Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Kawasaki to Morocco

Hi all

I’ve started planning my first overland trip ever and intend to go to Morocco this coming Spring via a ferry from Genoa towards the middle of March.

What's the weather generally like in March? Still cold ? Snow and maybe rain? I have an old Kawasaki KLX 650c which has been well looked after and which I’m sure is up to the task of riding over the unsealed stretches of the North West Africa…. maybe not quite on the dunes.

After market parts and accessories for this short production big bore enduro are hard to come by and I am struggling for a large capacity fuel tank. At the moment I haven’t got much more than 200km of autonomy.

For those of you who know Morocco well how much autonomy do I need for cruising trails M1 to M13 from the Overland manual? With a couple of 5 litre jerry cans strapped to the side I should get over 300km even riding on the hardest trails flat out at high revs. Is carrying the jerry cans really necessary or are there more refueling points than those described by Chris in his book?

I intend to avoid sealed roads as much as possible and stick to the dirt most of the way riding through some of the “M tracks" from the Overland book and others too. There’s not much available for a 17” rear rim but I pan to use Michelin T63 tyres front and rear. Is that the proven choice? Maybe Pirellis are a better way to go. What about two TKC 80s? Ultimatrely what tyres wear the quickest?
Is even an ordinary pair of Dunlop Trailmax tyres adequate enough?....I'm sure it's been done.

Also I’ll be acquiring my GPS system soon. Has anyone any suggestions as to which model I should look at to strap on the handlebar? Garmin probably the better make?
I’ve heard a new more precise European GPS system will soon be available, perhaps next year. Are most GPS receivers on the market these days compatible with the new Euro-system?

Some track reccomendations with Way points would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for the input and help.

John