Thanks Pietro, excellent advice... comments below:
Bike
Fit Sidestand kit (remove centre-stand)
My advise is that centre-stand is most useful for chain-wheels maintenance... consider leaving it in it's place.
>>JT: I totally agree, but you can't have both on at the same time. I had to make a decision and felt it much easier to get off the bike (under full weight + panniers) with a side stand. I will use the aluminium panniers as a rest if possible. Or enlist the help of my friendly travelling companion!
A little care: in my old 2000 model, the side stand made impossible using the kick starter, check if it's true on the 2001 model too (and please let me know ).
>>JT: True - you must have the sidestand UP to kickstart - or it will break the sidestand spring or more...
Weld 5cm plate onto sidestand
I don't know if it fits :-/. I allways use crushed a
can, and parking turns to a pleasant occupation! ))
>>JT: It seems to fit quite nicely, but I'll still have a
and drink it anyway. :-)
Reupholster seat & fit horses 'Equigel' Gel pad
Please, make a little report on this item, I'm most intrested... or better... an anatomical part of me is most intrested! ))
>>JT: Easy to do (see separate mail in KTM Tech) - My standard seat had additional padding added to the existing foam. This adds about 2-3cm to the height & width. Then the gel pad (about 50cm * 35cm and 1cm thick - designed also to be a shock absorber) is placed on top of the new foam and held in place with new cover. This makes the seat about 5cm wider (this is good part) & taller (so you need long legs to ride bike as it's already on of the tallest bikes around!), but a joy. Before: 15mins ride before pain. After: 2+ hours!
Fit In-line fuel filter (from pump to carb)
Check _carefully_ the pump functionality: mine is gone without notice, and is an awfull experience being stranded with no gas when you know there are aprox 8 liters of fuel in your tank (it appened to me (( )
>>JT: I will check with dealers about the warrently - I have read they they often break down.
Fit Small number plate with rubber mounts.
Be _extremely_ carefull! Some policemans don't love this activity so much...
>>JT: They don't in UK either, hopefully a smile will help ;-)
Fit Locking Petrol Cap
This is not very usefull, a thief can "suck" your gas simply from the fuel cap.
>>JT: Yes - I thought it was a good idea at first, but another key not-to-lose is a problem and now it makes a noise too. I might change back.
Spare Parts:
2 * Oil Filter Kit (inc 2*filters, seals & copper washers)
Don't forget the O-Rings!
1 * Clutch cable
Consider Hydraulic clutch kit... My 2001 model buyed 01-06-2001, has 12800 Km... I've replaced 5 clutch cables until now...
>>JT: Oh My God. I don't have time but will be able to visit KTM dealer in Istanbull & have spare - I will grease every day!
1 * Engine Oil bottle (with tube)
Make it 2...
Lots of Cable ties
Invaluables! )
Have a nice trip! I envy you SOOOOOO MUCH! ))
By!
Pietro (aka Badwolf)