My last few foreign trips have been on a BMW R1150/1200RT. They are excellent for use 2-up and on good roads, but this trip I shall be riding 1-up and anticipate some bad roads. I have chosen a BMW F650GS which is much lighter and easier to manhandle. I have kept to BMW because of their reliability and comprehensive service network.

I fitted Stahlkoffer panniers, Touratech long range fuel tank, screen, extended mirrors, sump protector, radiator and headlamp guards and added a Sargent seat to replace the 'torture board' provided by BMW. I have also installed a Garmin Zumo 550 mount linked with an Autocom system with Kenwood radio so I have telephone communications when riding.

I previously used a Starcom communications system but prefer the Autocom version as the connectors are bigger, more robust and easier to fit together with a gloved hand.

Fitting the long range fuel tank was interesting!!. My local BMW dealer didn't want to know as it meant drilling a hole in the existing tank. Fortunately, the Touratech instructions are comprehensive and so I tackled it myself. It took me a week as the rear sub frame has to be detached to release the original tank for drilling. It now gives me 37 litres capacity with a range of about 450 miles.