BMW XChallenge vs 08 KLR.
 

Could anyone please tell me about these too bikes? if you have them add the Pros and Cons.
I've seen a picture of XChalenge all kitted out by TT and seemed good.

Grazie,
FR

XChallenge
 

Sorry I can't make a comparison for you, but would say.... when I looked at the BMW I couldn't help but feel that everything is very vulnerable, the engine, electronics and chassis - to get one upto a decent crash proof state, you'll become a good customer at TT….


However in saying that, one was entered into this years Paris Dakar…..

Interesting comparison
 

Well that's an interesting choice of bikes to compare.
One of them will be "half the price" of the other, no need to guess which one is cheaper!

The KLR is not showing up in the Kawa range for 2008 in the UK websites; it may be available as a "grey import" but I reckon the feedback that you do get will be from the USA and folk in your own area (Euro 3 emission regulations are stopping the import of some models of bikes, and the nearest equivalent Kawa here is the KLE500 (still available, just) or the KLE650 Versys).

XChallenge: I see more of these in the BMW showrooms than on the roads of the UK. It is not obvious to me who will buy these bikes (still 3 models I guess in a variety of SM and offroad styles) - those who have commented earlier are not too happy with the height of the offroad versions but, as above, price comparisons are always going to be important.
Maybe it is a bit early yet for anyone to have good experience of living with this particular model, but lets see who comes up with the goods.

Not knowing on where you are planning to ride (RTW?, Europe, local, etc) I couldn't give you an answer based on experience.

However, basing this answer solely on the US (and perhaps if you are planning a RTW through this way) there would be far more places to find repairs/spares for the Kawasaki than the BMW.

Different planets
 

In some ways the new KLR and X-Challenge are world's apart. As Yuma Simon sez...much depends on your plan and the what, where and how of your trip.
Your riding experience could factor in too.

Since your in Aussie you have lots of bike choices. The main difference in the BMW and KLR is Price! In the USA the KLR is half the price of the BMW. Typical. So is the BMW $5000 ($USD$) better than the KLR? Depends how you look at it and what you want to do.

Now add up all those TourTech items the Xchallenge will need. Figure "about" $1400 US to outfit a KLR in luxury form covering most ALL it's faults and equipping for RTW travel. The Beemer will be more $$$$ I would guess.

I owned a klR years ago, didn't much care for it, really uninspiring and needs quite a lot of mods to be OK. Rode it through Baja and mainland Mexico, put 5500 miles on it in 6 weeks riding. Turned it back in the minute I got home. Nothing wrong with the bike at all, just not my style.

The '08 is better in most every way. I just rode one (my first short ride on one!!!) this past weekend! Everything is better than the original KLR. But still, it is rather uninpiring compared to the competition....For BMW money I would look carefully at the KTM 690 Dual Sport bike. Also look at the DR650, a very popular bike in Aus, no? The Honda XR-650-L , XT660 Yam...they are all worth a look and a test ride.

As an RTW bike the klR is not a bad choice at all. We don't get Yam's in the uSA, so after the DR650 (my current mount) the NEW KLR would be my 2nd choice in a single.

The KLR is a tool, pure and simple. Cheap, expendable, mostly reliable, tough and can be loaded up nicely. The F650's (either Dakar or GS 650's) would both be better travel bikes IMO than the XChallenge. The F650's have proven good on the road, but not without problems, still a very popular bike, a known commodity. Among US RTW riders the KLR is perhaps THE number one choice.
At the HU meetings you see A LOT of KLR's.

The Xchallenge is an unknown at this point as a long term distance bike. I have NOT ridden it, but did test out the sort of Super moto brother (forgot designation).
It was fast! and nice on the road. But all three of these new BMW's look a bit spindley for hauling gear over rough terrain. Dunno. Jury is out. Same with the motor. How will it do? It's only been out just about a year and a half. I would not want to be an unpaid Beta tester for BMW. I'm sure there are owner web sites where much new info could be learned. Go there, do your homework.


Patrick:mchappy:

Other 08 bikes
 

As you are prepared to buy a new bike, you might want to consider the other bikes that are appearing in 2008.

By Mar 08 there will be a Yam XT660Z Tenere for around £4900 and a new F650GS (actually a 800cc bike) for about £5300 here in the UK - either would be a good alternative to the Xchallenge IMO.

