Work continues on the CRF

We have been busy getting everything sorted on the CRF as the leaving date is fast approaching. I’m trying to keep this bike a simple as possible for two reasons, 1. A simple bike is easier to travel with.

2. I want to show people how you can do this kind of trip for a reasonable cost.

You can’t cut corners on bike prep and good preparation should make the adventure more enjoyable hopefully provide you with a good solid platform to enjoy the experience.

The CRF is still on the bench gaining mods as the days roll on! Latest additions are new boots, I chose Mitas E07’s as I used these on my last adventure to Albania on the KTM690, I was really pleased with both their wear and performance so I’m sticking with what I know for now. They are a good solid tyre that work well for me.

The front tyre was an absolute pig to fit and I have a tyre machine! But it’s gone on well with a new front tube, the original one had been repaired and had a little damage so it was a no brainer to change it.

The rear tyre was a lot easier to fit and I decided to keep the original heavy duty tube as it was in great condition.

Both sets of wheel bearings were inspected at this point, they are in very good condition so I left them as they are noting the bearing numbers, I will carry spares as a precaution. Original bearings re-greased with ACF50 Corrosion Block grease and plenty behind the seals to try and keep the bearings in good order.

I also fitted a USB charge port, I decided to buy an Interphone unit which are quite expensive but they last and are suited to the conditions. I’m about to experience, you can save a little cash buying a cheap Chinese copy but they do and will fail, I hate throwaway, so it’s best to pay a little more and get Proven components that actually work, especially when it comes to leky stuff. I have some of these in stock now so if you need one…. I decided to wire it to switched live and chose the low beam supply, cut and soldered in making sure the solder flux was cleaned off before Re-wrapping the loom, a good strong connection which should be fine for the whole journey. I must confess I hate electrics and don’t really feel comfortable doing this stuff but this mod is simple so I had a go and it worked out well.

The next in the list is an external power supply for my homemade mini compressor, I need this if I have to inflate my, or indeed anyone else’s tyres, a simple Optimate plug wired straight to the battery with the plug accessible and tucked away under the tank.

I bought a new Ram Mount which will give a good secure platform for my IPhone, that’s also been fitted and sits well on the left side of the bars so I’m IPhone ready now!

A new quick fit clip mount for my Garmin 64S handheld GPS pretty much completes the work on the bars, just waiting for the Garmin Africa maps chip to arrive now.

K&N washable air filter also arrived today, this will allow me to clean my air filter without having to worry about finding replacement filters, they are expensive but I feel they represent good value in the long term. That’s nestled in the air box ready for action, a simple mod and a very worthwhile investment.

I ordered a couple of new spark plugs, fitted one and the other added to the spares list, (boy were those expensive) I also chose to replace the plug cap as the old one was a little too loose for my liking.

Next to come is the high screen and skid plate but they haven’t arrived yet.

Booked her in for MOT just before the Adventure Overland Show in late September so I can leave with a fresh ticket.

Prep feels like it’s going well, still haven’t really ridden the bike but I’m sure it will all fall into place, sitting in the bike it feels like a nice place to put down some miles, I will just have to get used to a little less power!!

Happy days, Max