The Bike

HONDA NX650

After considering all the possible options and dismissing the possibility of a brand new GS1200 and mandatory

back up team, I'll be using my old faithful 1990 Honda NX650 Dominator which served me well for over 5 years now. By the time I leave she'll be fully rebuilt and prepared with some decent equipment, but nothing too over the top, and geared up with items I've noted down as useful and handy from previous trips. I guess the mo

st important things I've become aware of from past experiences are keeping weight and size down, ease of packing and unpacking, security, reliability and a comfy seat! Anything that's not really necessary or a luxury I wont be taking, except a small guitar. I'll also be using secure hard luggage and a solid custom rack. I'm also considering fitting an alarm so I can leave the bike, grab supplies and such without having to worry too much about itchy hands rifling through my kit or fiddling with the bike.

Here's a list of items I 'd ideally like to use.

Bike Stuff

Tank bag, quality so won't rip and waterproof with window for sat nav.
Hard panniers, and top box, compartmental, aluminum, waterproof.

Solid racks, that won't break, act as rear crash bars.
Locks for luggage and boxes.
Charger connection.
Good set of bungee, straps. Rok straps
Tool box small ammo cases attached to rear boxes
Headlight grill.
Comfortable seat.
Hand protectors and lever guards.

Scott oiler.
Plastic tube for maps, slung next to sump guard.
5 ltr Jerry's strapped under panniers. Used for stove and reserve.
Lockable luggage so able to leave bike in town.
Multi cigarette socket waterproof.
Puck for side stand.
Siphon tube up handle bars.
Heated grips.
Strengthen rear sub frame.
Small mirrors mounted separate to controls.

Tools and spares

Glue.
Duck tape.
Puncture kit, pump and levers.
Tool roll.
Sockets, ratchet, hex sockets, spanners
Replacement essential parts.
Multimeter
Electrical connectors and wire
Pads
Spare cables and levers
Cable ties
Spare keys
Spare electrical components.
Tyre levers.
Length of tube
Jubilee clips
Bulbs.
Pliers
Mole grips
Fuel filter

A NEW BIKE
As of the beginning of October my faithful old Dominator thats served me so well across Morocco, Europe and Turkey has been laid up snuggly in a garage in Bonny Scotland for its winter Hibernation. I had to return home from the border of Iran because of the unstable situation in Pakistan and my own desires to keep my head firmly attatched to my neck. Unfortunately I had to grab a flgiht to India to avoid this country and didnt have the space, time or finances to arrange transport for my bike. So Im now riding a 350 Enfield Bullet. Sounds like a tank, has all of 18BHP but should do the trick for now to ride round India until I can arrange something more suitable perhaps in Thailand.

Check out this link for the spec. http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/enfield_350_bullet_1996.php

The big plus factor about these bikes here in India, is that everyone has them, parts are peanuts and any Tom Dick or Harry can fix them and most places has someone who knows about the bikes too. Theres various different models but theyre all essentially the same , just different add ons or bigger barrels. Its also very easy and cheap to fit good solid racks and they seem to be available everywhere. Check out my Tips and advice pages for advice on buying, running and maintaining these aging dinosaurs.