Both have well proven engines.

Ok.
 

Ok, i must have forgotten something in my message, something really important. I currently own a 1200GS. I am really happy with it, great bike, had it for a year; never been off road with it, though, just light stuff. My biggest concern is the weight. That is the reason for a lighter bike. Always liked the Ktm990, but again, the weight.

I would like to see the Ténéré here in Australia, but there are no news at this time, it's not that light either. The new F650 might be interesting.

What intrigued about the Xchallenge is the weight. I might have not mentioned i am 6"4 (195 cm) and 80kgs. To me the only problem is the seat and windscreen and large tank.

Also, the idea would be to take it to south east asia to test my ability for a longer trip in the not too far future.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thank you again,
FR

Well that does make a difference
 

Most of them don't go off the hard surface, so you are right instep there!

It does make a difference as you say - the second bike can be (and should be!) completely different, no problem.

Have you costed that Xchallenge with all of the TT kit fitted? You could be the one to give us all some feedback about this newish model.
Seriously, try searching online for reviews of the bike - there is not much variation in here from the "usual suspects" of popular motorcycles for the task.

having ridden the 1200gs, 650gs, and x-challenge (and hp2) off and on roadI can say this:-

they're all capable bikes.

the x-challenge engine is ripped pretty much identically from the existing 650gs model (i.e. rotax engine) and we know that its bullet proof.

The bike itself however is not designed for long haul trips. If it were it wouldnt have a 13l (?) tank. There are bits of the bike which I personally dont like - some of the controls look a bit flimsy and delicate - definately not a BMW norm. That said I dont know of any returns due to any problems with buttons breaking etc.

If you're looking at doing serious overlanding on a capable bike, you really ought to look at the KTM 640 adventurer, simply because it combines enormous offroad capability and a hefty fuel tank (22l?), which that too can be upgraded to something rediculous like 40l! The bike is ready for all antics, and just needs luggage.

Not bad for a $15k bike!

Ktm.
 

I would really like to know what people think of KTM. i did try the 950 a couple of years ago, it was a 2004 model, it felt nimble and quick. I am not into going fast, though. But the reliability and availability is what i am not sure of.

Any comments? i know there isn't a perfect bike, maybe an AG bike, :)

FR

I always wonder what happens to these queries in the end ...

So Falcon, what did you go for?

xchallenge
 

i upgraded tank and few other bits. but to be honest, i think a DR650 will be much better, more comfortable and easier to maintain.

it's all up to you.

I chatted to a Toooooratech man at the NEC bike show in Nov/Dec 09, initially asking the capacity of their large front fuel tank on a KTM 690, which they could only guess at :confused1:

But, I was thinking of a XChallenge too. I currently have a 1200GS and love it for UK road distance and commuting. I've also spent I think 16 days total at Simon Paveys BMW Brecon school on various off road courses which are absolutely fab for learning, getting knackered and finding what the bike will do. Initially to see whether I should be trying my 1200 off road. (I started on a normal 650 GS, but standing all day with short legs, forced wider at the knee than they'd like because of the fake tanks wide profile, ends up being torture!) This is on fire trails if you want, in which case it doesn't really matter which bike. But, they have play days, still in small groups (4-8), still with a mad fab instructor, but if you want to go as a group and find deep mud and water they will :)
In these scenarios the weight of a 1200 is a nightmare even without panniers etc, since you will pick the bike up with slippery footing repeatedly (MX boots with a grippy sole please!!!). It is amazing where it will go, and the weight gives more momentum so it bounces over a lot. Any uphill slippery bits are also hard cos the power makes the back wheel spin really easily. This all can be tiring, tired people make mistakes. Last trip, the last bloke in our group was a good rider and on a long steep slippery rutted and rooted descent. He'd had come off a few times, and had been a big help in getting another 1200 unstuck earlier, it was late in the day, all getting knackered. He slid the bike on a steep muddy slope in a rut, his leg twisted underneath so he was in pain and couldn't move the bike. Although we all stopped as soon as the terrain allowed to regroup, and only waited minutes before going to look where he'd got too, he was not happy. :censored:
Having "struggled" on a 1200 for most of these courses, I kinda gave up, but also wanted to see what a XChallenge was like. I'm 5'6", 28" inside leg. The saddle on an XC is high, but once you're used to squashing the air shock a bit before getting most of a leg over its fine (side stand up first or you'll just fall off the other side!). Its not heavy, and easy to keep up with only one toe down, but you have to pick the right toe! The engine is a bit rattly on the road, but its fine in other machines as many overlanders have proven. Off road its almost too easy. A BIG part of that is lovely knobbly tyres. 1200cc's needs a very different tyre, so its not as grippy in the mud. The front of the XC though hardly ever lets go, if you do drop it its easier to pick up, so you have more time riding and laughing at the bigger less confident bike riders who have just face planted again! :) Weirdly, having been on these courses more than most, its interesting to see the nervous ones go for the uncomfy 650 GS's, some middle of the road "intelligent" choices go for the 800, but the people who are there to show off to their mates, think they can ride, wouldn't ever pick the wooooses smaller bikes anyway always go for the 1200. When you ring to book its always the 1200's that have sold out first.
Personally I thought the 800 was crap, the only bike to have a buckled front wheel that I'd seen while there, designed for a marketing gap for people who think a 1200 is too much £? Didn't handle the mud at all well.
When the instructor went back up the twisty muddy rutted slope to see where tail end charlie was he got off his Adventure and borrowed a XC.

