The Suzuki GS850 is universally agreed upon to be one the most reliable motorcycles to ever  come off of the assembly line. Its low maintenance shaft drive, automatic cam chain tensioner, oil damped rear swing arms, dual front disk brakes, large gas tank, super comfortable seat, and many more unique features, make this sport-touring machine a treasure that lasts to this day. It has enough power to run circles around any single thumper dual-sport, enough weight to keep the tires down in a strong cross-wind, and it does not hurt that it is an elegant and graceful classic. Here is what has been done to it so far:

The wiring was old and weathered so I rewired it the correct way: a relay has been added to the ignition system to direct the full current of the battery to the coils for stronger spark and cleaner combustion. An auxiliary 12V power supply has been added right on the handle bar for running and charging small electronics. A 100W power inverter has been installed under the tail for charging my laptop on the road, complete with a remote switch at the handlebar. Horns have been replaced with new 260 db blasters that scare even me every time I use them. I rewired them to function with the ignition off for security reasons. Tail, head and brake lights have been rewired to be able to be turned off on demand while riding; this is to be able to “ghost ride” (i.e. all lights off) to ultimately escape a pursuer in case of a hostile night chase.

The headlight was replaced with all metal housing chrome bucket and an H4 lamp. Turn signals have been replaced with round Suzuki signals for ease of locating spare lenses. Two secure aluminum panniers have been custom mounted to the frame along with a tire pump and helmet lock. Two steel containers have been mounted to the front for my tools and to move as much  weight forward as much as possible. Two 6 foot braided security cable locks along with a brake disk lock are my security measures against theft. A low profile windshield has been added for keeping the wind and bugs off of my chest.

Although many things can go wrong on an expedition of this magnitude, I am unable to take precautions  against every possible mechanical breakdown. The parts that I am taking with me are just a few important things to get me back on the road in an emergency.Spare parts are: brake and clutch levers, clutch and throttle cables, spark plugs and a single cap, inner tube, fuses and relays. My tool kit consists of: box wrenches from 8mm to 17mm (except 15mm and 16mm), 3/8 socket set from 10mm to 19mm (except 15mm and 16mm), six in one screw driver, needle nose and regular pliers, spark plug and shim tools, filler gauge, tire gauge, electrical tape, assorted wires, custom test light, volt meter, butane solder gun, custom made jumper cable, tire patch kit and a file.

Tom Cox of  “Poet Motorcycles” was literally a  god send. He is an ex Motocross champion, pastor, and one hell of a motorcycle mechanic. He went above and beyond to dress up this old gal with new heavy duty shocks, new fork seals, new fuel petcock, new valve cover and breather gaskets, new clutch  with new springs, complete tune up, and computerized tire balance.

Robin and Lonnie Morgan of the “Leather Store And More” provided all my riding gear. They generously supplied me with high quality leather jacket, chaps, gloves, head and face gear, bandana and goggles. This magnanimous donation was made in memory of Bruce Allen, Shorty Korang, and Karl & Char Pentecost who lost their lives in a motorcycling accident.

Bill Ryder fabricated the brackets to which the rear  aluminum boxes are securely mounted and tweaked this motorcycle to its final shape.He added a crash bar and a set of KTM handguards to complete the gunship look of the bike. The night before the expedition started, my regulator/rectifier went out. He rode out 20 miles in rain at 10 pm to bring me a new part and fix the bike. He is an amazing mechanic and dear friend. There are not enough words to thank this man.

Debbie and Tom Matte of Batteries Plus donated a new AGM battery for the beast along with batteries for my camera, laptop, cell phone and a very cool solar panel to have an auxiliary source of charging. Debbie cares for me so much that she reminds me of my mother. I couldn’t have asked for a better friendship.

The route will pass through every country on every inhabitable continent in the order above. Check the posts for more accurate timelines and destinations.