In at the deep end XT600Z 34L

[luadraman]

Hi, I just bought my first ever motorbike, I'm so happy but I need a little help now, thing is I bought it in Mali with the intention of driving it around Africa a bit but I know very little about bikes (tho some car knowledge).
I've read the oil pump could do with changing, is it possible to find out if I do need to do this without taking the cover off? I'll be spending a bit of time in Ghana soon so can get some essential parts delivered there, any suggestions on what I should really get or what I should really check?

Edit: Saw this in another post regarding the 1VJ model:

- Overheating: there's two little 'hoses' just above the cilinder head that the intake air passes through. Above the hot head. Modification: plug them and remove the cover through which you remove the air filter for service. Throw away the cover. The engine will get cooler air, it will be a bit noisier as the intake sound is less dampened.
This right? My engine is fairly hot.

- Fifth gear: yes, all XT's have that problem. The bangs from the one-cil engine are just too much for the gears. Pitting and eventually breaking in pieces will occur. To avoid, never run it below 4500 rpm. The engine has been made for higher revs. It's noisier, that's true, but a well-tuned XT driven in that range is a lot of fun.
If your gears are pitted, replace them for the modified gears from the 3AJ. It is not the entire solution but will make them last longer. The only way to inspect is to take the engine apart.
I saw other post saying don't use too high or low revs...