Here is a list of modifications made on the bike and a few comments on them.
When I refer to the TAT, it means the Trans-America Trail. This trail is quite difficult and taxing for the equipment. This part of the trip was done with two partners.
rear shock
−
new valve and 0.76 kg/mm spring
−
too soft, replaced in Ecuador for a stiffer one (specs ?)
fork
−
0.45 kg/mm spring (I think)
−
rebound is still too high (re-valving?)
fuel tank
−
Acerbis 25 litres / 6.6 gallons
−
two petcocks
−
each petcock has its own fuel filter (Procycle)
−
locking cap
−
indicator relocation bracket (Procycle)
standard SeatConcepts seat
−
much better than OEM
countershaft sprocket seal
magnetic oil drain
skid plate
−
already there when the bike was purchased, unknown brand
headlight guard (Procycle)
Neutral Sensing Unit (NSU)
−
Procycle kit
extended fuel screw (Procycle)
secondary air filter from Procycle
licence plate
−
added a bottom screw
upper drive chain roller
−
removed and replaced by screw
lower drive chain roller
−
replaced by a better quality part
rim lock
−
only one on the rear wheel - installed at 180°
−
removed in Mexico, too difficult to install when having a puncture
Renthal Standard 7/8" handlebar - CR High
−
Bikemaster riser (about 4 cm)
handguards
−
Barkbusters Storm Handguards
OEM pegs
−
too high for me, very bad
−
trashed after the TAT
−
replaced with Procycle pegs (they are lower)
Procycle pegs
−
much better than the ones from Suzuki could be even lower
SW-Motech centerstand
new mirrors
−
KTM Military - 280 mm
tool box
−
replaced OEM box with Procycle one
bypass side stand switch
kept clutch switch
Happy Trail Teton 9" luggage system;
−
with tail plate
−
aluminum panniers without any coating)
−
rack and tail plate seem very solid
−
pannier quality is very good
−
after the TAT, I think that the mounting bracket is weak; a system with bigger washers/plastic mounts would be better
−
pannier racks often break on minor falls... strengthening them is risky since a pannier or the frame could break instead
voltmeter
−
needed with heated grips, heated vest, headlight, and electronic gear recharge
−
Procycle voltmeter broke after a few months, I now use a voltmeter connected to a SAE connector
GPS
−
Garmin 276cx with AMPS mount
Inreach - satellite communication system
−
with adequate mount
heated grips
−
Bikemaster - 36 Watt
−
works very well
SAE connectors for charging electronic equipment
−
3x front (various fuse), 2x rear
−
via a 30 AMP standard automobile relay
connector for the heated vest - proprietary
−
via a 30 AMP standard automobile relay
headlight switch
−
needed so that heated grips and vest can function at the same time
heated vest
−
Venture Heat
−
piece of crap used only 3 times, the wires inside broke
Popular modifications I choose not to do:
no wind screen
lighter exhaust pipe
no carburetor re-jetting
no engine guard
no automatic chain oiler
Spare parts:
clutch lever (2x)
front brake lever
rear brake lever
gear shifter lever
bulbs 1xH4, 1 flasher, 1 brake
regulator
pick-up coil (aka pulse coil)
standard front/rear tube
clutch cable
throttle cable
12V relay
fuel pipe
oil filters
Emergency Oil Cooler Bypass (Procycle)
remote choke (can be installed directly on carburetor)
