While it’s not a project modification or accessory I’ve included it in the list because when you’re riding in the rocky outback it’s damage that is not if, it’s when. Our mate Dave Darcy from MAD TV, had the exact same thing happen on his 800 MT-X and when running tubeless the result is instant deflation. These rims are soft to say the least.
While the damage I suffered didn’t result in any loss of air it did eventually deflate weeks later without warning.
A new rim will cost you $400 plus the cost of rebuild but the only alternative is to have the rim repaired. Not all wheel builders will take on a job like this and there is only a couple in Sydney NSW.
Alderton Motorcycle Repairs is one of them. Dave Alderton is one of the most skilled metal workers I’ve met. He also straightened an IT175 frame for me. Needless to say rare skills such as his don’t come cheap. My rim was not only bent but also cracked so it needed to be welded.
The result was perfect and $400 dollars later I’ve fitted the Awake Wild tyre as a tubeless and it holds it’s pressure.
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
When you hit muddy outback roads with a front low guard you may as well leave it where it stops and just walk away. Seriously, been there done that on a Tenere Tragics ride.
Anywho I purchased an OEM high front guard when I bought the 450MT. Not only is it a practical but looks good to
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
Did you know that OEM batteries are not really covered by warranty and are treated the same as any other consumable on your bike? Since purchasing my demo CF Moto 450MT with only a couple hundred K’s on the clock I’ve had issues with the OEM battery not holding a charge. I thought it was from not riding it enough but even after leaving it on a trickle charger and banging out nearly 4,000 kilometres in 11 days it didn’t help. It eventually completely died.
So instead of buying another OEM battery I’ve gone for a more reliable Dynovolt Nano Gel power sports battery from Link International. The sealed battery is factory activated and and it dropped straight in. Took about 10 minutes to fit and it fired straight into life.
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
If there’s one thing I was reminded of after my epic outback ride to Finke was the amount of wear and tear that occurs just from riding down rocky dirt roads at speed. Peppering of engine cases was one thing I didn’t consider with the limited coverage bashplate and Polisport Plastics has the perfect solution.
Plastic engine case side covers protect from flying rocks from the front wheel along with boot scuff marks on both sides. Cosmetically the black covers look a lot cooler than the satin silver finish. Super easy to fit and comes with aluminium spacers so you don’t crush the plastic and tighten the engine cover bolts to the correct tolerances. The swingarm protectors are also easy to install and look cool. They’re a nice addition.
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
The first bit of luggage kit you need is a good quality duffle bag. This is to hold all your walking around clothes that need to be bone dry at the end of the day. So it’s important not to skimp of quality. The Enduristan Cyclone 35 duffle bag has 35 litre capacity as the name suggests and is the perfect size for a small to mid-size ADV bike for a multi-day trip. The Cyclone is made from an advanced 3-Layer Fabric which is a PVC-free material concept used across their product range.
The Cyclone features the patented Enduristan Standard Interface, which allows the bag to be expanded with modular accessories. The system uses ROKstraps to secure bags to the bike which is great as you can use it for other bags.
Inside, the Cyclone comes with a removable laundry bag keep your soiled dungaries and toxic wet socks separate from your clean uncontaminated clothes. The laundry bag can be securely fixed inside the Cyclone using Velcro, preventing it from getting lost in the rest of your crap.
The bag comes with a 4-Point Duffle Harness that transforms the bag into a daypack. It also has two carrying handles – one on top and one on the side – making the Cyclone easy to handle off the bike. Like all Enduristan products, the Cyclone is fully water-, dust-, mud- and snowproof – no inner bag required – and designed specifically for use on your bike.
I’m not a big fan of loading up my riding jacket pockets with essentials like wallet and phone. The Sidekick is the perfect option as an external storage option that can be easily accessed. The Sidekick is made from the same advanced 3-Layer Fabric, a PVC-free material used on all their range. Using the patented interface system you can strap the Sidekick to your tank bag or any other Enduristan bag. The Sidekick comes in four different sizes suitable for tools, snacks or a first-aid kit or anything you need quick access. These compact add-on pouches are the perfect solution when your main luggage is full, or when you simply want to stay flexible or even more organized.
I’ve had the opportunity to use a variety of tank bags over the years. I found the medium size Enduristan Sandstorm 5.03 was what I was looking for. This fifth generation three litre capacity bag has a ton of features. One of my favourite features is the A6 sized document pouch that can hold essential items like credit cards, cash licence etc. and fits conveniently within the tank bag lid attached with Velcro. Easily removed and slipped into your riding jacket pocket when away from the bike.
