My upgraded Honda CRF300L Rally 2.0

After 43.000 kilometers of abuse to my little single-cylinder Honda CRF300L Rally, it was time for some maintenance. I had fallen in love with this motorcycle so much that I wanted to continue riding it around the world. Since the bike had to come pretty much entirely apart to change the worn countershaft, I figured this would be a good time to give the bike some upgrades. In fact, it would be now or never, because taking on a project like this while on the road would be impossible. 

So besides the normal wear and tear that could have been expected at this point in time, I did all the upgrades I thought were worth doing. In this blogpost I will list all the upgrades that I made to the bike in Alaska. Most parts, including all the Honda parts, I purchased myself. A few aftermarket products were given to me for free. To stay transparent, I'll mention the parts that were given to me for free.

Taller Windshield & Radiator Guard

SRC Moto makes all sorts of aftermarket parts and they supported me in the past with parts too. This time was no different and they supplied me with two parts for free: a taller windshield and a radiator guard. 

My length in combination with the bike setup results in some wind buffeting and that's why I wanted to try riding with a taller windshield to hopefully improve riding comfort for me. They only had a 'smoke' colored windshield left in stock, so that's the one that I received. 

Additionally, they also sent me a proper radiator guard, to replace the stock, plastic one. This is one of those mods I should have done ages ago, so I'm glad I've got that sorted now! 

Rear Sprocket 

Another company that helped me with some free parts, was Dirt Tricks. They sent me a chrome rear sprocket, which is 2.5 times stronger than stainless steel and should last much longer too.

Finding sprockets while on the road has proven very difficult in Central America so that's why I am hoping I don't have to search too much for them with this sprocket! 

All the aftermarket parts listed from here on, I purchased myself and were not sponsored. 

Arrow Exhaust 

The first thing I bought was a different exhaust. My four (!) reasons for doing so: saving weight, lower running temperatures, better sound, and better look.

I bought the Arrow exhaust on Revzilla.com, but I can't link to it as the exhaust is no longer available. 

I bought a Pro Taper Evo Bar Adventure (part number 024026). 

Ultimately, the doubletake mirrors should be superior (even though I also broke one of those) and that's why I decided to get a pair of these again for Season 7! 

Sheepskin Seat Cover 

When I started riding to Prudhoe Bay from Anchorage, I borrowed an Alaska Leather sheepskin cover for my seat from Bill. I'd never had such a seat cover, but I very much liked the look (and feel!) of it. I figured it would make a great souvenir from Alaska to buy one for myself, and that's exactly what I did! 

Barkbusters Hand Guards 

Hand guards somehow get abused and battered a lot on my motorcycles (I wonder why!). I've gone through a couple of them on my way to Alaska and it was time to replace them again for Season 7.

Bill ordered some Barkbusters for me, and I'm not quite sure which type they are exactly, but they have aluminum bars in them (I never go for just plastic, way too weak). I am just hoping that these ones will last a fair bit going into Season 7. 

And that's it. These were all the aftermarket parts that I've added to my trusty Alaska. I can't wait for the new adventures to begin!