As you're going to Africa, you need to decide whether to run your chain dry or wet. a wet chain will pick up dust which can accelerate wear of the sprockets and tear the O-rings. on my trips, I've generally run the chain dry and it has lasted approx 15,000-20,000km.
Do not expect to be able to get spares. Europe is on another planet and no help as a guide. Even tyres can be hard to find. That's part of the joy/challenge in travelling through Africa. Sort your bike before you go and give Dave Silver's phone number to your best buddy in England so they can send you stuff if/when you need it. Make sure they remove the packaging, make it grubby and put a fictitious value on the consignment so that you don't get caught with monster import duties.
I had an LMF and didn't often get 20kpl. Nice big tank, but ill-handling and fragile off road. Replace the gear change and brake pedal with folding ones or you can - as I did - bend the gearbox selector forks in a minor tumble.
As for dumping you bike if it all turns sour ... that depends if you need a carnet. Its the same deal as your 4WD, many african countries either stamp your passport or require a carnet.
[This message has been edited by RichLees (edited 04 August 2005).]
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