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all part of the process of developing a bike suited to the conditions . The parameters were that the bikes , despite being modified for the task , were still to look somewhat like original Royal Enfield ’ s .
The modifications included a number of extras to make the bikes more suited and up to the task of such a challenging terrain . Rims were replaced with 21 inch and 19-inch alloy Excel Takasago units front and rear respectively , completed with stainless steel spokes . These were shod with Motoz Tractionator Desert tyres , both tubeless to cope with lower pressures . The rear tyre did need the knobs shaved down a little to suit the Royal Enfield swingarm .
“ We put the tubeless systems on both Classics so that we could run lower pressures ,” Kevin explained . “ They were fantastic , we were running as low as four to six psi on the rear , a little more on the front .”
Other adaptations included modified suspension for greater ground clearance and travel , as well a number of protective plates and guards to save the bikes from the extremes . The greatest upgrade was fitting a universal power steering rail cooler , which was used as an oil cooler . Braided lines plumbed the cooler into the cylinder head with an Aeroflow one-way valve that prevented having to reprime the oil cooler , ensuring cylinder head flow on engine restart .
“ Essentially both bikes have stock engines with unmodified frames ,” added Kevin . “ Both can be returned to normal road function . No worries .”
In fact , both bikes required extraordinarily little ongoing maintenance and suffered no mechanical issues , part of the reason why Geoff and Kevin initially wanted to ride them across the desert .
“ There was no mechanical issues , none at all ,” said
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