road trip/advice

[portero72]

Here I go again, down into the depths of old Mexico(say mayheeco)in March. I plan to go as far south as Oaxaca(its about as far south as one can go). I've done this, and many other, long trips on the bike before, but I thought I'd check with the experts(all you oldtimers out there) about any preventative maintenance that might need doing. The old beast has 76k on her now, and is still running strong. OF COURSE i'll be doing all the regular stuff-oil, tires, fluids. I've already done a bunch of the common things-fuse block, brakes, suspension, fork brace, etc. Anything I've missed that's gotta get done before I go? Again, it runs like a champ(right side crankshaft seal may have started to weep), so i'm not too concerned with reliability. Have had the old girl since 28k, we're well acquainted. THX!

[RUSH]

Check your wheel bearings.

[trbig]

I would personally make sure I had adjustement left in my cam adjuster. After a few thousand miles.. It is prolly gonna need it while you are down there.

[prometheus578]

"Mexico... your friendly neighbor to the south."

Sounds like you've got everything under control. Obviously you'll be carrying your extended tool kit. Maybe a spare headlamp bulb?

[GNEPIG]

Obviously you'll be carrying your extended tool kit. Maybe a spare headlamp bulb?

.. yeah what he said,
and a couple of spare parts also, like a known good tci box, voltage regulator, a clutch cable and levers.. i would rather carry this stuff around and not need it than to be stuck some place far from home and not have it
.. this sounds like a cool trip, i wish i could go

[2fast]

Nothing about the bike, and maybe you already have this covered.
Insurance. Namely liability insurance. My understanding is that even if your US insurance says they cover you, it may take a long time to sort out with out Mexican insurance. Traffic offenses are or can be criminal matters and land you in jail. Money is how you get out.

I nearly hit someone down there a couple of years ago. When discussing it with a native Mexican, they said that if I had, I should just keep going. I don't think I could do that, but they said it was the only way to stay out of jail. I did not have Mexican insurance at that time, but would never drive down there again without it.

Have a great, safe trip amigo.

[2bhappy]

You gotta take a diary to record all your good experiences so you can tell us about it when you return!!!!!!!!!

Good luck and good trip,

Marc

[81xsproject]

If you have never read it, read Road Trip by Tim Cahill. Not only is it halarious, it will it has some really good info for traveling down there. Short book (<200 pages), really funny. I recommend it to everyone else as well.

[prometheus578]

GNEPIG,

a couple of spare parts also, like a known good tci box, voltage regulator

That's exactly my idea of an extended tool kit. Wouldn't leave the state without them. (Swapped a regulator in Wyoming)

[webbcraft2150]

Tire plug kit!!! You can get one from Dennis Kirk or Chapperall. They run about $35. Come with tire plugs and CO2 cartridges to refill the tire. I have never used mine on my bike, but worked great on a K1200 I came across in the middle of nowhere with a rear flat You would think a 20k bike would come with one. Anyway, it worked as advertised and was good for a night of free beers when the Beemer owner ran into me at the bar later that day. Also, extra fuses. (I see your in Austin, we ned to get together and ride!!!)

[portero72]

Great advice y'all, keep it coming. I've always bought Mexican insurance when i go down there, and have become somewhat familiar with the ins and outs of mexican law enforcement(had to pay a fine/bribe to a cop in mexico city). Also plan to avoid as many big cities as possible. WEBB-would love to go riding sometime, esp since the weather has been so nice. Cheers all.