Hi folks,

I just purchased two used Serows for a trip across West Africa. I'll be visiting remote Fulani nomad camps for a documentary project (PULAKU | the fulani photo project).

I got both bikes in Accra, and had them checked out by a good mechanic. After a little tuning they sound/ride great now, but I want to be prepared with replacement parts, because I know it won't be easy to get parts in much of West Africa. Opinions, please?

Bike details: Yamaha Serow 225cc (also known as "XT225"), both are approximately 1992-1994 models. One of them has a rear disc brake, otherwise they're identical. One has 17,000km, the other has 42,000km.

Bear in mind that we are trying to travel as light as possible, so we can't carry every imaginable spare part. So far, I'm thinking:

-2x chains
-2x cogs front/rear
-1x timing chain
-1x piston rings
-2x spark plugs
-2x clutch cables

Current cogs are 14F/45R. Should I stick with that combo, or would you suggest something different?

I'll probably also grab a sent of F/R tires once I'm back in Benin to start the trip. I'm currently in Europe for a few weeks, so I'm trying to stock up on parts before I return to Benin. Any suggestions on the best place to order Serow parts for quick delivery in Switzerland?

Thanks!

Christoph

PULAKU | the fulani photo project