The most often broken item on all the bikes, apart from bent handlebars, gear levers etc, was 1200 rocker covers. XC's may seem plasticy but seemed robust. All bikes were no added options as you'd get in basic form from the showroom, so no engine bars etc. Bending that ends up a more costly fix than the rockers covers so they've found over the years.

Back to the TT man at the bike show. He said a big tank is a waste of money. Why start with a nice light easy to ride bike then spend a lot making it into a small GS? He carries a 5l plastic can when he thinks fuel may be a problem. He reckons the KTM comes with a big tank mainly cos it drinks more fuel, XC, 650 Dakar etc don't. He also said a XC doesn't have a metal rear frame (plastic? I can't remember), so although TT do a replacement frame so you can mount their shiny panniers the bike isn't designed for it. A 650 Dakar is. Although I couldn't fault his logic, can you tell what bike he rides yet?! ;)

To get to the NEC or Brecon though I'll still have my 1200 though. Except I spent 3 hours yesterday on a new 4valve Adventure with a low (and bloody uncomfy) seat and couldn't stop grinning! :D:scooter::D

Just to add that tose days in Wales is the only off road I've doen, I havn't been riding since the age of 6months and am not very good on or off road, so no expert! I'd reccomend those BM courses to anyone though. Not cheap, but wreck the bike and you pay no more. Huge variety of terrain, people, bikes, weather, big smiles all round!

Back from the dead thread! ? :helpsmilie:

So you bought an XChallenge! What is your overall impression? Have you done much off road riding with it? How's she go for you? Any problems mechanically? Mods?

I'm sure you've seen Colebatch's X Challenge and his build up. Great stuff.

Why are you considering the DR650? Have you ridden one?

If you want to learn dirt riding, get a small 250cc bike and get out there. Stay away from BMW, period. Something like an XR250 or XT250 Yam or anything in that range is a good place to start. Also consider two strokes,
like Kawi KDX200 or KTM 200. All great bikes to learn off roading on. Trying to learn on a big bike is absurd and dangerous. Of course you're discouraged. Its no fun at all on a big bike. Even experts struggle on the big bikes.

Start off on easy fire roads or easy two track horse trails. From there you can develop you riding skills. Find a few experienced riders to tag along with. Spain and Morocco is the place to go to really get out there and learn. Or come to my California desert .... where I grew up.

People say you shouldn't learn on a big bike on the road too, but it suited me. Small bike is the way to go defo unless you wanna ride there, then compromise here we come!

650's
 

BMW makes nice looking bikes and most of the time they are a marketing strategy, before a bikers need.

My 650 XChallenge, has enough power, fairly light and can do more than i can. I have taken the bike off-road few times now; last time i snapped the valve cause didn't have a rim lock on the rear wheel and almost got stuck in mud/clay for the night (the tire kept spinning in the rim and up hill i couldn't push it). The standard tires on the XC are only good for gravel/fire roads.

Before the 650 i've had a 1200gs as well and it was great, smooth but i would have never been able to do what i've done with the 650, unless i was Simon Peavy.

