Overland To Egypt

The majority of replacement Bantam parts necessary to make the bike ready for the ride have been supplied by Bournemouth Bantams. The parts quality is excellent, the service fast and the proprietor, Kev, knowledgeable and helpful. They also offer upgrades and restoration services.

D1 Bantams take a rare 2.75 x 19" tyre. Fortunately, tyre and wheel experts, Wheel House Tyres, stock a suitable tyre with a classic tread pattern: Cheng Shin C117 Universals. Their sister company, Central Wheel Components, also provided quality inner tubes, spare spokes and rim tapes.

None of the standard Bantam throttle, clutch or brake cables fit now we have used trials bars. Carrot Cycles, a UK web-based business specialising in made to order control cables and quality classic motorcycle consumables, came to the rescue with custom-made cables that fit perfectly.

My ride to India taught me to value a good air filter. I expect sandy, dusty road conditions en route to Egypt so have fitted a Ramair pod filter. It has a unique multilayered Aeriform material that ensures maximum filtration. It comes pre-oiled & ready to fit and can be reused many times over.

I always seem to be riskily checking my watch whilst riding. I've fit a Formotion Signature Series stainless steel clock for this trip. It's timeless styling looks very much in keeping with a classic bike. It's waterproof and the hands are luminous for night use.

The standard Bantam throttle twist grip leaves the throttle cable hanging in open air, making it susceptible to snagging. AJS Motorcycles sell the solution; a Gunnar Gasser side pull twist grip, which the keeps vulnerable throttle cable out of harms way.

Horns are used hundreds of times a day in some countries. I broke 2 horns riding to India. For this ride we have fitted a superior Stebel TMN80 air horn. Supplied by UK Stebel distributors, Mountney, the horn is compact, robust and VERY loud.

A competition quality HT lead fitted with a Spitfire Multispark came from Formula Power. This improves combustion and starting and extends plug life. They also supplied a Fuel Cat to raise the octane level of poor quality fuel and lower the burn temperature. Tel: 01403 754173