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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 19 Jun 2001
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Africa Twin weak points
Hi all,

In a month I will leave for a trip from Seattle to Argentina with my Africa Twin.
My bike has 45.000 kms; What spare parts should I take with me? What things should I check before leaving?

Any advice welcome

Thanks & see you
Jaime
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  #2  
Old 20 Jun 2001
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Hi Jaime,

Check out http://www.atic.org/ - there's a huge amount of info there on the bike, and I'm sure you'd find what you're looking for there.

If you're coming through San Francisco, you're more than welcome to stay at my place for a night, though all I have to offer is a couch! Drop me an email if you're interested.

Cheers,
Wright Bagwell

------------------
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/


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  #3  
Old 11 Sep 2001
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Bring:
clutch-cabel, gas-cable, bulb's, fuse's, fuel-filter, brake-bloc's, duck-tape, tie-raps, tyre-repair-kit and improvise and enjoy.

If you check: www.adventure-motorcycling.com/reports.htm
you can see what other AT world travelers needed. (actualy not much)

[This message has been edited by mmaarten (edited 13 September 2001).]
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  #4  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Apparently, if the chain is too tight, for example, the output shaft can lose its splines, so whip off the cover and look at the front sprocket to see if there is any play of the sprocket on the shaft.

Takes a while to occur, and a well set-up chain as well as decent sprockets (OEM is best bet apparently).

Another wealth of knowledge, duly shared (as long as you post a picture of your bike in your opening post!!), is Honda Trail Bike Forums

Enjoy your trip!!
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  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Change before you go:
Wheel bearings
Brake pads
Oil
Oil filter
Fit a washable foam air filter, but make sure it seals properly round the airbox outlet (our Pipercross units were washable and effective, but only with the aid of the steel plate from the top of the OE air filter to clamp them down in place - the black plastic trim panel over the top does not retain the filter, only the bolts at the corners)
Chain and sprockets
Spark plugs

Take with you (probably not a big deal to have with you when you leave as you can simply buy stuff further south in the US, these things were harder to get hold of in the Congo...):
Oil filter
Front sprocket (particularly if riding sandy roads)
Regulator/rectifier unit - one of our bikes got through three reg/recs on the way through Africa
Tyres if desired...

And if you ride hard on rough dirt roads, remove the front mudguard and strap it to your luggage - the forks flex enough for the back of the guard to hook over the bash plate and get ripped off it's rear mounts, making the front rub against the tyre. And if you're in muddy terrain, it'll clog up with mud and lock the front wheel.

Can't think of anything else, if I do, I'll post again...
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'02 Africa Twin (sold), GSX-R 1000 K5 (sold), '97 TL1000S, '08 DRZ400 SM/S, '92 CRM250
Last edited by djadams; 17 Jun 2010 at 22:27. Reason: spelling...
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  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Sticking with the original question... Weak spots !!

Well, not many !!

1. Fuel pump - Take a spare or replace with a vacuum/facet pump

2. Reg/rect - Known to overheat in hot countries and fail.

3. Keep the chain rather loose.

That's pretty much it...
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  #7  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Forgot fuel pump as we'd changed ours before we went and had no problems - good point Ted...
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  #8  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Check The Thread DATE!!!!
Boys Boys Boys!
Anyone happen to notice this thread was started in 2001?
Great topic I'm sure ... but you're probably talking to the OP's kids by now!
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  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mickey D View Post
Anyone happen to notice this thread was started in 2001?
Now that is wierd...

This thread came up in my "New Posts Since Last Visit" list about half an hour ago, so I answered, yet mine is the first post since '01....

wasn't even a member then....
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  #10  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
Now that is wierd...

This thread came up in my "New Posts Since Last Visit" list about half an hour ago, so I answered, yet mine is the first post since '01....

wasn't even a member then....
You should probably check your emails more than every 10 years
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  #11  
Old 18 Jun 2010
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I wonder what he took and what he needed!!


The guy has only 2 posts since 2001, so perhaps he is stranded needing a part that people are suggesting in 2010.
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  #12  
Old 18 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
You should probably check your emails more than every 10 years
What's an email?


Anyway, where that damn pigeon....? Late as usual...
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  #13  
Old 18 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ede View Post
I wonder what he took and what he needed!!
The guy has only 2 posts since 2001, so perhaps he is stranded needing a part that people are suggesting in 2010.
I've no idea about Garcia. Just passing by I expect.

But MMaarten (Dutchman now in Bolivia) rode all round S. America on his
africa twin and wrote a book on it ... he sent me a copy. Not half bad for a guy with English as a 2nd (or fourth?) language. Some funny stuff in a way.

I'm thinking Maarten knows about all there is to know about the AT.
He also was quite good at riding that heavy beast in tough conditions. He did really well on it.
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