I talked to Hank about this little thing. I just ordered it to throw in the ditch kit. I have a small laptop that I use for transferring files from the GoPro, and this will be a side-task for it. The Burns Cable also arrived today. All this said, there is a new BMW dealership opening in Oaxaca, and one in Merida. There are enough dealerships that, with a modicum of Spanish, you can get almost anyone with a truck to take you to. OR - use the Platinum Travel Assistance benefits that come with your Mexico insurance such as MexAdventure. My ring antenna, Burns Cable, spare alternator belt, and whatever else doo-dads are only with me because I hate being inconvenienced in situations where a little knowledge and prep can get you moving again. If I can't get moving again, I open up that little jar of elixir called "This is when adventure really begins" and I take a big gulp of it. Sometimes your best tool can be the 4 ratcheting tie downs you carry. You do carry them, right?
Hank told me a story about leaving Real de Catorce and riding around Mexico City on the way to El Salvador. Approaching a toll booth, his bike starting bucking hard. He got off to take a look but then had to get back on, and he rode it like that to Oaxaca. After he ate and showered, he had the energy and presence of mind while relaxed to investigate the problem. Turns out his 400,000+ mile BMW had given up a throttle body spring. Now, he has in the past gone into his bag of magic and pulled out a rabbit. Like the story about the hall sensor and the final drive bits when he rode to Ushuaia. But no throttle body spring in his bag this time. So, what did he do? Well, he fashioned a hook with his leatherman and used wound up dental floss and made a tiny thingy. Which of course worked. He rode with that MacGyver fix all the way to El Salvador and back. You listen to a guy like that!
I only carry a final drive big bearing and seal for an 1100. Don't think it will fit a 1200. You've been warned. But you sound prepared. Always a good idea. Harley dealers are spread out well across the country and world. BMW dealers, not so much. Guzzi dealers... what that?
Here's another one for you Trice and others with GSs (why, oh why do we put up with them). A mod for the headlight bulb. The plastic tabs break easily, mine did but luckily was replaced by the dealer under warranty. link
KennyANC spotting. Today just west of Ixquilmipan. We were pulled over for a pee. We changed the oil in town after coming out of the barranca swimming hole. A nice place midweek, off season. Really Tranquillo
I KNEW I should have taken the lead more. Just get a 2010 GS and forget about all this whining. Then we'll try the E. de D. again. That should complete your reprogramming.
