TRF Forums

The forthcoming Motorcycle Expo show prompted me to consider whether any trailrider uses a completely standard bike.

It would seem that the overwhelming majority of trailbikes are modified and accessorised. I'd like the forumites to post up some examples of bikes they have modified with a description of those modifications, estimated cost, and why they have carried out the mods. Pics would be good.

If we can get a good response, then the info can be used to illustrate the economic value of trailriding. This could be something for a feature by Greg.

Aside from that it's always interesting to see how people tinker with their bikes!

To kick off, here's one of my bikes as I got it second-hand:



This was already modified:

Akrapovic silencer and carbon fibre guards, GIT bashplate, Edmundson racing handlebar clamps and front sprocket guard, snorkel removed and foam airfilter. Touratech rack.

All good stuff. I wanted a few tweaks to make it "mine" and hone it for the riding I do:





I changed the Akra to a sebring exhaust. The Akra was e-marked and quiet, but being titanium/carbon it wasn't particularly durable, so it got swopped off on to my other 690. The carbon guards went with it and OEM stainless steel ones refitted. The touratech rack was removed as I use a "giant loop" luggage system when camping. New plastics and graphics all round. Radiator guards were fitted (rally raid). An OEM foam filter was purchased and the snorkel re-installed (the induction roar was louder than the exhaust, so I cured it!), The OEM light was changed to a trailtech x2 halogen (which I further modified by uprating the bulbs from 35w halogen to 50w), the front wheel was changed to a narrower EXC fitment (turns quicker). Ram mounts and double take mirror fitted, Rally-Raid billet clutch, brake, rear brake, levers were fitted. Rally raid billet fuel filler replaced the OEM cap. Front disc changed to a non floating old LC4 type (stainless steel) - this gives a much more dirt orientated brake. Fork bleeders and suspension set up. Kriega haul loops front and rear.

Did it affect your insurance premium much when you listed all those modification?

Rod Jackson

No.

Insurance premium is very reasonable.

Yeah. Mine's bog standard

Apart from....

Hand guards (on when I got it)
Bash plate £120-ish
Rack £90 + import duty + release fee
Powered sat nav mount £100-ish

Hmmm. I see what you mean. I'm planning better tyres and heavy duty tubes next. There's another £100+

Rich P

Just purchased a new Beta Xtrainer. Extras so far:

Mousses front & rear. £180
Rad guards. £85
Hand guards £25
14t front sprocket. £10.95
2 10w Cree lights. £25

So a tad over £300 in a month!

Only other bit to add (for now) is a link guard. These range from nowt (home made) to £275 for a Stilwell.

edit - forgot the new footpegs (UK made)! Another £65

With the exception of the engine and frame, I think my bike (CCM 404DS) was built entirely from aftermarket/pattern parts...I've added some scuffed KTM handguards that were OE fit on my 950 and a Haines bashplate.

Working on the premise that it was assembled in a UK factory and contains some UK-made parts, I'd contend it was of greater value to the UK economy than most!

I hope none of the wife's read this thread.

What ? There are married people on this thread ?

Lol. Just!