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No trip without the appropriate preparation.
It already starts with small items, items which are actually obvious, but get forgotten nevertheless. It is always better to make a list. It should contain everything important and useful for the adventure trip; which is a lot. It includes important and necessary documents, medicines and clothing as well as spare parts and tools.
The most important thing for an extended trip and/or a vacation tour:
All regular service works should be done beforehand (adjust chain, change oil, clean air filter, tighten spokes, set tire pressure, check coolant and oil lines, check all fasteners etc.). It is probably best to have the motorcycle inspected by a professional - a KTM-dealer. Beyond general maintenance all broken and worn items, which will soon give up working anyway, should be repaired or replaced (e.g. run down tires or brakes). In remote areas like Africa the next KTM-dealer could possibly be located in a far distance. This could lead into a few “nice” complications.
If the bike is ready and set to go one will have to tackle the next problem: What do I really need on the road? Nani Roma, Dakar winner in 2004, puts it like this, “The assembling of the spare tires is a difficult task. While no one wants to carry more than is required, no one wants to sit on the side of the trail and wait for assistance. When going for a long ride I like to carry a 21’’ front tube (it will work in the rear as well), a tire patch kit, compressed air bottles, miscellaneous wrenches, pliers with wire cutters, a multipurpose screwdriver, a chain lock and spare chain parts (master link and 3-4 spare links).
Rally teammate Cyril Despres adds, “Without a doubt the tube and tire changing tools will allow me to repair a flat tire. When in need you can always stuff the tire with grass, leaves or some other material and create a natural mousse. It will feel unbalanced, but it will get you to the next repair shop.”
What kind of tools one should take along on a vacation trip we have posted under the headline “spare parts.” But what exactly can be done that no problem will occur on the road? We have already mentioned it at preparation – precautionary steps are the right way. One should check on the coolant at every gas stop. Every 1000 km one should check the oil level of the bike. One only needs to clean the air filter if either riding prolonged periods through dust, the performance noticeably worsens or at regular inspection intervals.
In Africa, Asia and South America it happens again and again that one has refueled with dirty gasoline. But that isn’t such a big problem after all. One can open a plug-in joint beneath the seat of the KTM 950 Adventure. With that the spark plug becomes adjusted to the dirty gasoline. Great heights are no problem for this bike either. If you aren’t staying permanently and for an extended period of time on elevations above 4500 m there is no reason to take actions. Only the ones who want to climb even higher should fit a jet, so called main jets, on the motorbike. If you are planning to tour through South America for example onto the Chacaltaya (5308 m) above La Paz the standard version will be sufficient.
We’d like to add a few more words concerning the chain. If you’re riding across a prolonged sand stage you definitely shouldn’t put additional grease on the chain. Only if returned to solid grounds one should get started cleaning the chain.
Important in all cases: Continuously check all relevant safety connections (chassis, brakes etc.); especially if you are riding across bumpy roads and on gravel. |
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