I have soft luggage, Andy Strapz, one of the smaller velcros melted on the exhaust, but still usable. the large TT tank, 500+ Kms and few extra bits like large base kickstand, headlight protector, hepco & becker pannier rack. The bike needs a fairing or windscreen and the seat isn't the greatest. I think the sitting position isn't as comfy as F650GS. Different purpose bike.

So, why i thought about the DR, in Australia a lot of people use them, they are half the price, need few modifications are air cooled and spare parts are cheap and relatively available everywhere.

You might have heard this but everything is relative to your needs, where you're going, road you take, so even a DR250, CT110 or Vespa can be fun and dropping a "postie bike" will hurt a lot less that a big 650 or 1200.

Falcon Rust.

I'm guessing the KLR is now out of the picture?

Good DR650 comments. Not many know about the DR in Europe/UK but I see it's popular in Oz. I think the DR will end up being a better long distance travel bike than your X Chal. But for hooning round Oz on weekends, the X is probably better.

Do you plan to keep your X Challenge or sell it?

If you are prepared to do the kinds of mods Colebatch has done on his X Chal, then you've got yourself a good dual sport bike for travel.
Economics favor the DR both for initial buy in and maintenance over the long term.

Besides cost I worry about the Air bladder damper. Might be tough to service on the road. Anyone know how it works?

Fuel economy is better on the X Chal but for $200 you can fit an IMS 19 liter tank which should deliver about 320 kms. tank range or a Safari (too big IMO).

Would seem the DR has advantage in cargo carrying ease and the strength of the sub frame and frame in general. All in a 147 kgs. package (dry) It also will not likely have wheel bearing failures (common on BMW) and weird electrical and battery issues that can be hard to diagnose on the road.

A Set Up DR with better suspension rides well off road, even heavily loaded in sand. Neither bike will give you comfort or speed like a R1200GS but for a single with a good seat, the DR650 is not too bad. Quite a few DR's for sale now in S. America, most having made the trip unscathed. :thumbup1:

I am also curious about this.

I was initially looking to get a 690E, but have been seriously considering the XC for a few reasons.

1. you can find XC's for a very respectable price 2nd hand, and
2. with proper mods, people have been taking them into RTW situations with good reliability.

There seem to be some niggling issues with the bike here and there, but overall, they seem reliable.

With the KTM, it seems like if you want true reliability in the RTW scale, you need to buy something 2009 or newer. Hence, 2nd hand is almost non existent.

I am also looking for any knowledge from people who have really toured the XC to find out what sort of prep needs to be done on these bikes to have a true peace of mind...

I, for myself, will be keeping my bike on a yacht and travel through the Med mostly, and taking the bike on long photo trips - both on and off the highway.

I comb forums regularly to pick up information that will help me make my decision.
As it stands right now, for all intents and purposes, I believe I will end up with the XC. Sight power deficit or not.....

If you know of a good one for sale...:scooter: I'm all ears:funmeteryes:


D

I have owned a highly farkled KLR, A DR 650 with all the mods, and now an Xchallenge.
I have taken the Xchallenge from a fairly light and powerful fun bike to a not so light off road adventure bike. It cost a lot more to get it adventurized than either the KLR or DR but I think it will be worth it.

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...8_bjjYZ-XL.jpg

It has gobs more power and much much better brakes!
I get about 38 mpg on the KLR or DR. The X gets at least 50.

We are doing the Oklahoma and New Mexico parts of the Trans American Trail starting tomorrow. I am leaving the shiny boxes home and running Andy Strapz Bags. I just bought the boxes for the racks and steel subframe. I look to have a great time on this bike.
If the bike lets me down I will report back.

Steel subframe? I thought it was aluminium? I didn't see a TT replacement subframe.

Yes , steel sub frame!
The TT kit comes with pannier racks and new steel sub frame.

Yeah, sorry. Saw it in with their pannier frame.

Do you know what the weight of the steel subframe vs. the aluminium is?

How many miles on your previous bikes?
How many on the X Challenge so far? The TT Trail should be a good shake down run for your bike.

A well set up DR is about as fast as a stock X Challenge. I've ridden the X and also run side by side with them. Pretty close, with my DR pulling it off the line (wheeling in 1st and 2nd off power) (I weigh 220 lbs.)

Maybe your DR was not working its best? Or maybe your XC has been modified? The Beemer guys always say they get 65 to 70 MPG from the XC and Dakar, surprised to hear only 50, I expected more.

