The bike

There are many bikes suitable for this type of trip, but only one was designed specifically for its terrain & conditions, the KTM 640 Adventure. I will be using a new model and some of its advantages are;

Light weight, as compared to other dual sport bikes
Simple & non-fuel injected yet high performance engine
Large fuel tank, excellent suspension and strong subframe
Incredibly pleasing on the eye

Although early models had some reliability concerns, these were rectified a few years ago and since this bike has a proven track record of suitability for and reliability on long trips. See the 'others' page for other trips on this bilke.. The following exceprt from KTM sales literature sums-up the bike adequately;

Wherever in the world strange continents, lonely desert expanses or wild jungle trails are explored - the KTM 640 Adventure is the ultimate, single-cylinder travel motorcycle. Directly descended from successful rally racing bikes, it is characterized by its low weight, agile chassis with long suspension travel and a robust LC4 engine.

Modifications

Most aftermarket additions I have chosen are to aid protection, ease of maintenance & luggage capacity.

Limbs:

Sprockets upgraded to steel
Longer life-span thus spares shouldn't be required.
Chain upgraded to X-ring Gold
As with sprockets, prolonged lifespan.
Handlebar risers
Increases height of handlebars, comfortable for taller rider & standing on pegs. From Stenhouse in Canada.
Tyres
Standard Metzeler Sahara's for Europe, Continental TKC80's for Africa.
Ultra heavy duty tubes
Should reduce offroad punctures.
Ultraseal in tubes
Revelutionary puncture avoidance treatment, they say.

Heart, lungs & stomach

Akrapovic silencer
Reduced weight, increased performance, nice tune.
Air box & carb tuning
Increased performance & better breathing, especially at altitude.
VisuFilter inline fuel filter
Extra protection against dirty fuel.
Mr Funnel
Even more protection against dirty fuel.
Loctite blue
Added to most nuts/bolts that are turned

Body & clothing

Acerbis multipro hand guards
Propper hand and lever protection.
Front high fender conversion
Increased offroad ability and good looks.
Neoprene fork covers
Keeps dust & shit out of the front shocks.
Carbon fibre tank protectots
Lightweight bump & scratch protection. Hand made in the UK by Chris Barnes.
Side stand
In addition to centre stand.
Headlight guard
Headlight protection against stone-throwing Ethiopian juveniles.
Rallye crash plate with side toolboxes
Engine protection plus low-down tool storage.
Sheepskin on seat
Fewer piles & more miles.
Wolfman enduro tankbag
Accessible storage for valuables, with rain cover.
Wolfman fender bag
Handy for tube spares/repair.
Andystrapz pannier luggage
Soft bags rather than hard boxes, with Pacsafe security netting.
Pelican top box
Tough, waterproof & safe storage mounted behind seat.
Luggage rack extension for top box
Required to fix top box to luggage rack.
Number plate
Not essential in South Africa but a useful accesorry when travelling abroad.

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