The start of Heatherp's adventure

[monstermick58]

Crikey Heather you are making quite a few of us very envious of your situation, when it comes to bikes I would be taking my own and the reasons are simple but benificial.

     It really doesnt matter which bike you decide on Multistrada, Hypermotard, BMW GS series, any other brand.

     You need to get down and dirty with it, learn to recognise small problems before they become bigger ones, do simple repairs, even if you dont have to, learn how to change a tyre, I dont know if there are any sites that can help with that but Avrider would be a good place to start.

      Bike set up, it is what it says, how you can carry simple spares (ie chain links) on the bike, learn how to pick your bike up correctly and source some spares, the 'bush mechanic' is a great idea, learning how to do make shift repairs on the bike, when you learn these things and you are comfortable with your bike you will have a better adventure.

     I think these things outway any hire bike, sure you can hire but will it give you that special connection with the bike?









                                             Mmick

[ollie]

Shipping of my own bike is included in the cost and part of the  " pre-planned, pre-organised" bit.  I was just curious how much of the fee accounts for the shipping.

Didn't realise that, in that case I would definately take my own bike.

Personally, I'd go with something a bit more mechanically simpler - (the DR650 springs to mind but I'm a tad biased ), but I like your spirit of adventure!

Like Mick said preperation and knowing your bike is the key - find out what spares you could possibly need and practice replacing them, service your bike, fix a flat, break and rejoin chains, work out how your going to pack your gear, think about possible scenarios about how you could possibly break stuff and make sure that you've got the ability to fix the problem.

I'm jealous!

Oh, see if you can track down a copy of Dan Walsh's ' These are the days that must happen to you' - a great motorcycle trip diary of sorts with a big chunk devoted to south america.

[ducmeister]

Geez, Heather !!  Wow !!  Fantastic !  I'm as jealous as it gets.  For me the planning and preparation of a trip is half the fun.  What a top trip.  Enjoy !!

[braando]

This is a coincidence Heather........Joanne came home tonight asking me if i know anything re bike tours as her assistant managers father wants to do a  tour with an organised group through Sth America......His problem is, most tours need a years notice..........i think he would only be looking at a short trip plus hiring a bike. Can you Heather, or anyone else here recommend a company who he could go through...?
Yours sounds great. i am sure you will enjoy it.............food for thought for yours truly.....one day......hmmmmm....Matty.....
Rob .......3Dogs -1  ..........

[mattyvas]

Don't think I can recommend anyone for you Brian, I have never looked into it.
It would be fabulous to do one day, not sure if South America is my bag.

Maybe NYC to Vegas on Harley's 

[heatherp]

Brian

Check out these guys (who I have booked with) heaps of shorter tours and an Aussie Company.

http://www.compassexpeditions.com/

and check out the websites mentioned in earlier posts for more companies.

[braando]

Many thanks for that heather........i will pass it on........

[Mr.S2R]

I agree with Mmick - very envious - good luck Heather, go with the Hypermotard! Keep true to the Ducati! 

I hope your trip is safe and lots of fun - please keep us update on everything - and I mean like from now, to going, to coming back - sounds to be epic! 

[monstermick58]

Ok I'm gunna make this official, seeing that you are going on one of the most awsome-est trips ever, I'm nominating myself to be your personal baggage handler/man slave just so you have protection Ok?








                                            Mmick

[heatherp]

Oh goody, another PBH/Man slave.    A girl can never have too many. 

[ungeheuer]

It really doesnt matter which bike you decide on Multistrada, Hypermotard, BMW GS series, any other brand.

     You need to get down and dirty with it, learn to recognise small problems before they become bigger ones, do simple repairs, even if you dont have to, learn how to change a tyre, I dont know if there are any sites that can help with that but Avrider would be a good place to start.

      Bike set up, it is what it says, how you can carry simple spares (ie chain links) on the bike, learn how to pick your bike up correctly and source some spares, the 'bush mechanic' is a great idea, learning how to do make shift repairs on the bike, when you learn these things and you are comfortable with your bike you will have a better adventure.

^^ Some very good advice from Mmick there H 

I'm not jealous   

I am looking forward to reading your ride reports though.....   

Personally, I'd go with something a bit more mechanically simpler - (the DR650 springs to mind but I'm a tad biased ), but I like your spirit of adventure!

+1 

It could just be my...... lol...... American mindset...... but you might wanna do some research on the pieces of paper required for your bike.  I know you know about a Carnet, but I still havent found the definitive answer to what Australian/Victorian document proves your ownership of the bike - in the States they have a Title Certificate which serves this purpose - all we have is the rego papers and that is not the proof of ownership which some international jurisdictions may require.  Sorry to get all practical and boring on ya... but life is sure to be easier if you can produce whatever documentation is demanded along the way  .

[monstermick58]

Oh goody, another PBH/Man slave.    A girl can never have too many. 

Another 

        You told me I was the only one.






                                               Mmick

[heatherp]

Another 

        You told me I was the only one.

                                               Mmick

Ooops 

[heatherp]

No probs Unge.  I'm sure lots of practical and logistical stuff is going to be discussed in the next two years not just the fun stuff.

The company assures me that Carnet de passage is not required in any of the countries we go to although the Aussie customs website is still showing one is needed in Ecuador so I will double check. 

I too, was thinking about the proof of ownership thing.  It is on my list of questions to ask.  I will have a receipt for purchase of bike when the time comes.  Wonder if that and rego is proof enough.

[vossy]

I'm looking forward to hearing how this adventure unfolds. 

Take care Heather