I finished a rather punishing cross Africa ride on a 2003 Dakar and was pleased with the bike overall. However, like MaxKX I thought the shocks (front and rear) were not even close to stiff enough for the off road portions. I was loaded, but not overloaded (not carrying tires etc) and still bottomed out often in Namibia going fast on dirt roads.
I'd do all the things Pierre suggested, plus beefing up the bike with an Ohlins rear shock. I carried 2 5L jerry cans when needed (not too often really, even in the boondocks of Ethiopia... if you're patient) and never ran dry. The EFI was strong throughout, and a K & N filter solved much of my problems with the air intake.
Enjoy.
Hunter
__________________
Hunter
|