Page 52 - Get On Your Bike to the Great Adventure!

One of those small compressors is a good thing. Also if you do have to use one
of those wee bottles make sure the valve is at the top and the bottle is pointing
upward. You want gas in that tyre not liquid!
2. Wheel bearings need to be checked and brake pads and fluid need to be new
or near new. Soggy brakes on a hot day when confronted by one of the lumps
of potential road kill that haunt these parts are not my idea of a good day out!

3. If the bike is chain driven, then how old are the chain and sprockets? They
must be new or near new. Oil the chain at the end of every day’s ride.

If you have any doubts about their condition, change them. Shaft oil to be
replaced before you leave, let’s face it there is not much of it anyway and it is
going to be very busy down there out of sight. Belt drives of course need to be
in good condition as well.

4. Lights and switches all OK? That side stand switch that played up last winter;
been fixed yet? I always spray all the fuses and relays with “Inox” before heading
out and that way I can forget about it when the rain comes pouring down.
Carry spare globes and fuses and electrical tape. Ah yes…..and don’t forget the
gaffer tape! One little detail that many don’t check is to make sure your battery
is in good condition and that the earth and charging system are tight and secure.

A thorough check of all the electrics just before you leave is also a good idea.
5. Now I know that this may sound pedantic but run the torque wrench over
everything. Make sure all those bolts that we never go near like the brake
calliper bolts and so on are up to the correct setting.

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.

Ulysses Club Inc. 2021 Rally Getting There Page: 52