![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 54
|
|
KTM engine failure in northern Mexico
After eleven months of travel and seventeen thousand miles, my novia anaranjada chose Saltillo, Mexico (four days from home!) to throw a tantrum that it can't be placated with a few trinkets and a light massage by the right mechanic. Some major bearing failed in my KTM 640A's engine
Riding out of Saltillo, the engine suddenly dropped power, and when I pulled in the clutch, it quit. When I crank the engine (which it will barely do), I get a horrible clanking sound. Turning the engine over with the kickstart and decompressor, it feels horrible - like there are rough spots and a huge amount of friction. Is there any possibility this is not something that requires tearing the engine apart?
The bike is under a third-party extended warranty by Western Service (the "A" package, which should cover everything). However, I'm told that these usually do not cover service outside the US. I will make some calls tomorrow during business hours, but suspect I will need to bring the bike to the nearest KTM dealer in Texas.
Anyone know where the nearest good KTM shop (in Texas) to Saltillo/Monterrey is? Someplace that could handle tearing down the engine? The KTM website lists the nearest dealer in San Antonio. I found web reference to a place called "Joe Gregory's Motorcycle Sales" in Laredo, but it doesn't sound promising.
Any suggestions for how I can get the bike there? I presume this will be two parts, getting the bike to the border and then getting from the border to the shop (wherever that is).
Thanks for any advice,
Jeff
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, England
Posts: 141
|
|
Remove the decompression lever first to make sure it's not keeping the valves open.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 54
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KTMmartin
Remove the decompression lever first to make sure it's not keeping the valves open.
|
If that were the case, wouldn't it be easier to crank the engine over instead of harder? I've kickstarted the bike several times in the past; usually the engine turns over really easily with the decompressor engaged. Now it is extremely difficult and uneven.
Thanks,
Jeff
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
|
|
I'm guessing San Antonio, Texas will be the nearest KTM dealer. Reynosa looks to be the nearest border crossing from Saltillo. There may be some smaller towns with crossings between Reynosa and Laredo, but I'm not familiar with that part of the Texas/Mexican border...Avoid crossing at Neuvo Laredo...it's an active war zone due to narco activity. You should be able to hire a local with a pick-up to take you to the border. It cost me and a buddy $350 each (plus gas) to have our dirtbikes hauled from Creel to Presidio (300 miles) 2 yrs ago. Good Luck...
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
|
|
Jeff,
At least you are close to the border. Gregory's is not the place to go. I can't really help you much more than that. San Antonio is the best place to go.
Good luck.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,052
|
|
From Saltillo to San Antonio it is advisable to take the most direct route Mex 57 to the border at Piedras Negras /Eagle Pass via Mex 57. The other preferred route would be thru Monterrey and Mex 85 north to Laredo and I 35 to S.A. Going to Reynosa would only add more distance to cover.
Mex 57 and Mex 85 are major Free Trade highways and you should be able to arrange some form of shipping from Saltillo to the border., I believe Saltillo also has a KTM dealer . Not that he will take on warranty work but he may be able to assist you in getting the bike on some form of transport to the border. With any luck they may even know of some body taking a pickup truck all the way to San Antonio.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 54
|
|
Thanks everyone. I'm going to take the bike to the KTM shop in Monterrey for a diagnosis; one person on advrider suggested that it isn't necessarily a bearing, it could be a broken clutch lining disc. It seems an easy thing to check.
If it isn't easily fixed, I will get the bike to San Antonio somehow. Laredo is the closest crossing to Monterrey but there are several different points to cross. Which has the least hassle? I'm pretty sure I will have to push the bike across the actual border
Thanks,
Jeff
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Nov 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
|
|
It may be easier to go across the bridge which is furthest to the East as the crossing the States is a little flatter if you have to push the bike. Don't forget to return the Vehicle import docs. This is near that bridge but down a hill but I guess you won't be pushing as you should be in a pickup or something similar. You maybe able to rent a pickup in the States and even though you aren't supposed to bring them into Mex who would know as you wouldn't actually have to do any paperwork to get it in. A friend transported his bike back to Boston from Laredo in a Uhaul and rented car.
As I said before don't forget to check the bike and yourself out of the country.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Nov 2008
|
![mollydog's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal036.jpg) |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Bad luck Jeff,
I pushed my XL600 across the border in Tecate one time. No problem.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 19:43.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|