Tessa Monroe
5 min.
The vastness hits you first. An ocean of grass stretching to every horizon, broken only by the occasional rocky outcrop or distant ger camp. Then comes the realization: the nearest motorcycle shop is literally a thousand kilometers away, and the only tools available might be what a nomadic family has in their ger. Welcome to Mongolia, where your adventure build needs to be as rugged as the landscape and as reliable as a good horse.
I'll never forget that moment – 300 kilometers from the last hint of civilization, watching the sun set over an endless ripple of grasslands, when I finally understood what true motorcycle adventure demands. Out here, there's no roadside assistance, no parts store, and absolutely nowhere to hide from your mechanical decisions. The Mongolia Steppe will strip away your pretensions and reveal the truth about your build choices with merciless clarity.
Choosing Your Weapon: The Mongolia Mandate
Forget everything you know about modern adventure bikes. Mongolia demands something different - a machine that prioritizes simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge technology. When your toolkit might be limited to what you can scrounge from a Soviet-era UAZ van, simpler is always better.
I learned this lesson the hard way, watching a fellow rider's electronic fuel injection system surrender to the combination of altitude, dust, and questionable fuel while my primitive carburetor just kept thumping along. Technology is spectacular until it isn't. And in Mongolia, simplicity isn't just convenient – it's survival.
Primary Choice: Suzuki DR650 ($6,999)
Why this ancient air-cooled thumper instead of something more modern? Because the DR650 represents the perfect balance of capability and fixability. It's the AK-47 of adventure bikes - not pretty, not sophisticated, but it will keep running when everything else has given up.
Why it conquers the steppes:
- Air-cooled reliability – no radiator to puncture, no coolant to leak
- Simple carburetion that can be adjusted and cleaned with basic tools
- Basic electrical system with minimal failure points
- Proven worldwide parts availability – crucial when shipping to remote regions
- Enough power without complexity – 44 horses is all you need
When I watched my riding partner's fuel-injected adventure bike refuse to start after a river crossing in the northern mountains, I gained a new appreciation for my primitive thumper. While he spent three hours diagnosing a waterlogged electronic ignition, I dried my spark plug with a bandana, kicked the starter, and was ready to ride. Sometimes ancient technology is the most advanced solution.
Strong Alternatives:
Honda XR650L ($6,999)
The XR650L shares the same philosophy as the DR650 – a bulletproof engine design that's remained virtually unchanged for decades because it simply works. Its slightly better suspension gives it an edge in the rockier sections of Mongolia, but parts availability can be marginally more challenging in remote Asia.
- Similarly bombproof design with legendary reliability
- Excellent parts availability across most of Asia
- Slightly better suspension for technical terrain
- More common in North American market (parts shipping advantage)
Yamaha Ténéré 700 ($10,499)
For riders who simply can't stomach the ancient technology of the thumpers, the T7 represents the most Mongolia-appropriate modern option. Its parallel twin is relatively simple by current standards, and its reliability record is exceptional. The tradeoff comes in more complex electronics and fuel delivery – fixable, but requiring more specialized knowledge.
- Modern but relatively simple – limited electronics by today's standards
- Excellent reliability record even in extreme conditions
- Better highway capability for the long transit sections
- Growing aftermarket support for expedition builds
Essential Modifications: Built for the Beyond
The Mongolia Mandate: Simplification ($800-1,000)
First rule of Mongolia builds: If it can break, it will. Strip down to the essentials. In a land where the nearest qualified mechanic might be 1,500 kilometers away, simplicity isn't just a philosophy – it's your insurance policy. I've seen the most sophisticated adventure machines rendered into expensive yard art by failures that would be trivial at home but catastrophic in the steppe.
ProCycle Simplified Electrical Kit ($299)
- Eliminates unnecessary circuits – fewer connections, fewer failures
- Heavy-duty rectifier/regulator with improved cooling
- Simplified wiring harness with military-grade connections
- Basic but bulletproof design with field-repairable components
Carburetor Refinement:
Mongolia's dramatic elevation changes – from 1,500 to nearly 4,000 meters in a single day's ride – demand carburetor tuning that can adapt quickly. The JD Jetting Kit provides everything needed to make quick trailside adjustments as conditions change.