A stock DR650 usually gets 50 MPG ... or better. Most modified ones get between 45 - 50 ... but have better throttle response and power. Agree, X Challenge brakes are better by far than DR brakes ... unless you put on the big front rotor Pro Cycle sells!

Love to hear your feedback when you do 10K miles or so. Have a safe trip!

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...0/IMG_0520.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...0/IMG_0326.jpg
Just got back from a 9 month trip, 28000 miles from UK to India and back including Turkey,Iran,Pakistan.
The mods I made were fabricating pannier racks to bolt to the OE subframe, TT tank and Ohlins shock. The only thing I will change for the next trip is the seat.
Problem wise not a lot to report other than the clutch rack and pinion snapped a tooth. The aluminium subframe stood up well even when I had a big off.

Cheers
Pete

I did not weigh the subframe, but just by picking it up, the steel subframe is much more heavy.
The box with the Pannier system in it shipped at 36 lbs. the box the tank kit came in said 31 lbs.
I took an x challenge and made a KLR out of it! :oops2:

When it comes to weight and subframes there is not much gain in using aluminum.

A steel-subframe typically weighs 5-6 kg so it's not much to save. It's also "impossible" to get alu welded in the third world.

The only problems i've heard of is the rear end snapping of when the small OE rack (rated a 5 kg) has been overloaded. I welded in additional braces in this area.
I also saw a picture of a guy that had a big of and it snapped the frame lugs not the ali subframe :oops2:

Cheers
Pete

""
I will report back!

HERE you can find more info about my RTW XChallenge ... :scooter:

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/o...kko2010D13.jpg

I disagree. That's a massive saving for a single item. In fact, I've stripped so many single items off my bike that together it came over 30 kg. Granted, some stuff you need on there, but there are alternative that can half (or more) the weight of the original.

I agree with the field repair though, which is what's giving me doubt about building one. On the other hand. If KTM make a subframe out of a fuel tank, heaps of people load up their Xc with hard luggage and even DRZ owners take hard luggage, there has to be said something about using it regardless.
Also, there are other methods of repair other than welding.

Love to hear it. Nice looking bikes! :thumbup1:

I'm surprised at your poor mileage on your (former?) DR. You must be a fast guy on all those fabulous Texas twisty roads :rofl: (I've ridden across Texas ... twice .. :() Or maybe those lovely Texas head winds?

If you've followed the big ADV DR650 thread (35,000 posts, 4 million views) you can see the fuel averages of the hundreds of respondents. Very few get 40 or lower. Most who do have somehow mucked up the jetting or air box mods or both. I'd guess you're running rich, not breathing right? Very common mistake.

Any way, no matter. Lets see how your XC works over the long haul.
:angel: Have a safe ride!

EXACTLY how I would set up my bike...

Sounds like 40mpg on the DR vs. 60mpg on the XC is 50% better, not 20%...

Curious to hear more about the r/p on the clutch...


So far, looks like a little better choice than the 690.

D

Yes, it might be massive saving for a single item but I guess it depends on your priorities and how/where you use the bike. A cracked subframe in the middle of nowhere is not fun, luckily I have never experienced it myself but I have seen it.

Personally I would have brought the subframe to a mirror, removed all my clothes before I looked in the mirror and asked "dear mirror on the wall where should I remove weight".
It's a win-win situation, if you decrease body-weight you also decrease subframe-stress.:clap:

Of curiosity do you have an example of a permanent reparation of a broken alu-pipe without welding?

I'm not saying that's impossible to build a decent alu-subframe I'm just a bit worried to use alu on stressed parts on a travel-bike.

The rack and pinion problem was a snapped tooth on the rack AND pinion. I don't think they both happened at the same time. Firstly the clutch lever became very heavy and notchy, I believe that was the tooth snapping on the rack and about a 1000 miles later when I pulled the lever in there was a horrible crunch which I think was the pinion tooth breaking, after this I had no clutch.
The parts were replaced including a new clutch casing, FOC at BMW Athens.
A guy in the states had the same problem (posted on ADV, not sure where thou).

HTH
Pete

Survived 1671 miles of Texas ,Oklahoma,New Mexico, and Colorado roads over the long weekend. The X Challenge did great.
The fuel mileage was better than the DR 650 that was I was riding with. We were riding fast ,to and from and the wind was high. One tank I filled up 5.5 US gallons @ 244 miles for about 44mpg. The DR 650 used one gallon more for 37 mpg.
The wind and hills did not affect the performance of the x near as bad as it did the DR.
I am not dissing the DR. I loved it until the x came along.

