Nige’s LEJoG part 2.

Feb 18, 2025

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by

in LEJoG Longest Day Challenge 2025, Nige’s LEJoG 2025

So now the bike has been chosen, what does the GS actually need?

So the bike actually has MOT until August (which is a bit of a blessing to be honest), but it is running rough. The pet cock (which is an automatic type) is just pouring fuel into the carbs, the frame has been painted badly, the front brakes are far from perfect and the seat is knackered.

The list of work it needs and the list of work that I want to do are rather large:

The pet cock was sent to RS Motorworx for a ultrasonic clean and rebuild.
The front brake pads were replaced and RX Motorworx swapped out the rusted and beyond repair bleed nipple on the front calliper.
The seat was carefully repaired by a local trimmer (yes it was a large chunk of the budget but lets be honest, almost 1000 miles, I want to be comfortable) and I am amazed with the work.

What is left to do:

The head light on the GS was pretty much useless, this ride will take the best part of 24 hours and on country roads (start and finish especially), so the plan is to replace the headlight with a twin headlight.
The frame needs a tidy, and a general check over.
Both of the tyres are old with cracks and they do not match each other, so a new set will be needed, especially for the distance of the challenge.
The bodywork, yes its useable, but its nothing special. I have a plan, but ill keep that under wraps for now.
The electrics. It is a 20 year old bike, the electrics will need a full check over and probably some replacement.
The engine. Again its a 20 year old bike, it will definitely need a check over, I will do an engine flush and full service.

So let’s get on with the work.

Nige has teamed up with 12 volt planet, Atom batteries, All Oils, Beeline navigation, Dr Wack, Goodridge, HiFlo filtro, Lomo, Lone Rider, MandP, MSG bike gear, Pinlock, Rippl impact gear, RS Motorworx, SMD automotive and Ultimate Addons to complete this challenge. Without the help of these companies this wouldn’t have been possible.