You have got yourself one sweet, sweet adventure bike there Steve! I'm now lusting after a KTM. If things work out financially this year I will be taking a close look at the 1190 ADV R.
http://www.klim.com/Motorcycle/Adventure-Rally-Jacket.html
You NEED one of these
I know I did!! Picked one up today, at a much better price than the price shown
Nice!! Did you reuse the stock foam or is that part of the kit? My 450 EXC cover is trail worn, did you know that the foam acts as a slow release sponge?
So, when do we see the tank and GL pics? Make sure Teresa is in the shot No one wants to see your skinny @$$
For a guy that "Will Fall Lots" the tank shroud will be a great bit of radiator protection!! Looking good Steve, what plans have you made for a dedicated GPS? Or heated grips (Cyclops and the new digitally controlled set). Short of that I would guess you have 2 last bits, good lights and an oil cooler. And no, I haven't found a good price yet. Word to self-do the research dummy.
I saw the CCM 450 ADV bike. WOW, WOW, WOW. http://canadamotoguide.com/2013/09/16/ccm-gp450-adventure-bike-coming-canada/#_
Marzocchi suspension. 6th gear is available as an option at the dealership, and the motor is detuned/limited by RPMs, another easily reversed dealer option. Bump it back to the actual HP of 51. It truly is another one of those bikes that just looks better in person.
Thats great to do all that suspension and engine work to match an out of the box KTM's performance, but wouldn't fix the lack of dealer network where I ride in US and MexicoThe biggest advantage is service intervals. They are using the same engine from the XChallenge. And it is light!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it doesn't come in orange like our bikes
So, has the sorting slowed down? Your big trip isn't that far away
Its been sorted! Over 6 weeks left before the trips begin.
All I have left is install the rear trials tire and the front Michelin top shelf "desert" tire in the garage waiitng to go on the spare rims. Also I still need to wire more USBs and a power cable for the heated gear. Maybe some axillary lights, or maybe I'll do when i get out west, if at all. Depends how blind I am 1st night ride
Before I start thrashing it like a rented mule I'll get final pics with the studio lights set up in the garage with the new GIANT LOOP luggage bling mounted. After those pics the THRASHING BEGINS