When I returned home, I weighed the X with all my gear. I was a little surprised at the weight.
She weighed 460 lbs and needed 3 gallons of gas to be full. 481 lbs!

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...0_BKMfS-XL.jpg

That's great to hear Don. Sounds like a great ride! I honestly think your buddies' DR650 is not jetted quite right. Probably too rich for CO's high altitude? Even hammering it off road I'm still getting about 44 MPG on my DR. Close to 50 MPG on normal highway riding.

I love your set up, very tidy and not overloaded. You guys must have had some long riding days. I like that mural in the bg. :thumbup1:

That mural is in Gate,Ok. All the buildings are painted like that.
pretty Cool!

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...9_9Amib-XL.jpg

Nothing will be a permanent fix without welding, but neither would it be with an other materials. Drill and bolt would be the obvious fix to get you somewhere where the is a TIG. Dave Lambeth told me once that any airport should have one to repair ali planes. Not sure if this is true.

Don't want to state the obvious, but working on our personal weight is an ongoing battle. More like maintenance than mods.

If anyone is interested I have a R/R going here
Hot Chicks of the Eastern TAT - Page 5 - ADVrider
The XChallenge part starts at post #71

The bike did great! I think it will be a winner for a long time!
Wide open country with very few people. Just perfect!

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...59_fPL9Z-L.jpg

Mounting Soft Panniers.
 

Hi there,
could you show me how you mounted the Andy Strapz on the XC? i did something wrong and the muffler melted the tiny velcro straps.


Rode from Brisbane to Melbourne and had to check it every two minutes.

Thanks,
FR

I don't have any pictures to show the mounting. I could take some if you need them.
I have the Touratech Pannier rack on my bike. I just throw the bags over the rack and use a pair of Roc Straps to secure them.
The Andy Strapz have a small velcro type strap on the back to keep the bags from sliding forward. I hook that through my tt large rear rack on both sides.
The long straps from front to back, I just wrap around the luggage frame. It does not really do anything.
I have not had any melting problems yet, but you need to be very careful not to let anything touch the exhaust pipe!

Just swapped them ... the steel is about 4.5 kgs ... will check the aluminium ... am guessing about 2.5. It uses thicker square tubing than the steel one

:clap: Nice report!
I knew there was something I liked about you Don! Your Pooch!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TB...1_C5zSw-XL.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TB...0/P1010511.JPG
I've got a couple myself! Wiener Dog fans unite!

This thread's got a bit off on a X Chal rant. What about the KLR?
No takers? Doing the TAT is one thing .... but riding to Tierra Del Fuego ... and back, I'd sooner have the KLR any day. (or my DR650)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TB...0/P1010582.JPG
Which did OK in this company
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TB..._4003.JPG.jpeg
And here too! funny, we did have a KLR, lots of KTM's but NO XChal's!

Cheers. That's interesting. Does it have heaps of added stuff on it? Like pillion pegs etc?
What made you change over?

Great job Mickey, but do you notice that in the above photo you could have ridden around the left hand side without needing to get muddy at all?

A dirt bike is not needed for that sort of road. I rode around much deeper mud holes/morasses in Zaire in the 1970s on a standard road bike (Yamaha RD350) which was fully loaded for 2 years on the road.

It certainly adds to the glory (and maybe even the fun), in riding through, but it isn't really necessary.

During continuous sections like that I would be riding in just shorts and t-shirt for days on end. Only problem I had was that one day, after endlesss days of mud and loose dirt, I became so exhausted that I lay the bike on its left side and just let the bike rest there ..... until I realised my right leg was resting against the hot exhaust :oops2: and when I jerked it away it took many layers of skin with it. :(

The wound wouldn't heal until I reached Makere state hospital in Kampala where the resident physicians pumped me full of enough antibiotics to kill the bugs that had invaded the wound. Whilst there, a local locum took me on a tour of the specimens lab where I saw many horrific specimens of elephantitis and leprosy, as well as advanced cases of what venereal disease can do to the genitals, amongst other organs.:helpsmilie: Sadly, it didn't teach my early 20s infallible mind the necessary lessons. :biggrin3: