Mich. Deserts on 3AJ?
 

Hey, I know this question has been asked before but I can't find it.
I am planning a trip through africa this January and I want to fit michelin deserts. Do they fit? If I fit them do I have to lengthen the chain? What happens when the chain stretches, will there be enough room to adjust the tension?
Are the T63 a good alternative?

hi john,
you can use the desert but with a longer chain.
i would strongly advice to use a new chain kit. i have very good experiences with D.I.D x-ring 520VM chain. you should use it with 14/45 ratio and 108 links (instead of standard 106). with this, there should be enough space to mount the desert. but because i'm not sure, better order also a chain-lock to shorten the chain if necessary (adjustment!).
you can get everything here: http://www.kedo.com

T63 is not bad but more soft than the desert although it looks almost the same.
on tarmac the T63 has better handling capabilities but to withstand thorns and sharp stones the desert is better.
i love the sound of the T63! it sounds like big army truck tires when rolling through narrow streets.
have fun!
klaus

Hi,

I fitted Deserts on my 3AJ. Only had to remove a bit of the side to prevent the tyre from hitting the exhaust (Jama Laser Enduro). The bike had a ratio of 16/40 (later 15/40), but the chain wasn't new anymore. Everything fitted within millimeters. Maybe with a new chain the 16/40 won't work.
One big advice: try it at home with heavy load before you start your trip. Cutting tyres with a pocketknife in freezing rain in France isnt nice:-)

Peter

there's actually two of us wanting to fit the desert. My friend has a '88 model and I have a '89 model. (3AJ 00 and 3AJ 2X). Are the primary gear ratios and the swing arm identical on the two models? Is there any reason why we should get different chain lengths and secondary gear ratios?
In the Polo-motorrad catalogue the reckomend different chains and cogs for the -'88 and the '89- models. Please help

Thanx.

I had problems in Oz getting deserts to fit my 88 tenere, so used T63´s. Crossed Oz and round NZ on them-absolutly no problems-saves all the different chain hassle.Good ware-loaded up in Oz/2-up in NZ.I think I got about 12,000kms out of the rear-will check my book!

hi john,
some 88' 3AJ still have the old lubrication system and hence different gear ratio.
you can identify them easily: they don't have the external oil hose from oil filter housing to upper rear crankcase housing.
but the swing arm is always the same.
so if the sprocket ratio is originally 15/39 you should use 14/40 instead. if the ratio is 15/45 you should use 14/45.
if you use T63, no change of length of the chain is necessary.
if you use desert you should take a chain with two additional links and you have to adjust the chain length individually by using a chain lock.
to stan:
i have same experiences, my last t63 rear performed 14000 kms on my 1VJ (but front wheel only 10000).
regards
klaus

I have decided to go for the t63, less hassle. Could I go for the 130/80 (the standard is 120/80 I think) and not have to get a longer chain etc? What about 2ndary ratio?

I’m confused!
The registration papers say: model ’89, and engine type: 3AJ1, 3AJ3. But the frame no. is 3AJ 004064. I have an external metal pipe (ca. 3mm) - not rubber hose – going from the oil filter housing to the upper rear crankcase housing. Do I have the new or the old lubrication system? What secondary gear ratio should I use for off road with T63?
Please help

hi john,
external metal oil hose = new gear box (ratio of gears has changed).
hence, secondary ratio is 15/45 (standard).
i recommend 14/45.
with this and T63 fitted, no change of chain length is necessary.
regards
klaus