Sandraiders Morocco 2023

[JamesinEdinburgh]

Hi James, i am new here but it was interesting to see that the same Harry's video inspired me also to do exactly the same project like you will do. My plan is to go 2024. This summer i bought the bike (3AJ). Plan is to restore it from inside out (like Harry does with its cars and bikes). Then summer 2023 to do some test events and 2024 spring there will be Sandriders.

That's cool Sulev.

Now we have a A/B test: make some changes to running bike / rebuild from start.

Hopefully we can also compare notes and advise each other :-)

Maybe I will have such a great time in 2023, I will also do 2024...

[JamesinEdinburgh]

Took my 3AJ out for a test ride today.

Had lots of smoke at the start (white/blue), maybe because only 2 degrees centigrade or maybe my piston rings are worn?

Not seen so much smoke before, but bike has 50,000K on the clock and oil level was low in the tank. Also has small oil leak left of starter motor.

Should I strip the engine and replace the rings or enter the rally with lots of engine oil in reserve - what do you guys think?

[Sulev]

Hi James, i am new here but it was interesting to see that the same Harry's video inspired me also to do exactly the same project like you will do. My plan is to go 2024. This summer i bought the bike (3AJ). Plan is to restore it from inside out (like Harry does with its cars and bikes). Then summer 2023 to do some test events and 2024 spring there will be Sandriders.

Hi Sulev,

Your name hints that you might be an Estonian, is that correct?

That is correct :)

[scottieh]

Took my 3AJ out for a test ride today.

Had lots of smoke at the start (white/blue), maybe because only 2 degrees centigrade or maybe my piston rings are worn?

Not seen so much smoke before, but bike has 50,000K on the clock and oil level was low in the tank. Also has small oil leak left of starter motor.

Should I strip the engine and replace the rings or enter the rally with lots of engine oil in reserve - what do you guys think?

Does the smoke go away a few minutes after start up? Also what octane of gas are you using now, and what octane can you expect to be using in Morocco?

In preparation for my trip to Mexico and Central America I detuned my engine with a stock piston and thicker copper head gasket. I knew I couldn’t expect to find anything better than 85 octane so i planned to run my engine on the worst gas imaginable and lowered my compression to be prepared for that.

[JamesinEdinburgh]

The smoke faded away when the bike came off the choke Scottieh.

I've ordered a compression tester to try and test the condition of the piston rings.

Petrol in Morocco is generally reliable (even village fuel) so I don't anticipate any problems. The KTM890R I rode I November has a high compression 13.5:1 and never missed a beat.

I have time to replace the springs and various oil seals before I have to ship the bike in March and I suppose 50,000K is a good mileage to have achieved already. I'm glad I had the exhaust studs replaced already but who knows what other problems may arise...

[JamesinEdinburgh]

3AJ passed it's MOT today, with no advisories!

Hardly had any smoke, so maybe it was a low temperature issue (2 centrigade outside) previously?

Going to road tax for a test ride - Edinburgh to Melrose tomorrow.

Highly reccomend James Allan & Son's in Edinburgh for MOT's :-)

Here's a little teaser video from @Sandraiders on Twitter for those interested.



https://twitter.com/sandraiders/status/ ... GiYlg&s=19

[monoi]

Hi James,

Sandraiders directed me to this forum as, funnily enough, I am also entering the sandraiders this April after watching Harry's garage video...

My bike is slightly different though to yours as it is a 1990 BMW R100GS PD. I know, it's probably too heavy and all that but I have had it since new and it has been used only sporadically in the last 15 years (maybe 100 miles in all...). If I don't use it for this then what is the point, right? :)

I have spent a small fortune getting and refurbishing a 2nd set of wheels, as well as getting it ready for the trip (new rubber gaiters, rebuilt carbs, risers, exhaust, etc...) and getting spare parts. I've replaced the battery with a lithium unit as it saves about 5kgs!

I have very little off road experience so I'm doing level 1 and 2 offroad skills in Wales this April. I figure that if I can ride 1250GSs in the mud, I should have a fighting chance in Morocco.

I hope to meet you there!

[JamesinEdinburgh]

Nice to hear from you monoi.

Yes, it's good to have a goal of using our bikes as they were intended and bringing them up to spec so we can enjoy riding them in the desert.

I plan to ride my 3AJ off-road as much as I can in March to identify any new problems (recently spotted a split fuel hose!), to get used to riding it and building my fitness up.

I do believe the bikes need to be transported to London by the 25th March, so only 30 days or so to go!

I still need to buy a Mousse and fit my Motoz Enduros and maybe a kickstart from a 1VJ.

I hope to get most of my weight savings from personally shedding a stone or two!

[Scumfrog]

I did an Africa trip in 1992 on a 1VJ. 15,000 miles total.

Carrying up to 60 litres of petrol IIRC, minimum 5 litres water, spare tyres, other spares and tools, food, cooking stove etc.

Wore out two sets of tyres and two chains.
We did for a week or so have the opportunity to put all the gear on a land rover, at which point the bike felt super light and maneuverable after the previous 4 months.
My bike was bog standard, didn't miss a beat, so I wouldn't worry about the weight or reliability of a Tenere personally.

When you get tired and lose concentration / bottle is when you fall off, so I'd say your strength stamina is a priority over any bike upgrades.
If you see soft sand, accelerate as you hit it with full throttle.

I'd go with Michelin desert personally. And proper off road boots with a hinge, and knee protection.

I'd be interested to know how you get on, and how strict the scrutineering is with regards your protective gear and the bike.Might do it one day. Currently looking for the right bike.

[JamesinEdinburgh]

I did an Africa trip in 1992 on a 1VJ. 15,000 miles total.

Carrying up to 60 litres of petrol IIRC, minimum 5 litres water, spare tyres, other spares and tools, food, cooking stove etc.

Wore out two sets of tyres and two chains.
We did for a week or so have the opportunity to put all the gear on a land rover, at which point the bike felt super light and maneuverable after the previous 4 months.
My bike was bog standard, didn't miss a beat, so I wouldn't worry about the weight or reliability of a Tenere personally.

When you get tired and lose concentration / bottle is when you fall off, so I'd say your strength stamina is a priority over any bike upgrades.
If you see soft sand, accelerate as you hit it with full throttle.

I'd go with Michelin desert personally. And proper off road boots with a hinge, and knee protection.

I'd be interested to know how you get on, and how strict the scrutineering is with regards your protective gear and the bike.Might do it one day. Currently looking for the right bike.

Those were the days Scumfrog

Your load must have weighed 70Kg or more and taken up a lot of room!

Luckily, the Sandraiders team will be transporting our gear so we can enjoy the experience more.

I wanted to get MotoZ Desert because they last for absolutely ages but couldn't find the right size in the UK, so have opted for the MotoZ Enduro.

Totally agree with the need to have proper boots, everyone I have encountered with an injured ankle in Morocco were wearing Forma Adventure boots!

I have motocross knee protection but could do with a more sophisticated set these days...

I'll endeavour to post all of my experiences including scrutineering here.

MotoZ Enduro


MotoZ Desert


Michelin Desert Baja