Hi,

My experience of overland travel has been limited to hiring or buying bikes overseas. I haven't yet equipped my own.

I own a 96 NX650 Dommie (13000 miles). When looking at web sites such as overland-solutions or touratech, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of standardised offerings with regard to panniers and luggage.

I'm planning to do a short six week trip at Xmas and want to get it kitted out in preparation. The aim of the trip is to make sure the bike and mods are likely to be ok for a bigger trip.

I'd also like to get the panniers etc fitted by a professional.

The questions that I'm having difficulty in really answering are as follows:

- Should I have everything fitted by dedicated pro's like overland-solutions, or could I buy a rack and luggage kit from someone like Touratech and get it fitted by a standard bike mechanic?

- Do I save money by buying a standardised package? Is it a false economy?

- Who are the suppliers who offer standardised mod packages for Dommie's?

- Do I need to think about getting the frame strengthened?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear from people who were once in the same situation as me and have drawn their own conclusions!

Thanks very much,

Matt O.

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\'If it happens, it must be possible!\'

Hi Matt

HAve a chat with Ernie at Overland Solutions. I know you've looked at their (his) site so have an idea of his services. Yes, OS are a company and all companies are there to make money so always talk to more than one to make sure the info is right for you BUT Ernie is a top guy and the same kind of biker as us so he wont give you dud info - he'll just tell you what you want to know and let you decide.

I don't know what kind of trip you've got planned but if its all metal roads the bike will be fine as it is. I had a 1200 Bandit and did some seriouse 2 up touring for 6 weeks at a time (even took it off road!!) and had no problems. Soft luggage and a couple of dry bags were all we used.

I think Givvi do a rack and panniers for the Dommie but I'd say first off just go for the cheepest option until you KNOW what you want for the future. You won't have any worries with a standard bike unless you really go for it. If you do REALLY go for it then maybe yes, have some work done - and Ernie's your man for that. I have nothing to gain by reccomending him (no affiliation) but my AT is with him right now having a load of work done for our trip later this year - I know his work and you cna't beat it. You will need to give him plenty of time though 'cos good work takes time and he has a few jobs on right now.

I don't think you need any work doing on the bike however so just do the trip and enjoy. Hope this helps

Chris

Thanks very much Chris. It really helps to hear from someone whose been in the same situation!

Matt

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\'If it happens, it must be possible!\'

Hi Matt,

I own the Dommie on Ernie's website. It's been to Ernie's twice now for work. I had some racks made last year before I rode to Singapore from London and then I had some more made when I came back. The first was for soft luggage. This time I have opted for hard panniers. Depends on how much you want to spend and what sort of trip you are doing. I have modified the bike slightly since my trip as I learnt a lot sitting on it for so many hours! If you would like to see what I have done to my bike then you are welcome. I am away for 2 weeks from tomorrow but am happy to send pictures, answer questions or even meet up if you like. I live in London.

Cheers Dave

ps. one extra thing I would like to add.. and that is preparation. Get a good chain (DID) and some good sprockets. Also, maybe Scott Oiler (I had this..very good) and good tyres.. choose carefully depending on where you are going.

[This message has been edited by Spud (edited 13 August 2003).]

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Dave