The lid can attach a map sleeve or an addition small bag and you can unclip the bag for the harness and carry it with you. Pass through port for charging accessories, key ring holder, single waterproof zip and internal Velcro attachments so you can arrange items in the bag that suits you. I can assure you the bag is dustproof and waterproof after cleaning it with a high-pressure washer.
I normally carry tools and spares in a roll top bag but to access anything I have to pull everything out to get to one item then repack again. The Enduristan Small Tail Bag is almost the exact same size as the standard rear rack on the 450MT and instead of using the mounting hooks I ran the straps through the rack for extra security. It gave me enough capacity to carry my tool roll, front and rear tube (incase I tear a tubeless sidewall), an electric pump, tyre gauge and tubeless repair kit. Dustproof and waterproof it’s a high-quality piece of kit and much more convenient than a roll top bag. The exterior of the lid features a heavy-duty mesh pocket with velcro lock and cargo loops to attach additional gear.
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
One of the most annoying issues I had with the 450MT are the rear vision mirrors which were constantly vibrating lose no matter tight I made each of the joins.
I’m going with universal Doubletake Mirror design. AliExpress and Temu have a bunch of options and when you purchase from China it’s buyer beware. DoubleTake are the highest quality using patented RAM Mount components and cheaper options will have inferior balls. I found a pair on AliExpress mirrors for around $50.
I’ll be replacing the handlebar mount ball joints with genuine RAM Mount balls. Cheap Ball mounts has a simple metal pin into the rubber ball where as RAM balls has a T-shaped pin.
RRP $68 including shipping
www.aliexpress.com
Kemimoto Mirrors
Overall Score
7.8
Quality
8.5
Ease of installation
7.0
Value for money
8.0
Our Impression
Pros
Cheap
Stylist
Did I mention cheap?
Cons
Ball mounts not as good as RAM Mounts
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
We used the Anakee Wild on our first outback 450MT ride and when it comes to reliability it’s better the devil you know. Full disclosure we paid full retail for these and I have to admit retailers aren’t carrying tyre stock like they used to. We found this pair at Motorcyclebiz near Raymond Terrace and Clive had them on the bike in an instant. While they have a 90/90 x 21 for the front you have to go to a 140/80 x 18 on the rear.
Given the rocks we encountered that’s a good option. The only difference this time is we ran tubeless and even after a big hit they stayed inflated and almost 4000 kms later still had plenty of tread.
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
The 450MT comes standard with a paper airfilter which are efficient but in dusty Australian conditions they become clogged, non-serviceable and a throw away item. Unifilter are the masters of serviceable foam filter design and manufacturing. Supplied pre-oiled it takes just minutes to install and the small prefilter replaces the air intake duct. It provides a first line of defence reducing the amount of dust that reaches the main filter. It’s the first bit of kit you need before anything else.
RRP Main Filter $101.95/Pre-Filter $29.95
www.uniflow.com.au
Instrument Cowl
Overall Score
8.5
Quality
10.0
Ease of installation
9.0
Value for money
9.0
Our Impression
Pros
Easy install
Quality finish
Cons
None really
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
I actually went looking for this particular item. The 450 MT’s instrument panel, while clear to view, is hard to read in direct sunlight and it’s difficult to notice your indicator is still on. Hopefully this item will block some sun out and not have soccer mums in their SUVs pull out in front of me thinking I’m turning left.
RRP: $8.00 (sometimes free with any purchase)
www.aliexpress.com
Instrument Cowl
Overall Score
8.5
Quality
8.0
Ease of installation
9.5
Value for money
9.0
Our Impression
Pros
Easy install
Quality finish
Cons
None really
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
I’ve opted for no-name Chinese parts that include a skid plate, radiator and engine guard combo. I feel a bit guilty about this, as I have always supported Australian-made product but my budget is tight after the exhaust system and the Chigee unit, so the pull to check out AliExpress prices was too great.
I did buy a Chinese laser-cut number plate hanger for my old Ténéré 660 years ago, but it cracked and folded in two rides. So, the point of the exercise here is to check out the fit and durability.
In this particular example, the skid plate is made from 3mm aluminium plate while the engine and radiator guards are 2mm. I was nervous leading up to our Finke ride to say the least.
My biggest fears were NOT realised. Despite the rocky sections we encounter the hard parts did everything they are designed to do
Many of the products, prices, suppliers and their details that appear on this website may no longer be accurate. Readers are urged to check product or brand web sites for latest prices and specifications.
