Panama help

[mundobravo]

On my way to the gap and I've blown my steering head bearing. Any dealers here? Any one willing to help a brother out? Contact number? Thanks Mundo

[tedder]

dealer? for what brand? There's a machine shop just past the airport, they do great bearing/machine work.

[mundobravo]

Originally Posted by tedder

dealer? for what brand? There's a machine shop just past the airport, they do great bearing/machine work.

Ya kind of spacy post being Christmas and all. It's a 1996 rt BMW. Thanks for the reply

[tricepilot]

I've PM'd your post to Max (Bananaman). He's our Panama expert.

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by tricepilot

I've PM'd your post to Max (Bananaman). He's our Panama expert.

The dealer is on Calle 50. They're awesome. They take travelers promptly, and they'll let you work on it yourself. As usual, I suggest that you stay actively involved with the repairs, and don't just stand by, or even leave your bike. (This is my advice for just about everywhere I've been, including Wisconsin.)

When you're there, sign the book. It's not the advrider book- it's their own traveler book. The advrider book is now in Wisconsin, on account of not having a consistent place to leave it ever since Toti's shop, "Panama Bikers," turned into a moped dealership.

Otherwise, I've heard about, but don't have personal experience with, the dealerships in Bogota and Medellin, and they seem to be very good.

[tedder]

Originally Posted by bananaman

Toti's shop, "Panama Bikers," turned into a moped dealership

Aw, that's a shame.

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by tedder

Aw, that's a shame.

I know!

The original concept was more fun- pool table, bar, kitchen, pretty girls, and a few fancy bikes for sale. The only problem was, it didn't make any money. Mopeds, though- I'd guess that he's selling a lot of mopeds! At least he was, the last time I was there.

The nicer gear he was selling is now sold in shops all over Panama, even in the malls. You can buy nice helmets, decent clothing, real MX boots, even in large sizes, in all the malls. You can't find decent stuff in Madison, WI, but you can find great stuff in Panama, Republic of. Cheaper, too!

[tonyb]

Originally Posted by bananaman

I know!

The original concept was more fun- pool table, bar, kitchen, pretty girls, and a few fancy bikes for sale. The only problem was, it didn't make any money. Mopeds, though- I'd guess that he's selling a lot of mopeds! At least he was, the last time I was there.

The nicer gear he was selling is now sold in shops all over Panama, even in the malls. You can buy nice helmets, decent clothing, real MX boots, even in large sizes, in all the malls. You can't find decent stuff in Madison, WI, but you can find great stuff in Panama, Republic of. Cheaper, too!

Alpinestar tech 8's????? Sorry I'm an offroad guy that dualsports in the winter months

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by tonyb

Alpinestar tech 8's????? Sorry I'm an offroad guy that dualsports in the winter months

I'm not schooled on the latest brands, but I know that the stuff you'll find looks good. It seems like USA boot- choices are limited, while Panama has variety. I wouldn't call them knock-offs, rather, I'd just be glad to find alternatives.

[mundobravo]

Thanks for the replies. Imagine my happy surprise when my loose handlebars turned out not to be the bearings at all but a loose main locknut that had backed off a little A ten millimeter allen wrench and down the road I went. This is the best resource ever. Thanks again.

[miguelito]

Happy trails Mundo! Glad you got her up and running easily. We're heading down Puerto Escondido way this week, and look forward to seeing you on your way back north in March.
Edit: Just got word from Britt, that you might be heading back all ready. Let me your know ETA in SMA if you get this.