For me, despite having been a motorcycle designer working on styling, function is everything, so I dismissed the lardy BMW GS and the like, and settled on Yamaha’s XT660R.

I managed to pick up a 2006 model with 5000 miles on it for just ₤2300. Bargain! It’s a good thing the bike was so cheap, as I’ve now racked up another couple of grand in kitting it out!

Parts fitted and modifications made:

• Airhawk seat
• Pro Taper 28mm Handlebars
• Renthal soft grips
• Yamaha handlebar brush guards
• Garmin Zumo 550 on a Touratech mount
• Yamaha rear rack
• Metal Mule pannier rack
• Metal Mule bash plate
• Metal mule 2-into-1 exhaust system
• Home made 2.5mm thick aluminium panniers
• EBC HH brake pads front and rear
• Braided brake lines
• Scottoiler touring kit
• Motech Centre stand
• Home made UNI foam air filter
• Touring screen
• Motocross footpegs
• 4mm heavy duty inner tubes
• 14 tooth front sprocket
• Tyres (Metzeler tourance rear, Michelin knobblies front/rear)
• 2 x 5L jerry cans (rather than buy the ridiculously priced, 900 Euro, large OTR tank)