No Fumar Español: South from San Diego

[BikePilot]

Great plan, have fun! I just got back from some SoCal surfing and baja riding - great place to be. I didn't see or experience anything remotely problematic (drugs, crime etc) in Mexico, in fact I'd venture a guess that there's less reason to worry about crime there than back here at school (harvard, cambridge MA)

[sweetjeri76]

Well I'll be watching from Boulder, CO anyways. Working on an engineering degree, so can't really take the time for Mexico right now, but I'm definitely looking forward to your photos and such. I'll live vicariously and settle for KLR rides in the CO mountains for now.

Best of luck!!

[ztrab]

Originally Posted by crashmaster

Dammit, get your wife a pool boy to play with and get your ass on that HP2 and meet me at Tecate. Come on Miguelito, despite what Soto says, youre not that pussified. Whats wrong, dont you want to run the Commondu rocks in 115* temps after a fresh hurricane has washed it out even worse than it already is?

I am the pool boy. Got my bike back today, have to figure out new attachments for my bull nuggets, redo the undo by the tech who just can't figure out how to put my stuff on the battery posts #@!. I think my mangina is swelling, will know more manana. Later.

[crashmaster]

Originally Posted by ztrab

I am the pool boy. Got my bike back today, have to figure out new attachments for my bull nuggets, redo the undo by the tech who just can't figure out how to put my stuff on the battery posts #@!. I think my mangina is swelling, will know more manana. Later.

So, are you in for Baja? Will I have to endure more of this from you, or do I need to get you some Depends before you cross the border?...........






Just think how much fun youre going to have this time.

[crashmaster]

If you have never ridden a KTM adventure before, its a blast to ride. Eventhough its a big heavy bike, its off road capabilities are quite impressive.

The big KTM has its share of issues. Fortunately for me, the issues are well known and documented so I am able to prepare for the them somewhat.

I started out by getting the bike in tip top shape to start off the journey.

Here's the stuff I've done to prep the bike:

Fresh water pump rebuild with latest parts
Evo clutch slave
All 15,000 km service items (valves are still in spec and intakes a bit on the loose side.
Fresh battery (Powersource AGM)
fresh air filter
fresh radiator cap
fresh fork and shock service
R&R swing arm and steering stem bearings
New superlace wheels (tubeless rear)
new wheel bearings
Updated Rekluse parts
removed SAS and carbon can
new brake pads
fresh DID ZVM2 heavy duty chain
new sprockets (rear Ironman)
bled brakes with Motul RBF 600
cleaned and greased all electrical connectors

In addition, here are the other mods already on the bike:

2 into 1 exhaust
2.2 gal aux tank
UNI airbox prefilter
dual 50W HID lights on euro headlight mask
Superplush suspension
Rekluse clutch
CJ designs billet/Ti clutch cover
hardwired GPS
folding mirrors
heated grips
heat troller for heated jacket liner
Roc Stompa pegs
Black Dog skid plate
No crash bars (I dont care for em)
Scotts steering damper
Superlace wheels (tubeless rear)
Rad billet hubs
LED turn signals
Brake! LED brake light
and probably some other stuff I have forgotten about


On the bike tools and parts kit:





Full tool kit w/ spark plug wrench and 17mm socket for oil changes
tow strap
spare heavy duty tubes (2 front, 1 rear)
12V air pump
hand/CO2 pump
tube patch kit
tire plug kit
2 T plugs for tubeless rear
spare tubeless valve stems
tire gauge
tire lube
water pump rebuild kit
chain breaker/riveter
2 master links
4 link section of chain
spare brake and clutch levers
electrical kit, wire, connectors (KTM specific and generic)
multi meter
posi-lock connectors
heat shrink
jumper cables
various fuses
1 oil filter
crush washers
about 100 different bike specific fasteners
spare fuel pump assembly
1 spare fuel pump filter kit
rocket fuel octane booster
Mr. Funnel (for filtering fuel)
Baja Credit Card (siphon tube)
a million zip ties
bailing wire
quick steel
JB weld
radiator sealant
extra fuel line, connectors and clamps, KTM specific and generic
various o rings for fuel system
clutch slave o rings
o rings for oil system
dielectric grease
emery cloth
clutch fluid
1 pint of oil
spark plugs

and probably a bunch of other crap I cant remember right now.......

I have room left for another change of underwear and change of socks.

My biggest concern about the 990 is that its a complex fuel injected bike and a bit of an electrical puzzle. Lots of things can go wrong that cannot be easily field repaired. However, the bike is tough (I've crash tested the shit out of it) and its a great performer both on and off road. Besides that, the bike puts a big grin on my face, so I'm prepared to deal with the challenges of taking such a bike on an extended journey. KTM dealers and parts can be found throughout Latin America, but only in the largest cities. In addition, I have a stock pile of consumable parts at my support headquarters (a buddy's garage) that can be shipped to me wherever I happen to be.

