The previous owner (Will from Nashville) did a great job covering the basics of outfitting the bike for long trips (it was his intent to go to Alaska but work got in the way). He put on a skid plate, crash bars, a fork brace, a "Madstadt" movable windshield mount, and a few other things. It was a very good start for a trip like this.
Since last Oct (2010) I have added hand guards, Happy Trails saddlebags, a 42 liter top case, an extended Givi windshield, a Wolo "Bad Boy" electric air horn (LOUD!!), an accessory plug (12v outlet for chargers, GPS, etc.), a Pat Walsh Designs accessory shelf over the instrument panel, and a "fenda extenda" front fender extender.
Before I depart I will take care of the things that will wear out on a long trip just before I leave. I will put on brand new tires (Michelin Anakee 2 dual sport tires), a new chain and both sprockets, a new air filter, change the oil, and lube and clean everything else.
I have mounted on the handlebars a Garmin Nuvi 765T GPS which has lifetime traffic alerts and an MP3 player for all my music. It is not waterproof so if it rains I will either cover it with a ziploc bag or put it away in my tankbag. I am also carrying a Garmin Nuvi 350 as a backup (wife's previous model).
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| Will from Nashville the day I bought the Vstrom in Oct 2010. Thanks, Will! What a great bike! |
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| Here is my brother Tom riding with me to the Texas Hill Country in May, 2011. Note the taller windshield, saddlebags, rear top case, hand guards. |