JD Jetting Kit ($89)
- Altitude-compensating jets for dramatic elevation changes
- Simplified needle system for easier field adjustment
- Easy trailside adjustment possible with basic tools
- Complete kit with illustrated step-by-step instructions
During a high-altitude crossing of the Khangai Mountains, my bike began hesitating and losing power as we climbed above 3,000 meters. While my fuel-injected companions struggled with their sealed systems, I pulled off the trail, spent 15 minutes swapping to a leaner main jet from my kit, and was back to full power. The ability to make these adjustments in the field is invaluable in Mongolia's wildly varied terrain.
Critical Protection Systems ($1,200-1,500)
When the nearest replacement parts are in another country, protection becomes paramount. I've watched riders end their Mongolia adventures because of a cracked engine case that would be a simple fix at home but became a trip-ending catastrophe in the middle of nowhere. Protection isn't a luxury – it's your lifeline.
AltRider Protection Package ($769)
- Full wraparound crash protection with stainless steel construction
- Integrated skid plate with 4mm aluminum construction
- Radiator guard (if applicable) with reinforced mounting
- Case savers for both clutch and stator sides
- Rear brake master cylinder guard (often overlooked but crucial)
Add additional case protection even if you think you don't need it. Mongolian rocks have a particular talent for finding engine cases. I watched a $20,000 adventure bike become useless when a rock pierced its engine case in a remote valley. The rider's expensive dream machine was reduced to cargo, loaded onto a local's truck for a three-day journey back to Ulaanbaatar. Meanwhile, my over-protected DR650 bounced off those same rocks with nothing more than a few scratches in the armor.
Suspension Enhancement: Steppe-Specific
Mongolia's terrain will test your suspension in ways you never imagined. From bone-jarring washboard tracks to hidden obstacles in tall grass, your suspension is constantly working overtime. Factory setups simply aren't designed for these conditions combined with the weight of expedition gear.
Cogent Dynamics Mongolia Package ($1,499)
- Heavy-duty springs front and rear, rated for rider + gear weight
- Revalved for heavy loads and extreme terrain variations
- Additional oil capacity to prevent fade on long technical sections
- Simplified adjustment system that can be managed in the field
- Reinforced components that can handle repeated heavy impacts
Mongolia taught me that suspension matters more than horsepower. Racing across the endless grasslands at 60 mph, I hit an invisible drainage ditch that sent my bike airborne. The Cogent setup absorbed the landing that would have bottomed stock components, allowing me to maintain control instead of being launched over the handlebars. When every horizon beckons with the promise of speed, your suspension becomes your safety net.
Wheel and Tire Strategy: The Foundation
When you're 500 kilometers from anything resembling a road, your wheel and tire setup becomes crucial. Mongolia's terrain is notorious for destroying wheels – from hidden rocks in the steppe grass to the sharp slate found in mountain passes. Factory wheels simply aren't designed for the relentless punishment.
The Mongolia Wheel Build ($1,200-1,500)
Excel A60 Rim Package
- 21" Front Rim ($189) – wider than stock for better tire stability
- 18" Rear Rim ($189) – stronger than standard with thicker sidewalls
- Heavy-duty spokes with reinforced nipples
- Rim locks standard on both wheels to prevent tire slip
- Powder-coated finish for durability and corrosion resistance
Tire Choice:
- Front: Mitas E-09 Dakar (90/90-21) ($89)
- Rear: Mitas E-09 Dakar (130/90-18) ($99)
- Proven reliability in varied terrain
- Good grip in everything from mud to rock
- Excellent puncture resistance
- Reasonable wear characteristics even on abrasive surfaces
After watching a riding partner struggle with three pinch flats in a single day on his stock wheels, I became a true believer in proper wheel builds. The combination of Excel rims, heavy-duty spokes, and Mitas E-09 tires let me blast across terrain that had others walking their bikes in fear. When I finally did puncture after hitting a vicious rock hidden in tall grass, the rim lock kept the tire in place until I could safely stop, preventing the rim damage that often comes with flats at speed.
