Have sheepskin, will travel

I have now finally, finally decided to use a Yamaha TTR250 for my trip through Africa - a bike described in a recent TRF newsletter as a 'Serow on steroids'!

The new 250cc 2005 Serow was a definite contender but I was put off by the lack of kick-start and the potential problem of getting parts out to Africa, as it's essentially a new bike and still a grey import here in the UK. The TTR has dual start, is an official UK model and boasts a little bit more umph, that I had been craving, and besides, I just fancied trying something new. However, with a 36" seat height it was a bit tall for me, so the first things I did was to lower it, by replacing the rear suspension link with a Kouba link - now I can just get my toes down!A TTR250 in its natural state

I managed to get my hands on a 22 litre tank from a fellow TTR rider (thanks George!) and have squeezed 350 miles out of it. Admittedly, this was on tarmac, so the range will be less off-road, but still, it means no messing around with jerry cans. Other modifications include fitting a sturdy bash plate, an exhaust guard to prevent any comedy luggage fires, a screen, and a rack for the top-box, made by rally and overland expert, David Lambeth. For more exciting luggage info and a packing list, check out The Kit page.

My final tasks were to fit new wheel bearings, brake pads, tyres and the most super-duper heavy-duty inner tubes I could find, and last but not least, a sheepskin on the seat. Now my bike is ready for anything Africa can throw at it... hopefully the same can be said of its rider!

4mm of hardcore rubbery action!	Yep, that feels pretty tough...	Phew! These tubes rock!
Mmm... I love the smell of new tyres	Stop mucking about and get on with it.	And don't forget the bearings!

Lots of excellent info and tips about the TTR250 can be found at TTR250.com