Motorcycle

BEFORE:

The day I brought the DR 650 home in February 2011. This is my second DR, as I used to own a 1997 model a few years ago.

AFTER:

After all the modifications to get it ready for this trip.

The motorcycle I will be riding on this trip is a 2001 Suzuki DR 650 dual sport. The main reasons why I chose this bike are:

• It's cheap. I bought it used with 12000 km for 2300$. This means more budget for a longer trip and limited losses if the bike is crashed or stolen.
• It's reliable. Air cooled and carburated. No radiator, water pump and electronics. It's pretty much field repairable.
• It crashes well. Limited damage in case of a spill, as opposed to more street oriented adventure bikes such as BMW GS's, Suzuki V-Stroms, Triumph Tigers, etc.. 
• It's easy to maintain on the road. Easy access to all components, hassle free oil changes and valve adjustment.
• There is a big aftermarket for these bikes. Most of the accessories are available on www.procycle.us.
• With the right modifications, it is surprisingly comfortable. The SeatConcepts seat (stock one is horrible), higher bars and windscreen, this bike can be ridden all day long without major discomfort.
• My travel partner on this trip, Mihai, will be riding the same bike. We both have good mechanical knowledge of it, and we can share some of the spare parts, if necessary.

Here's a list of additional modifications: 

Suspension:

The motorcycle needed stiffer front and back springs to compensate for the extra weight of luggage for a few months on the road. I also upgraded the fork and shock valving, so the damping matches the new springs.

Front forks: .47 kg/mm Eibach springs and Intiminator valves (info)

Rear shock: 8.5kg/mm Eibach spring and Race Tech Gold valve (info)

Fuel/Air/Exhaust:

The larger gas tank allows up over 300 km of range. Original one is only good for about 200km.

IMS 4.9 gal. gas tank with Yamaha Raptor petcock (info)

Additional inline fuel filter

Adjustable pilot jet screw on carburetor (for adjustments at high altitude)

Twin Air air filter

Iridium spark plugs

Suzuki GSXR1000 titianium exhaust with Kientech midpipe (info)

Electrical:

Eastern Beaver fuse box (info)

HID headlight conversion (info)

LED auxiliary light (info)

12V outlet (BMW Hella style; to power electric vest and charge electronics while riding)

PD Oiler automatic chain oiler (info)

Symtec heated handlebar grips (info)

Chassis and Controls:

TUSK ATV bend handlebars

TUSK D-Flex aluminum handguards with spoilers (info)

RAM mounts for GPS and SPOT Connect device (info)

IMS Super Sport footpegs (info)

Ceebailey Sport windscreen (info)
Engine case armour (info)

Aluminum skid plate (info)

SeatConcepts seat foam and cover (info)

Luggage:

Happy Trails SU side luggage racks (info)

Suzuki rear luggage rack with aluminum plate (info)

Seahorse SE720 side cases (info)
Custom made liner bags by Storm Industries (info)

Giant Loop Fandago tank bag (info)

Wolfman Expedition Large duffel bag (info)