Luggage Solution: Minimalist and Bulletproof
Forget aluminum cases - they're just expensive things to break in the middle of nowhere. I've seen too many adventures compromised by damaged hard luggage that couldn't be repaired in the field. Mongolia's terrain demands a different approach – soft luggage that can take a beating, be repaired with basic supplies, and won't catastrophically fail.
Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag ($399)
- No mounting points to break – the horseshoe design wraps around the bike
- Fully waterproof with expedition-grade materials
- Simple repair possible with basic sewing kit or even duct tape
- Proven durability through multiple crashes
- 39-liter capacity with compression straps to secure load
Mosko Moto Scout 25L Duffle ($299)
- Perfect size for essentials that need quick access
- Multiple mounting options – tail, tank, or top of saddlebag
- Field-repairable with included repair kit
- Harness system that stays on bike when bag is removed
- 100% waterproof with roll-top closure
After watching a rider's aluminum pannier tear completely off its mounting frame during a minor tip-over – destroying both the case and the frame – I've become a soft luggage evangelist for Mongolia. My Giant Loop system has survived countless drops, slides, and crashes without a single failure. During one particularly nasty get-off in a muddy river crossing, the bag abraded slightly but kept all my gear dry. A quick repair with Tenacious Tape had it good as new in minutes, while my companion's twisted aluminum case was beyond field repair.
Essential Tools and Spares: The Survival Kit
This isn't just a tool kit - it's your lifeline in one of the most remote places on Earth. I've learned to view my tool selection through the lens of absolute necessity – if I can't fix common issues with what I'm carrying, I might be spending several uncomfortable days waiting for rescue.
The Mongolia Minimum ($500-700)
Motion Pro Tool Metric ($89)
- Basic but comprehensive – covers all common maintenance needs
- Quality over quantity – every tool is purpose-built and durable
- Focus on common repairs like chain adjustment, spark plug changes, and carb cleaning
- Compact roll design takes minimal space while keeping tools organized
- Includes often-forgotten items like valve stem core remover and jet wrenches
- JB Weld Extreme ($15) - Your metal savior when welding isn't an option
- Fuel Filter Kit ($29) - Because Mongolian fuel quality is... unpredictable
- Clutch Cable ($35) - Primary and backup, because you'll use them
- Throttle Cable ($35) - When your primary fails, you'll be glad you packed it
After watching a fellow rider's clutch cable snap 200 kilometers from anywhere, I learned the value of redundancy. While he spent two hours performing a trailside cable replacement with his spare, another rider without a backup had to endure a grueling tow across the steppe to the nearest settlement.
Navigation and Electronics: Keep It Simple
Forget complicated GPS units - they're just one more thing to break. I've watched riders with $1,000 GPS units reduced to following compass bearings after their sophisticated electronics succumbed to Mongolia's infamous vibration and dust. Simplicity isn't just a preference here – it's survival.
Primary Navigation: Garmin GPSMAP 66i ($599)
- Simple but reliable interface that works with gloves
- Excellent battery life – up to 35 hours in GPS mode
- InReach functionality for emergency communications
- Basic mapping that won't leave you stranded when technology fails
- Rugged construction that handles dust and impact
Backup Navigation
- Paper Maps ($50) - Never need batteries, never crash, never fail
- Compass ($75) - Basic navigation that works everywhere
- Yes, really. Because sometimes ancient technology is the best technology
During a particularly nasty electrical storm in the Altai Mountains, every electronic device in our group went dark. The rider with paper maps and a compass suddenly became the most popular person in camp. Sometimes the oldest solutions are the most reliable.
The Bottom Line
Building for Mongolia isn't about creating the most capable adventure bike - it's about building the most reliable one. Every component needs to be chosen with field repair in mind, and every system needs to be simple enough to fix with basic tools. The steppe has a way of humbling even the most sophisticated machinery.
Total Investment:
- Base Bike: $6,999 (DR650)
- Essential Modifications: $2,000-2,500
- Protection: $1,200-1,500
- Wheels and Tires: $1,200-1,500
- Tools and Spares: $500-700
- Navigation: $700-900
Before you think this build is too basic, remember this: In the middle of the Gobi, you'll never wish your bike was more complicated. You will, however, be thankful for every system you simplified and every backup plan you made. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a vast expanse of nothing calling my name, and this simplified beast is ready to answer.
