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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 5 Dec 2010
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Engine oil/mechanics availability in West Africa

Hey guys!

Is there any possibility to buy the engine oil for 4T motorbike in West African countries, especially Senegal, Mali, Burkina? If yes, where?

Also in case of a breakdown that is out of my bounds for fixing (i know just the basics), where do i go to seek help or mechanic assistance, in these countries?

I'm on the way to West Africa on Yamaha Tenere XTZ 660, 1996. Currently in south France...

Thanx a lot!

Davor
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  #2  
Old 5 Dec 2010
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You can normally find Total 7000 semi-synthetic oil at Total garages in all the major francophone countries. I have been using this in my KTM for years without any problems. Occasionally you will also find Total 9000 if you want fully synthetic oil.

Search on the repair shops in sub-saharan africa section for more specific info re: mechanics.
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Old 6 Dec 2010
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I not much of a mechanic either but you learn along the way. You can find cheap 20W50 almost everywhere and people will change it for you if you want.
If you break down there's usually somebody around who can fix it, but don't expect anything fancy. Otherwise you always have the option of putting your bike on a car or truck to get you to the next town where there are better mechanics/spares/a DHL office.
As long as you have money and time there's always a way in Africa.

Cheers, Julian
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  #4  
Old 6 Dec 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Roach View Post
You can normally find Total 7000 semi-synthetic oil at Total garages in all the major francophone countries. I have been using this in my KTM for years without any problems. Occasionally you will also find Total 9000 if you want fully synthetic oil.

Search on the repair shops in sub-saharan africa section for more specific info re: mechanics.
I remember the Total7000. Not available everywhere but get it when you see it and you'll be fine.
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Old 11 Dec 2010
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Thanx guys!
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  #6  
Old 11 Dec 2010
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Oil and mechanics are everywhere but dont expect people who can deal with digital bike elektronics. Even to find someone who can do aluminium welding can be hard...

LG, Tobi
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  #7  
Old 22 Dec 2010
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Never buy the unbottled oil. Nobody knows what they mix there. Total filling stations sell the oil in plastic canisters. This is your best choice. Everywhere along the main roads you can find a workshops. They have some tools, screw-bolts&huts, welding, vulcanization, etc. Also you can get the assistance. But nobody there can fix your stuffs better than you can do it.

Alex
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Old 23 Dec 2010
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If you can, learn how to do basic servicing yourself, ask your usual mechanic if you can watch while he does it or go on a short training course.
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