Well I have been researching bikes and the ride for several weeks. There are two glaring problems. One, I cannot ship a bike to Argentina. It is extremely complicated. I read some stories on Adventure Rider about people paying thousands to ship their bikes and they show up over a month late. This is something I cannot let happen. I am now thinking I will ride from Missouri south and see how far I can go. It will cost me $2,000 to cross the Darrien Gap, if I make it to Panama. I will then have to ship the bike back to the U.S. from Argentina if I make it that far. Apparently it is easier to ship a U.S. titled bike from Argentina to the U.S. than the other way around.
The second problem is the bike. I wanted to buy another Africa Twin, however I am starting to think a cheaper less flashy bike will be better. I am considering buying another KLR. I know they are slow and ugly, but they are reliable and inexpensive. IF I can pick up a cheap KLR I should save about $6,000. That is a lot of gas and hotel money! I bid on a KLR today on Ebay and we will see what happens. It is a 2017 that is loaded with almost everything I would want. My offer is good for 12 hours so we will see what happens.
I am also going to have to determine when to leave. Going south instead of north changes my schedule somewhat. I have way more planning to do than I like. First things first, I need to get a bike and start buying my gear. Luckily I have quite a bit of gear left from my Mexico ride a few years ago.
Two Wheels
Monday, July 1, 2019
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Monday, May 8, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
2017 Africa Twin
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Sunday, January 15, 2017
Dreaming / Planning a Trip!
For at least the last ten years I have been dreaming of retiring and taking a motorcycle ride down to Central America, or even South America. I am still NOT SURE if I am going to make this trip or not. I have ridden from Spokane, Washington to Baja, Mexico by myself, and I have flown to Ecuador and taken a four day off road trip with an old Army buddy, but I have never taken a trip quite as extensive as this.
Last year I sold my Harley Ultra Classic and my Kawasaki KLR in anticipation of buying my "Retirement Bike". After much research I have ordered a 2017 Africa Twin. It should arrive here in April. I have never ridden one and the dealer has agreed to give me my down payment back if I do not like it.
Right now I have a lot of things going through my mind. Do I retire this summer or wait until December so I can cash in all of my unused leave? When do I leave to avoid bad weather? Should I head south immediately from Spokane or should I head to Alaska first and work my way south? Should I stop in Central America or should I try to make it to South America? How much will it cost? How long will it take? Can I do this blog on the road? Can I finally learn to use my gopro? Should I skip the Africa Twin and just buy a new KLR, that will save me $7,000. I have never been so undecided about anything in my life!
I guess I will take it one day at a time and see what happens. I would welcome any and all suggestions or comments that anyone may have.
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