This is the beginning of our Journey.... well the beginning bit after the more than 12 months planning anyway!

Freight to Date

Freight cost for DL 1000 Suzuki V Strom ex Cairns Australia to Vancouver AUS$885.00 plus discharge and handling fees at arrival to be advised.

Crate size, 750 wide, 2400 long, 1250high. Steel Crate modified in length only and covered with strong cardboard and secured by cable ties, simple and relatively effective, thanks to Erik for the idea.

Bike set-up:
Aluminium panniers and top box designed and fabricated by yours truly.

Top box size based roughly on the ZEGA –XL by Touretech. Rear modified to flip down for use as kitchen whilst on the road.

Top box is mounted directly to a GIVI top box frame which came with the bike. It takes 4 bolts and 5 min to remove and a little longer to remount.

Panniers design is loosely based on an old fibreglass set however are slightly larger.

These panniers were assembled 8 years ago and have a proven record over many thousands of kilometres on another bike.

They are fitted to GIVI pannier frame. Pannier modification includes re -drilling of mount holes and strengthening of the inside mounting area. Panniers were grit blasted to freshen them up.

Removal takes 5 mins and remount again a little longer. One person can easily do it. Although not as practical as quick release systems we are happy with the system.

Bash plate is my own design and doubles as a storage system for all the tools, security chain and other heavy items. It can be removed and remounted in 20 mins.

I found it necessary to assemble PVC tubes and mount directly under exhausts to provide space for workshop manual etc.

We have a Touratech tank bag and side bags and this completes the ensemble for the two of us.