motorcycle. These are necessary for safety as well as comfort and improved storage capacity.
Fit a luggage rack behind the saddle, above the tail light. Make sure it is strong enough to support camping gear. Some racks have provision for panniers which attach to either side of the motorcycle. Panniers can hold quite heavy loads. They are ideal for storing clothing and food as they are water resistant - some are fully water-tight. When fitting panniers you may need to reposition the turning indicator lights. Make sure the fitting kit contains the correct brackets for this motorcycle modification.
A motorcycle accessory advisable for comfort on long trips would include a saddle-cover, sheepskin or plastic.
A tank bag attached to the top of the fuel tank is handy for personal items which need to be taken with you when the bike is left unattended. The bag clips to a fame which fits over the tank. Some tank bags have a clear section at the top to put maps under for easy reference.
A fairing reduces buffeting. In hot weather only a top fairing is required. In cold weather a fairing which also covers the legs is desirable. A bike without a fairing should be limited to short or slow-speed journeys.
Additional lights are needed for night riding. They must not be so powerful that they jeopardise the motorcycle’s electrical system.
Touring handlebars allow the rider to sit in a more upright, comfortable position. They are recommended for long trips.
Check the tightness of all accessory clamps and bolts every few days.
Fuel and Oil
Calculate the distance your motorcycle will travel on a full tank of fuel. Plan your journey so there is a reserve of 50 km between refills. It is unsafe to carry big quantities of spare fuel on a motorcycle. If you must carry fuel, use a specially designed container.
If your motorcycle will be due for an oil change during the journey, check beforehand that you will be able to buy the oil along the way. Do not carry any more than 1 litre of oil for topping-up. Lack of oil could cause the bike’s engine to “seize". This can lock the rear wheel, causing the driver to lose control. If this occurs squeeze the clutch lever immediately.
If necessary, carry 100 ml of brake fluid in a tightly sealed container. Wrap the container in plastic and duct tape as it is highly corrosive if spilt.
A plastic bottle of non-aerosol chain lubricant is useful for various lubrication jobs. |
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