Figured one or two people may be interested in the bike and its preparation (or lack of) for the trip. Basically I bought my VStrom 1000 3 years ago in recognition that my riding was getting much less an every day thing and with a desire to use it on longer trips. Great thought I guess but so far only the trip to Italy 2 years back counts as using it for what it was bought for. Have read a lot and listened to loads of advice about bike prep before departing for Morocco but cant bring myself to go overboard. The bike is up to date on servicing and I will give it a thorough once over before departure but otherwise I guess I will be hoping for some flawless Suzuki reliability. The bike is the so called "Grand Tourer" specification so comes ready with hard luggage, hand guards, heated grips and center stand. On the run to Italy it was comfortable and did all I asked of it. Four simple modifications are all I have carried out prior to the trip: - Touratech oil cooler cover fitted - Touratech radiator guard fitted - Side stand foot extended - Aux power socket fitted First two seemed like a sensible precaution against stones given the exposed location of the oil and water coolers. Plus they look good and I like them! Side shot showing rather fetching Touratech covers and side stand mod

Having suffered side stand sinkage too many times I am happy to show off the modification made by Pete at the Garage of Power to ensure the bike stands safe and secure on the fringes of roads or in camping fields. Aux power socket also fitted to ensure I can keep the IPOD and phone topped up on the move.Thanks for your help Pete. Garage of Power Promotion - Thanks Pete