How does one upgrade and modify a motorcycle into the most dependable (and awesome) trans-Africa adventure chariot?  After consulting enthusiastic sales reps and the deepest darkest recesses of internet forums, it became clear that topic was of course not clear.

Its my opinion that you can ride a stock bike with no upgrades to the end of the world…if you wanted to. However, there is that enormous sense of satisfaction in personalizing your machine and expanding your capability. Modification to your motorcycle is a reflection of yourself and the type of rider you are, or at least the rider you want to be.  Coupled with a sense of adventure, that bike you put your heart into will open up all sorts of exotic tracks ahead and with some luck, those upgrades and modifications will keep you and your bike out on the open road and beyond the walls of the mechanics bay.

So far we’ve rebuilt the front forks on both bikes, replaced the rear shocks, swapped out rotors and chains, installed enduro foot pegs, hand guards, and luggage racks.  We are now neck deep into Katelyn’s steering head bearings.  There’s plenty of work to be done, but we are on track and about a week out to starting our Cape Town to Cairo expedition.

Serious adventure motorcycle mechanics wear Chipmunk pajamas to work.

This 15 year old fork oil belongs in museum!