GS SAFARI PREPARATION

If you’re not sure what to pack this list may give you some ideas. Some of these items may not suit everyone but if you’re not accustomed to spending multiple days on the road you may find this list helpful. Your main bag for the Safari will be carried in the luggage truck each day. You will need a soft bag for this purpose that is easily strapped to your bike so you can get your gear both to and from the Safari and from the luggage truck to your accommodation in the evenings. Having your luggage carted in the luggage truck each day keeps your bike lighter and easier to manage throughout the ride. Please do not bring hard panniers to carry gear in on the Safari.

It is important not to over pack, but there are some items that you absolutely should take and others that may make your ride more enjoyable. Everyone has a slightly different list of priorities, but just remember that you can’t take everything. Weather conditions in the High Country areas are unpredictable so you really need to be able to cover a wide temperature range.

• Adventure Pants & Jacket – Should be comfortable, weatherproof, abrasion resistant and ideally have CE Approved soft armour inserts fitted in key areas (knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and back). Multiple ventilation zips helps for when conditions are warmer.
• Helmet – Your helmet should fit well, snug but not so tight it causes discomfort when worn for longer periods. You should have a tinted and clear visor, or the new flip down tinted visor is a good solution for varying light conditions. An anti-fog insert or treatment is also a great idea.
• Goggles – Handy if the track gets a little dusty or in colder conditions when fogging up can cause issues.
• Boots – BMW GS Pro Boots or similar. Should be purpose built providing good shin and ankle protection. Lighter adventure touring boots may be waterproof and more comfy but they won’t offer the same protection.
• Gloves – You should always travel with two sets of gloves, one pair for colder or wet conditions, waterproof and with a built in squeegee on the left index finger to easily wipe your helmet visor in the rain. Like the BMW Allround glove. Another set of lighter gloves is very handy for when conditions are warmer, these should still be strong and abrasion resistant, they just don’t need to be as insulated and bulky. Like the GS Pro glove
• Camelback – Drinking hydration backpack.
• Neck gaiter or Buff – helps prevent the helmet strap from chafing and keeps your chin warm on chilly mornings.

• Tank Bag – This is a great place to carry your daily essentials
• Tail bag – Small and soft for what you need access to each day. Ensure you have adequate good quality straps to secure luggage. You don’t want to lose it or have it end up in your back wheel or exhaust
• Headlight protector
• Alloy Bash guard (sump guard)
• Hand guards
• Radiator protection / oil cooler protection on air cooled models
• Foam air filter kit and / or foam pre filter socks only
• Valve cover protectors for boxer engines
• Off road footpegs (wide)
• Enduro Brake pedal (flip down style)
• Knobby tyres
• Heavy duty tubes (tube models)
• Handlebar risers (for tall riders where the bars are too low when standing. Excessive risers are to be avoided, 10-20mm is usually adequate)

• Visor cleaning kit, a soft microfibre cloth works well
• Sunscreen
• Ear plugs
• Cap / hat
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm – sun and wind protection
• Head torch
• Charging cables – phone, camera
• Water poof liners if they are not already in your gear.
• Spare tubes / tyre plugs / O2 bottles
• Spare levers, brake pads
• Tool kit – just enough to get you out of trouble
• Leatherman / pocket knife
• It’s a good idea to carry shorts, t-shirt and light shoes in case the luggage truck is delayed or you don’t make it to the luggage truck

• Shorts and t-shirts / shirts
• Jeans / pants
• Pullover / polar fleece (light weight easy dry)
• Socks and underwear
• Comfortable shoes – used at the end of the day
• Toiletries