The Serow with all modifications in view

After much weighing up of the options, I decided to use the Yamaha XT225 Serow for this expedition. It is a very simple, sturdy but light trail bike with a 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled engine. The 31" seat height is reassuringly low for the shorter legged rider and the fuel economy is impressive with a range of around 130 miles from the 8 litre tank. The Serow's size, weight and nimble qualities mean it really is the go anywhere bike. You just have to get used to the fact that your top cruising speed will be around 55mph, but as I'm not in a hurry this suits me fine.

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There were just a few additions and of course, a luggage system required to turn the Serow from a sprightly trail bike into the overland expedition machine that I needed. Enlisting the invaluable experience and practical skills of twice-round-the-world motorcyclists, Austin and Gerald Vince of the Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa teams, the following modifications were made to the Serow:

Luggage

• For my main luggage compartment a metal army ammo box (around £6 from army surplus shops) was bolted to the rear rack. Metal bars were then bolted to each side of the box to carry two soft pannier bags (borrowed from my bicycle). The end of the rear rack extends far enough behind the box to carry my tent and sleeping mat.
• A home made metal rack was mounted above the headlight to accommodate lightweight items such as my sleeping bag. Small pannier style bags can be attached to each side of the rack to carry items that I will need to access easily, such as camera, maps, food and water.
• To store my tools a small metal box (also from the army surplus shop) was bolted onto the frame using the pillion foot peg mountings to keep the weight low down.

An army ammo box bolted to the rear rack with bars on either side to support a pair of soft panniers

A rack above the headlight suitable for lightweight items such as a sleeping bag

A small metal army box bolted low down on the frame to carry tools

Modifications and Preparation

• A small length of metal bar was welded on the rear axle to ease solo wheel removal/replacement.
• A 3" square metal plate was welded on to the side stand base for extra stability on soft ground or sand.
• The engine received a full service.
• We disassembled and lubricated the swingarm and suspension linkage.
• All cross head fixings were replaced with allen headed ones.
• Bark busters were fitted to the handlebars.
• We replaced the original plastic number plate with a trail style aluminium one.
• The tyres were fitted with heavy duty inner tubes.

A plate welded onto the bottom of the side stand to support the bike on soft ground

A handle welded onto the rear axle to make it easier for one person to remove the wheel

The Serow stripped down for a thorough service

Lots more information about the Serow can be found online at the XT225 Serow Riders site and at www.xt225.com