Denver to Latin America for 3 months

[WilderRider]

No new pictures because there really has been nothing to take pictures of. I can't really say that central Texas is photo worthy. And tonight, I think I am about as central as I can get in Texas. Brady, Tx.

The unfortunate part is that I also timed this part with a cold front. Almost as soon as I crossed the border yesterday, I started getting cold. I have been enjoying my electric grips. And many layers. Today was 300 cold miles right up through central Texas. It never got more than a degree or two above 50 and was only sunny for an hour or so. I had really been hoping I would have a couple of warmer days in southern Texas. Instead it looks like I will be cold all the way to Denver.

[WilderRider]

Originally Posted by eakins

great trip but sorry to hear. and so begins the transition to the colder and duller daily life that is north of the border...start planning your next trip asap!

Absolutely!! Already being done.

[WilderRider]

The exciting view of Brady, TX



Although I really feel like heading back south of the border. There I have a chance of actually understanding what people say. By far my Spanish is better than my Texan.

[WilderRider]

For those that are unaware of what the middle of Texas looks like.

[WilderRider]

Origami yoda made back to Colorado.



Not yet home, but getting close.

[WilderRider]

[Scubalong]

Have been following you on your report, thanks for sharing. Great report and pictures.

[sevengrey]

congrats on an incredible journey!

[WilderRider]

Home.

[ColoradoRed]

Congrats! The last stretch must have been cold!

[WilderRider]

Originally Posted by Scubalong

Have been following you on your report, thanks for sharing. Great report and pictures.

Originally Posted by sevengrey

congrats on an incredible journey!

Originally Posted by ColoradoRed

Congrats! The last stretch must have been cold!

Thanks it was more than a little chilly yesterday riding in. Only 25 in Lamar when I left and I hit some slushy wet snow outside of Limon. Never above 40. It felt really good to get home and warm up.

[WilderRider]

It was a fantastic trip. The worst part was how addicting it is.

But I thought I would share a few stats for those that are interested.

Total mileage 8,916. Door-to-door.

Total trip 84 days.

Days outside of the U.S.: 77

Total amount spent south of the border (including lodging, meals, border crossings, gifts, etc.) $5,387.00.

That averages to $69.98/day. If I had wanted to work on it, it would have been relatively easy to reduce that to about $55.00/day, but I was more concerned with enjoying the time than saving every cent. Much below that is obviously possible, but would have required a lot more planning, mental effort, etc.



Bike Stuff

I changed the oil twice. I changed the filter once.

The chain was a 520 DID X-ring. It started the trip with slighlty over 4,000 miles on it and the sprocket. It BARELY made it home with a total of just over 13,000 miles. Yesterday I had to adjust the chain twice. And I was adjusting it at least daily for the last 1,200 miles or so. No adjustments were necessary for the first 11,000 miles. I also changed the front sprocket at 8,000 miles. I lubed the chain about every 600 miles up until I ran out about 1,200 miles from home.

I never had to top up the oil. The levels were always good.

The only other maintenance on the bike that I had to do on the trip was replace the external fuel filter (after market) running into the carb. It developed a hairline crack in Honduras and leaked.

The bike also developed a "rich" bogging from 1/4 to 3/4 throttle about half way through the trip. It was pretty noticeable above 7,000 feet. I will not be sure what it was until I pop open the carb, but needle wear? or just richer gas south of the border?

Other than those issues, the bike ran flawlessly the entire trip. Obviously, now it needs a little TLC., but that is what winters are for in Colorado. She has just shy of 35,000 mile son the odometer.

[eakins]

mine is doing that same bog older it gets.
motolab is the go to guy in the dr thread or the bst40 thread.
2 things to check are emmulsion tube where the needle sits into. this wears (replace it) larger and lets more gas in. check the float level.

motolab has all the small parts to update the carb. start with a pine sol soak
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=560117
1st to completely flush the carb. you'll be amazed where dirt comes out from even if it looks clean.

[O'B]

Originally Posted by WilderRider

It was a fantastic trip. The worst part was how addicting it is.

But I thought I would share a few stats for those that are interested.

Total mileage 8,916. Door-to-door.

Total trip 84 days.

Days outside of the U.S.: 77

Total amount spent south of the border (including lodging, meals, border crossings, gifts, etc.) $5,387.00.

That averages to $69.98/day. If I had wanted to work on it, it would have been relatively easy to reduce that to about $55.00/day, but I was more concerned with enjoying the time than saving every cent. Much below that is obviously possible, but would have required a lot more planning, mental effort, etc.



Bike Stuff

I changed the oil twice. I changed the filter once.

The chain was a 520 DID X-ring. It started the trip with slighlty over 4,000 miles on it and the sprocket. It BARELY made it home with a total of just over 13,000 miles. Yesterday I had to adjust the chain twice. And I was adjusting it at least daily for the last 1,200 miles or so. No adjustments were necessary for the first 11,000 miles. I also changed the front sprocket at 8,000 miles. I lubed the chain about every 600 miles up until I ran out about 1,200 miles from home.

I never had to top up the oil. The levels were always good.

The only other maintenance on the bike that I had to do on the trip was replace the external fuel filter (after market) running into the carb. It developed a hairline crack in Honduras and leaked.

The bike also developed a "rich" bogging from 1/4 to 3/4 throttle about half way through the trip. It was pretty noticeable above 7,000 feet. I will not be sure what it was until I pop open the carb, but needle wear? or just richer gas south of the border?

Other than those issues, the bike ran flawlessly the entire trip. Obviously, now it needs a little TLC., but that is what winters are for in Colorado. She has just shy of 35,000 mile son the odometer.

Nice trip report very nice pace Did you like CR? I have been six times over the years and other than it being expensive compared to the other countries in CA I have always enjoyed my time there. Just a side note those monkeys in Manuel Antonio have been running that banana scam on the tourists for years. The first time I was there in 95 there were vendors selling bananas to the tourists to feed the monkeys
you would hold the banana up and they would scurry down the tree and grab it out of your hand than back up the tree to chow down. When I seen the picture and commentary I started cracking up!

[doc_ricketts]

Originally Posted by WilderRider

Thanks it was more than a little chilly yesterday riding in. Only 25 in Lamar when I left and I hit some slushy wet snow outside of Limon. Never above 40. It felt really good to get home and warm up.

Great trip report and another recommendation for a DR650. I love mine and it gives zero problems in 25,000 miles, but it does bog a little at altitude sometimes.