overland world trip on xrv650

[pictish]

I now own a 1989 @650 and need to get it ready for a world trip
It is totally stock no mods what would you recommend I do to it.

So far i have got this on my list to do -
panniers[probably metal mule],
chain oiler,
crashbars - not sure which yet
heated grips- again not sure what type
electrics socket for phone/gps/camera- any suggestions
touring screen
new seat? or throw a dead sheep on current one

which spare parts would you take and which tools

any help would be really appreciated.

Im uk based so would prefer to source from europe/uk which with this bike would probably be the case anyway

[GSPD750]

Drop it off at the front door....
here.... http://www.overland-solutions.com/
How many miles on that '89? Your at the right place for
advice. Fire away everyone. Happy trails and keep us posted.

[pictish]

32k miles imported to uk 2002. I would love to drop it off at overland but there appears to be huge backlog on getting work done.
thx,
pictish

[BobA]

So where you off to? What's your rough route?

The finest AT, and probably a good choice for your trip. Better, smoother motor, and the bike is slightly (although it feels more) lighter.

Take a look at the following now.

Gearbox output shaft, and the condition of the splines-to-sprocket.

Is the chain adjusted correctly or better still nice and slack?

Wheels, especially corrosion on the rims.

Shock, is the rear OK?

It's an RD03, does it still have the old 35w/35w Bilux bulbs? Well worth an upgrade.

For your trip, I would consider taking the following parts. (assuming you're a fair way from civilisation)

Write down a list of consumables part numbers and UK stockists for a reliable mate/relative, along with the number for DHL / UPS etc.
A chain link or two. Greased up in a matchbox or clingfilm.
Fuses (inc Master Fuse), bulbs, 1metre of wire, various connectors, tape, and a basic tester, Photocopy of the wiring diagram, oh and a playboy!
Regulator/Rectifier
Fuel Pump (a spare OE or maybe a Facet? They're in the forum shop)
Inner tubes and patches, and maybe a small bottle of slime? Pump.
A decent set of tyre levers. (my bigfoot ones are too big!!)
Set of front pads.
Spare clutch, throttle cables
Spare brake, clutch levers
A small hose connector to bypass the fuel pump if all else fails
LED Headtorch
If you've got space for a few metres of rope (assuming you have someone to tow you)


Some good UK stockists are obviously

David Silvers http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

WeMoto http://www.wemoto.com/


Hows that for starters?


Good Luck


Bob

[Hagrid]

crashbars - not sure which yet

Deffo....

As usual, Bobs got the Basics covered... so some on... Give us route details man...

[BobA]

Oh....

..and if you haven't got one, a genuine Honda (Africa Twin) spark plug tool (NOTHING else will fit, believe US!!)

You get it from WeMoto


Bob

[pictish]

thx great info

so far no def route theres several groups forming up in the hubb right now. But im heading off into the wilderness in feb[ thats when i have finished my current job] next year although may stay in uk a bit longer for more cash. Most the parties are heading off in may so may tour europe first.

So far all i know its probably gonna be via china and ending in thailand where i have family. Will try to replenish cash funds as my bro may have some work for me there and then maybe head to australia/NZ and work the harvesting permits for a while. By that time my ex will be out the house and it will be sold letting me head to the united states and onto S.America with a longer stop in bolivia to work at an animal sanctuary and then to a friend of the family in peru cusco for a rest break. then down to the bottom of S.America and see what happens after. Probably africa.

So far its going to be europe-stans/mongolia-china-laos-thailand[restbreak/workbreak explore that part of world] then somewhere else.

[Hagrid]

So far its going to be europe-stans/mongolia-china-laos-thailand[restbreak/workbreak explore that part of world] then somewhere else.

Sounds cool pictish....

Isn't China still Fubar dude...? Well unless your completly loaded (to hire a state guide at £150pd!), or extremely lucky, or know someone in high places... And the natural diversion South through Myanmar is a Non-runner too (So you need to crate her up and fly her over to Thailand... maybe from Calcutta)

Shed loads of advice on the Hubb dude

[pictish]

yes the china ones a hard one, theres a group getting together to split the costs of the guide. There is also other ways in apparently although info is a bit sketchy, one guy got help from various embassies in kazak to get the paperwork took him 5 days. Another german couple got all the required docs at the border licenseplate[now credit card sized] and chinese tempory license[available at airports too now] and drove through with no probs. Neither used guides at all.
its a bit pot luck. shipping is the other option.

may just turn up with the docs previous people have used and see whats happening. im not on a time limit and rules appear to change all the time. Would mean abit of backtracking and a few more countries but not too worried about that.

[pictish]

So what about crashbar recommendations[was thinking going riky cross] and panniers do i go with the metal mule ones i have heard the fittings/frame are a bit naff