Hi folks!

I'm confirmed for a one year trip from sunny Seattle to South America over a one year period leaving at the end of this summer. I'll be taking my recently purchased '05 DL650 with 28.5K miles. I'll be blogging and taking lots of photos of the trip on my website at davidparkinson.com.

I'm sure I will be asking you folks a bunch of questions.... but the questions I have now pertain to which accessories you folks think I MUST have along which ones are NICES TO HAVE. I'm on a bit of a budget, so I can't afford simply everything.

I especially want to get any accessories I need prior to Wrenching & Wretching (a local Pac NW event on April 2nd where people will be farkling). So I want to order this Monday or Tuesday because I figure it might take up to three weeks to get here.

So I'd love your advice on my initial starter list of farkles below. I'd also love your advice on which manufacturer/model you'd recommend. PS: I'm 6'7 weighing in about 185 pounds and planning on doing the trip solo. I've been riding for about 9 months total.

CURRENT FARKLES:
* Givi Extra Tall Windshield
* Givi 46L Monokey Case
* Suzuki Gel Seat
* Magellan GPS
* Walmart Soft Saddlebags (motorcycle saddlebags)

MUST HAVES (I need to purchase):
* Crash Bar
* Skid Plate
* Caps on Handle bars (so if the bike falls there is metal on the outside; not exactly sure what these are called)
* Fuse box (thinking about Eastern Beaver 8 port guy)
* Side brackets for luggage
* Aluminum locking luggage (thinking of TRX)
* Tank Bag

NICE TO HAVES:
* ?

Specific Questions:
1) What is missing on the MUST HAVEs list? What is superfluous? Which brands/models would you recommend?
2) What is missing on the NICE TO HAVEs list?
3) What resources would you recommend (I've heard about horizons unlimited advrider, etc).
4) What classes would you recommend taking for the class? I was planning on doing: PSSOR Adventure Camp, and have done the MSF basic class?
5) What would you be doing if you were in my position to get yourself ready for such a trip?

Note to MODS: Not sure what the best category for this is... would love your advice.

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Here's one site which provides some examples of products that will fit your bike. Some are must haves, (eg. handguards), some are nice to haves.
Adventure MotoStuff LLC - Your Motorsport Adventure Outfitters - Home


One Strom specific site with tons of info.
V-Strom Riders International - Index


Plenty of reading and will help you work your way along in the planning process.


In addition, come to the HU meeting in Nakusp this summer. It's a short ride for you and is an invaluable place to meet people, see bikes and hear from others. Happy planning.

Thanks.... the meetup is definitely something I should head to! I'm guessing its the closest one to me in Seattle.

I registered for vstrom.info as well.

What books/films would you recommend seeing? I just finished Proficient Motorcycling.

Thanks for all your help!

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Be sure to get to one of the HU Travellers Meetings - Nakusp BC or California - see the Meetings page, link on left. LOADS of people to discuss it all - and much more - with!

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I registered for the one in Nakusp today! I hope I can change my date if I need to do the California one instead. In any case; definitely looking forward to it.

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Just got back from a great 2 months trip to Mexico and wish sometimes I had an electronic translator.

__________________
Jimmy
Veterans UN-NATO Canada Group

http://westerncanada-un-nato-veterans.blogspot.com/