I had a little maintenance set back though. I cant keep the bike running at idle on a cold start. Once it warms up it runs fine. Checking throttle body sync, TPS, and fuel pump pressure output as well as the O2 sensors. Hopefully it will get sorted in a couple of days.....

[ztrab]

Bags are almost remounted, electrical gear reattached, larger top bag for my depends.... no panic calls telling me to stay home that week....... I think I'll pack some rum so I can watch you roll around in your vomit.

I might just pull this off, 115 degree Vizciano... you are a trouble maker. I don't have any long cargo straps, calling baby Aaron now.

Hasta

[crashmaster]

Excellent. I've got some good Tequila in my pack, but I dont think its going to last very long. When youre on you way to Gonzaga, make sure you pick up some Tequila, rum, whatever in San Felipe. We can buy beer at Rafa's. If you think its going to be hot in Vizcaino, wait to you experience the dirt route from Constitucion to La Paz.

So, looks like I have company to Mazatlan. It will be great to ride Baja with you again.

[Freightdawg]

Got the subscription thing figured out. Thanks for the help, Crash. Looking forward to your first update on the road (or off the road).

Safe travels.

[crashmaster]

Originally Posted by Freightdawg

Got the subscription thing figured out. Thanks for the help, Crash. Looking forward to your first update on the road (or off the road).

Safe travels.

Great to see you here Jeff. Take care of all my GF's in Angeles City for me while I'm gone. I miss flying into Clark already.

[Freightdawg]

Originally Posted by crashmaster

Great to see you here Jeff. Take care of all my GF's in Angeles City for me while I'm gone. I miss flying into Clark already.

I'd be more than happy to help, but I don't think the MadDog is going into CRK anymore. Plus I have one PP on RSVB then it's back to the training center.

On an unrelated note (but it still involves motorcycles) I'm planning an IronButt ride to Colorado in just over 2 weeks. I have my 20-year reunion out there. Then I'm planning to drop down to ABQ and pick-up Route 66 and take 4 days coming back to SDF. Not quite as adventurous as your trip, but about the best I can do with a wife and 2 kids.

[ztrab]

Well it is settled. It is shorter from my casa in Mexico, so Tuesday I'll haul my wife, 2 dogs and the HP down and leave for Gonzaga friday. I think it is under 400 miles to Gonzaga, so depending on your schedule, I can be there Fri or Sat - I can always hang in SF... AC rooms Friday night and catch you Saturday in GB - email me know when head out. Bring my cd you pinhead. I hope Soto shows up, I am beginning to wonder about him. When Phylis leaves every summer, we usually have an adios ride, a few years back it was the adios 70 for me. I was scratching my newt sac pinned in 4th on my 525 on what I though was a clear section, didn't see the three melon sized rocks that ripped the bars out of my right hand...... cracked my swing arm and crushed my shoulder. I rode myself back, whimpering as soon as the rest of the crew headed back on trail to finsh the 400 mile overnighter without me. This year I kept both hands on the bars.......... screw the heat, looking forward to the solitude of Baja and more Vinny the toe antics.

Extra oil or scotch.... big decisions, ah, fook it, I'll pick up a bottle at the duty free store. Game on senor. Hasta pronto

Originally Posted by crashmaster

Excellent. I've got some good Tequila in my pack, but I dont think its going to last very long. When youre on you way to Gonzaga, make sure you pick up some Tequila, rum, whatever in San Felipe. We can buy beer at Rafa's. If you think its going to be hot in Vizcaino, wait to you experience the dirt route from Constitucion to La Paz.

So, looks like I have company to Mazatlan. It will be great to ride Baja with you again.

[Wout67]

I'm in. I've loved your last reports, crash. Looking forward to your great photos and stories. Watch for banditos.

[HeadON]

Crash,

GoGo Moto Gadget. In Colombia Motorcycles are called Moto's. Hopefully you'll get your Moto rolling soon. I am locked in and ready for our (mine vicariously) adventure to SA. I am one of your many followers through the trials and tribulations of your grand adventure SOUTH.

Safe Travels,

HeadON

[crashmaster]

Well, I finally got the bike running like it should with the 2 into 1 exhaust, so thats a relief. However, I'm now on a schedule since I have to meet ztrab in Baja.


Tools and Parts: check
a pair of underwear: check
condoms, unlubricated: check (they are to keep my cell phone dry )
Passport: check
Duct taped water bottle with Tequila: check.

Is there anything else I need for the ride to South America?

All looks good for a Thursday morning crossing at Tecate.

[Scribe]

Two years on the road in South America with a pilot called "crashmaster." Subscribed!