Page 49 - Mandurah National Rally 2024 Edition 8

I have actually heard of a brake calliper falling off on the Nullarbor believe it or
not! Nearly ruined their day that one. The vibration from the road surface can
loosen nuts and bolts.

6. How long since the coolant was changed? How long since those hoses
were changed? How is the water pump?

I can go on forever here, however I hope you are by now getting the message.
Check everything and the peace of mind as you head out into the wide blue
yonder is well worth it. It takes a long time to get replacement parts out there.

7. Trailers are a whole other area. If you planning to tow one for the first
time have a few shake down runs before you leave and don’t overload it.

Frankly, if you only think that you might need that spare pair of shoes or
clothing; odds on you will not and can save the weight.

The rear tyre wear when towing a trailer can be a bit of a shock too and you
need to allow around a 20% increase in wear. Check all the above applicable
items on your trailer too.

There will be other things that you may think of and if you do then all well and
good and having fixed them you will have even more peace of mind.

One final thought, don’t put the bike into the dealers and get it serviced and
plan to head off the next day without a really good look over it.

I had a personal experience of having to leave 24 hours late because they did
not complete the job correctly with missing bolts and leaking radiator drain to
mention just two things.

There were other things too and we were about to depart on an 11000
kilometres round trip to Coffs Harbour!

Ulysses Club Inc. 2024 The Great Western Rally 49