It
was a lot of fun and pleasure to prepare my bike! It was a hobby
beside business that took lots of research, and learning by try
and error. Anyhow, through the years the bike got quite an individual
character.
A solid base to build up a custom bike that should be suitable
for far-distance-overland-traveling was the good old Yamaha XT600.
Alternatives at the time (year 2000) were KTM LC4 and Honda Africa
Twin. Both great bikes with advantages and disadvantages
as everything in this world. Final choice for the XT was the great
price and the simple technical system that should be able to be
repaired anywhere. Also a bike can be de-valued within
a second and not too much investment should get lost in a worst
case scenario. Additional benefit is the low compression engine
that runs perfectly with low-quality gas (Africa). Also there
is a fantastic internet platform with a great technical board
it is www.xt600.de.
However, the discussion about bikes is endless like the sky above
the campfire. Most important is what you do and to get started
!
Before:________________Afterwards:
 
Details
(with pictures):
Details
A: Engine | Exhaust Pipe | Carriersystem | Fork
Springs | Fork Stabilisator
Details
B: Headlamp
Grid | Hot Grips | Handprotectors
| Higher Handle | 23-Liter Tank | Windshield | Kompass | GPS |Enlarged
Exhaust Valve Caps | RR-Oil
Thermometer
| Oil Cooler
Details
C: Crash
bars | Motor Protection Sheet | Rear luggage carrier | Front
brakeline | Automatic
Chain Lubricating System | Tyres
|