Sandraiders Morocco 2023

[JamesinEdinburgh]

I've just about sorted a bike for next year's sandraiders. I've not done it before and am now wondering what should I do next?
I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne anyone local or localish ?

Apologies, just seen your message.

Best advice in prepping for SandRaiders would to go out riding with the Northumberland TRF on a regular basis I've ridden some of their trails and they are a great way to field test your bike, develop your skills and your fitness. Also, RallyMoto's Kielder Dark Skies rally in October.

[JamesinEdinburgh]

I really have a desire to participate in Sand raiders,but fear I have bought the wrong bike?

I have a XTZ660 Tenere,would I be better off with a 600?

I think the main criteria, is that the bikes need to be pre-2000.

I think the XT660's are probably after that.

Maybe try and source a 34L, 1VJ or 3AJ?

I could put a shout out on our WhatsApp group if necessary...

[JamesinEdinburgh]

Wow! It's been over a month already since I rode my 3AJ in SandRaiders 2024. One of the best moments for me was the bike starting with the first press of the button everytime. The pistes were a mixture of desert like bliss and stoney tracks from hell.

I'll try my best to write up an account of each stage before I head of to ride the 3AJ in SandRaiders Tunisia 2024 in November...

Here's a little taster of what we were faced within 1 hour of stage 1 https://gopro.com/v/5W97828vloNvN

[Jeff]

I've just noticed your reply. I've got a 1993 xtz660 (17000miles) so should be fine. ( I've missed the 2025 event deadline). I'm more concerned about preping the bike than anything else. I understand tyres mouses but what do I need to take and do other than that. Obviously I will service it and put a new clutch in just before. I'm out biking regularly greenlanes and roads.
Any and every bit of help advice would be appreciated.

[JamesinEdinburgh]

I've just noticed your reply. I've got a 1993 xtz660 (17000miles) so should be fine. ( I've missed the 2025 event deadline). I'm more concerned about preping the bike than anything else. I understand tyres mouses but what do I need to take and do other than that. Obviously I will service it and put a new clutch in just before. I'm out biking regularly greenlanes and roads.
Any and every bit of help advice would be appreciated.

Hello again Jeff

I suggest you let SandRaiders know if you would like to be added to the Waiting list for 2025. There is also Tunisia in Nov 24 you could sign up for.

https://sandraiders.com/en/sandraiders- ... adventure/

Regarding bike prep, I suggest you change all of the consumables on your bike if they have not been changed recently. You can read the preparation I did for my bike at the start of this Ride Report.

Based on the problems I've seen other people have, I recommend you consider at least the following:

• New lead battery (Lithium can't cope with the heat)
  fit new chain and sprockets
  fit new tyres (MotoZ Deserts or Michelin Desert Races)
  Upgraded front fork and rear springs with sag set correctly
  New Fork oil
  New engine oil and filter
  New oil seals to prevent oil leaks
  New Brake pads
  New Clutch plates AND springs
  new clutch cable
  New spark plug
  Check condition of hoses
  Replacement air filter
  Spare CDI unit
  Spare HT coil
  Spare nuts and bolts
  250cc engine oil

Being very fit will also increase your enjoyment and reduce the chances of having accidents. In April 2024, some of the pistes had over 100k of babyhead rocks and 5K of rocky riverbeds, and one of the riders lost a finger during a gravely, rocky ascent gone wrong.

Proper motocross protective gear is essential. Almost all of the people I have seen with ankle injuries in Morocco have been wearing Forma Adventure GoreTex boots. I'd recommend the Alpinestars Tech 7 boot which has an extremely rigid sole to prevent sideways crush injuries. Get the best knee braces you can afford.

I'm going to be wearing Leatt 6.5 body armour as it offers rib protection and allows the fitment of a neck brace. If you can afford it, get the AlpineStars Tech-air system which is now required by all FIM Rallys.

https://eu.alpinestars.com/en-gb/produc ... -black-red

[Jeff]

Thanks for the reply
That's pretty much what I had intended to do. Explain the upgraded forks and shock please or what youve done.I'm working on getting fitter ( done quite a bit of greenlane and mountain biking and im the one that wants to do more every time )and I've put my name on the standby list. Time to get some decent kit .

[chrismox]

Hi all.

A friend and I have registered for Sandrainders Morocco 2025, just here to say "hi".

I won't be on my Tenere as it's the current T7. I'll be turning up on a DR-Z400, assuming my rebuild goes according to plan.

As a first-timer, I might pick the brains of those of you that have been before regarding what (and what not) to pack.

Cheers.

[Jeff]

Hi
I've just managed to get on for SR 25, I would also like to pick the brains of someone that has been

[Kiwi]

Hello Jeff

I ride a similar bike to you,where are you sourcing your parts please?

[Jeff]

Hello kiwi.
Just seen your message. Depends what you need but I use Yambits for most parts. Ebay too. How you getting on with your prep