The bikes we chose to do this trip on is the DRZ400E. This was after a lot of research and test rides on varying size bikes. We decided we wanted something light, agile off road, reliable and cheap to buy and run. The DRZ seemed to cover everything but with a compromise to riding on the Highway. After looking into everything we also decided to get the same bikes for the likes of trouble shooting problems to the amount of spares we needed to carry etc.
Mark's bike:
Eagle Screen
B&B Bashplate
Frame Protectors
17L Safari Tank
Renthal Bars with Riser Kit
EGO Barkbusters
VSM Heated Grips
12 Volt Inverter
Heavy Duty Front and Rear Springs
Wolfman Tank Panniers and Tank Bag
Happy Trail Pannier Rails
Home Made Alloy Panniers
Andy Strapz Stuff Sack
Customised Seat
Roc Stompa Foot Pegs
Extended Gear Lever
Case Saver
Devol Radiator Guards
Fuel Filter
Rim Locks
Heavy Duty Tubes
Sanne's bike:
Screens For Bike Frony Screen
Bash Plate
CFC Case Savers
17L Safari Tank
EGO Bark Busters
TAG Handlebars with Riser Kit
VSM Heated Grips
12 Volt Inverter
Wolfman Tank Panniers and Tank Bag
Andy Strapz Pannier rails
Andy Strapz Pannier Bags
Andy Strapz Stuff Sack
Customised Seat
Force Radiator Guards
Fuel Filter
Rim Locks
Heavy Duty Tubes
We decided to leave the engine stock standard as well as the exhaust on both bikes. Knowing the bikes are very reliable stock we didn't want to mess with anything that could change this with such a big trip planned. The only other thing we changed was the rear sprocket. We dropped down from a 47 tooth to a 41 tooth, a major change and riding slowly at low speed is not the smoothest but the advantage far out ways the negative. Since changing the sprocket it has now increased the mileage by approx 75km's a tank. Since the bike is only a 5 speed it has also helped with the vibration at higher speeds and sits more comfortably at a cruising speed of about 90-95kph.
