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13 Posts
Hi everyone, this is my first post here so apologies for any mistakes etc.
My friend and I are doing a tip to Cape York (very top of Australia) at the end of the year, and I am dead set on taking my Tdub. He will be taking his KTM 690 enduro, and I'm not bothered by how mach faster he will be than me (I keep telling myself that). We are both finishing our final year of school, and want it to sort of be like an adventure.
I've built a few bikes in the past, but they've all been cafe racers, scramblers or mud bikes, and I've done a few cars as well, so I'm not completely alien to working on things extensively.
I bought my TW200 a few months back, and it was absolutely fucked, the frame was cracked, motor not running, wiring was toast and about 3 rear spokes holding the hub to the rim, I paid 360 AUD for it, which isn't bad considering how rare they are here. I have been working on the bike, and am currently piecing it together with an XL185 tank, round headlight and extended swingarm. The bike is visible in my avatar, and is nearly done. In preparation for the trip, I am going to tear the bike down AGAIN once its all together, and gusset/strengthen the frame, and give the motor a bit more power. I plan to get a new cam grind, port and polish the head myself, and bore the piston to 70mm. I've also done all the services on the bike, i.e. clutch, oil, oil filter etc. I've geared the bike for the freeway (60-70mph), will be carrying a large rear sprocket with me, and will service it along the way. Before I go, the bike will get all new bearings, and will be taken apart a third time to make sure it is mechanically pristine, although it doesn't look that way as I have stuck with a patina look. I just want to know if anyone has done the Cape York trip on the TW200, which is 4000km each way from Melbourne, and if so is there anything I should carry extra, also any tips from guys here who have done long trips. Anything to ensure my TW doesn't give out on me will be much appreciated. Also has anyone had experience with the Shinko dual sport tyres? they seem to be the cheapest ones available. Thanks.
P.S. please don't tell me to get another bike, I love my TW, and even if I didn't I don't have the money for another bike
My friend and I are doing a tip to Cape York (very top of Australia) at the end of the year, and I am dead set on taking my Tdub. He will be taking his KTM 690 enduro, and I'm not bothered by how mach faster he will be than me (I keep telling myself that). We are both finishing our final year of school, and want it to sort of be like an adventure.
I've built a few bikes in the past, but they've all been cafe racers, scramblers or mud bikes, and I've done a few cars as well, so I'm not completely alien to working on things extensively.
I bought my TW200 a few months back, and it was absolutely fucked, the frame was cracked, motor not running, wiring was toast and about 3 rear spokes holding the hub to the rim, I paid 360 AUD for it, which isn't bad considering how rare they are here. I have been working on the bike, and am currently piecing it together with an XL185 tank, round headlight and extended swingarm. The bike is visible in my avatar, and is nearly done. In preparation for the trip, I am going to tear the bike down AGAIN once its all together, and gusset/strengthen the frame, and give the motor a bit more power. I plan to get a new cam grind, port and polish the head myself, and bore the piston to 70mm. I've also done all the services on the bike, i.e. clutch, oil, oil filter etc. I've geared the bike for the freeway (60-70mph), will be carrying a large rear sprocket with me, and will service it along the way. Before I go, the bike will get all new bearings, and will be taken apart a third time to make sure it is mechanically pristine, although it doesn't look that way as I have stuck with a patina look. I just want to know if anyone has done the Cape York trip on the TW200, which is 4000km each way from Melbourne, and if so is there anything I should carry extra, also any tips from guys here who have done long trips. Anything to ensure my TW doesn't give out on me will be much appreciated. Also has anyone had experience with the Shinko dual sport tyres? they seem to be the cheapest ones available. Thanks.
P.S. please don't tell me to get another bike, I love my TW, and even if I didn't I don't have the money for another bike