Jammin thru the Global South

[Dekatria]

I just finished reading the entire story up until now... took me about two weeks it's very humbling what you're doing, and I admire your perseverance! Keep up the good work Jay, you deserve every bit of credit

What has been your best tire set this trip, in terms of mileage? I was thinking of switching my tires (currently Michelin Anakees) to Tourances for my own (slightly less epic) trip this summer, and I'll mostly be on pavement.

[OldPete]

This is my first read of one of your RRs Jay... Fantastic! Epic is a well worn word but is so applicable here.

Aside from the pictures, I feel as if I have been well schooled, TY teacher.

I'm an old diesel mechanic.
Remember the Nokia cellphones that had battery issues, like fire?
That was caused by metalic particals in the battery gel.

Consider returning to an AGM sealed battery.
Look/read this over, post #104... http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...=706559&page=7

My best to you,

OldPete

[Jammin]

Originally Posted by prince_ruben

Nice jay. Would love to see pics of the XR!

I got some nice shots, posting up soon.

Originally Posted by eakins

sweet! i have a blurb in there i wrote about traveling to mexico.

Nice.

Originally Posted by LXIV-Dragon

Jay - great stuff as always
Almost unbelievable that someone would consider studying while on the road let alone a Masters! Wow Congrats!!
Double congrats on the publishing gig
Loving the panoramic photos.
Ride safe.

Thanks! Yeah, I was discouraged by a couple people initially saying that the studying would take away from the journey, but going slowly has helped

Originally Posted by Eagletalon

Just got done with the last two pages of updates. So informational and rich in pictures like always. Stay safe out there and cant wait to see where this journey takes you next
Later
John

Thanks, John. Always glad to hear you guys like my writing and photo style.

[PorLaTierra]

Hi Jay,

Ive been following since day 1. I took some notes for my own trip into S. America thanks! Now I find myself in Spain, working a bit and riding a bit as well. It would be a pleasure to host you, I've got a guest room and a garage. I live in the South on the coast, in Murcia. If you do make it I can suggest a couple of nice routes as well

I cant wait for more, I hope you're getting some chill out time after getting your degree!

Saludos,
Ryan

[Jammin]

Here's a slideshow that I got posted on Yahoo! India on my ride through Egypt

http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/egypt-a-moveable-feast-slideshow

[Jammin]

Originally Posted by Dekatria

I just finished reading the entire story up until now... took me about two weeks it's very humbling what you're doing, and I admire your perseverance! Keep up the good work Jay, you deserve every bit of credit

What has been your best tire set this trip, in terms of mileage? I was thinking of switching my tires (currently Michelin Anakees) to Tourances for my own (slightly less epic) trip this summer, and I'll mostly be on pavement.

Hey, thanks for that!
For tires, I'd have to say go with the Heidenau K60 Scout, a 50/50 tire, great life on tarmac and excellent grip off-road.

Originally Posted by OldPete

This is my first read of one of your RRs Jay... Fantastic! Epic is a well worn word but is so applicable here.
Aside from the pictures, I feel as if I have been well schooled, TY teacher.
I'm an old diesel mechanic.
Remember the Nokia cellphones that had battery issues, like fire?
That was caused by metalic particals in the battery gel.
Consider returning to an AGM sealed battery.
Look/read this over, post #104... http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...=706559&page=7
My best to you,
OldPete

Thanks, Pete Glad you like my RR style
Yeah, I'm wondering if the Shorai battery has anything to do with my electrical issues, but every other mechanic I've talked to said it shouldn't be a problem. If and when I make it to South Africa, I'll try and look for an AGM battery. Thanks.

Originally Posted by PorLaTierra

Hi Jay,
Ive been following since day 1. I took some notes for my own trip into S. America thanks! Now I find myself in Spain, working a bit and riding a bit as well. It would be a pleasure to host you, I've got a guest room and a garage. I live in the South on the coast, in Murcia. If you do make it I can suggest a couple of nice routes as well
I cant wait for more, I hope you're getting some chill out time after getting your degree!
Saludos,
Ryan

Hola Ryan, thanks for the offer, but yeah, I think my route is changing now. This breakdown has sapped a lot of time for where I wanted to be by now and I don't think I'm going to make it into Europe... Route is still being defined but I should know more when I get to South Africa. Cheers.

[Jammin]

Visas, check. New electrical parts for sanDRina, check. Time to leave Nairobi! South African visa came through with no problems and Tanzanian visa took all of four hours. New stator has been installed in my engine case; new CDI, wiring harness and rectifier on hand and got some decent engine oil. Bought a few presents for the guys who've been watching over sanDRina. Anxious to get back to Kibondo and see if she's ready to ride Long bus journeys coming up...

[eakins]

Best of luck Jay getting the bike running again with those new parts!

[WarLlama]

Originally Posted by Jammin

Not all who wander are lost.

[Jammin]

I made it back to Kibondo! Bus journeys were a bit rough but passed the time by listening to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance on audiobook to get in the mood. Good tips, such as knowing that all bike issues can be traced to rational, objective causes and not Voodoo magic, although electrical issues seem like that. And then it goes deep into philosophy, with a long treatise on 'quality.'

sanDRina was patiently waiting for me just like I left her, along with my other gear. I installed the new parts and she fires up and idles nicely. Test ride tomorrow to confirm that the issues's been resolved (fingers crossed).

[Jammin]

sanDRina rides once again!

Went for some extensive test rides today and so far sounds like the issue has been solved, but I can't say for sure until I cover at least a 100 kms and get to the next town.

The ride continues Heading south...

[Thumper Dan]

What do you think the problem was at the end of the day. I reckon the pickup coil but what would I know?? We all hope its all sort now though. Happy travels Jay.

[eakins]

sounds like computer repair...start putting a bunch on new parts in there and see what happens. so what is any of the old parts did you keep?

[Jammin]

Originally Posted by WarLlama

Not all who wander are lost.

Originally Posted by Thumper Dan

What do you think the problem was at the end of the day. I reckon the pickup coil but what would I know?? We all hope its all sort now though. Happy travels Jay.

I think it was the stator in the end (installed the 250W uprated one), but I also put in a CDI from a 2006 and an almost-new rectifier from a 2001, so I can't say for sure

Originally Posted by eakins

sounds like computer repair...start putting a bunch on new parts in there and see what happens. so what is any of the old parts did you keep?

Yup, swapped too many components to pin-point the issue, but just glad it's solved now

I left the original ignition coil still on there. Bike is running fine with it, so it was not the issue. Wiring harness left also and Shorai battery still in there. I only replaced the CDI, rectifier and stator.

[Jammin]

19 November 2012

First day back in the saddle after 10 weeks and rode 250 trouble-free kms to Kigoma, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The rainy season is getting started here but it was dry for the past few days and the hard-packed mud road made for some good-riding. Felt fantastic to be standing on the pegs and cruising in top gear She's a heavy lady, but well-balanced now and loving it!

I'm CouchSurfing with Elias, a Tanzanian who's working for the Jane Goodall Institute that specializes in chimpanzee research. The chimps are up north in Gombe Stream National Park, but I'm just enjoying the lakeshore and happy to be back in the riding groove. Heavy rain last night but the strong tropical sun has been out today drying the mud roads for tomorrow's ride.