 Have
sheepskin, will travel
I have now finally, finally decided to use a Yamaha TTR250 for my
trip through Africa - a
bike described in a recent
TRF newsletter
as a 'Serow on steroids'!
The new 250cc 2005 Serow was a
definite contender but I was put off by the lack of kick-start and
the potential problem of getting parts out to Africa, as it's
essentially a new bike and still a grey import here in the UK. The TTR has dual start, is an official UK model and boasts a little bit
more umph, that I had been craving, and besides, I just fancied
trying something new. However, with a 36" seat height it was a bit
tall for me, so the first things I did was to lower it, by replacing
the rear suspension link with a
Kouba link -
now I can just get my toes down! A
TTR250 in its natural state
I managed to get my hands on a 22 litre tank from a fellow TTR
rider (thanks George!) and have squeezed 350 miles out of it. Admittedly, this was on tarmac, so the range will be less
off-road, but still, it means no messing around with jerry cans.
Other modifications include fitting a sturdy bash plate, an exhaust
guard to prevent any comedy luggage fires, a screen, and a rack for the top-box, made by rally and
overland expert,
David
Lambeth. For more exciting luggage info and a packing list,
check out The Kit page.
My final tasks were to fit new wheel
bearings, brake pads, tyres and the most super-duper heavy-duty inner tubes
I could find, and last but not least, a sheepskin on the seat. Now my
bike is ready
for anything Africa can throw at it... hopefully the same can be said
of its rider!
Lots of excellent info and tips about the TTR250 can be found
at
TTR250.com
|
4mm
of hardcore rubbery action!
Yep,
that feels pretty tough...
Phew!
These tubes rock!
Mmm...
I love the smell of new tyres
Stop
mucking about and get on with it.
And
don't forget the bearings!