+ 1 for Mark's comments. After 10 weeks in Mexico I have 1 word for your suspension's demise TOPE! We look forward to hearing more of your adventures.

Sara & Daniel

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Sara

Those who say something is impossible should not hinder those who are achieving it!





www.worldwideride.ca

HU RR Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride

And another vote for keeping an eye on the rear shock, I have only ever seen one bike with the shock snapped in half and that was a KLR650, you really do need to think about reviewing what you are carrying. I would suggest after a few months see what you have not used and send it home or sell it, if you have not used it by then you possibly never will.

Hi Alex and girlfriend,

Sounds like you have already had a very exciting trip. I would have to agree with Mark about the bike weight. It is pretty exciting to hear that you have driven so far, so heavy, on the stock shock. It really SHOCKs me. (all pun intended). I have two 2008 KLR’s and have already changed the rear shock on one and have not done the other because of finances. In a trip like your and the weight you are carrying I would look into changing that shock. It really could save you some trouble later.

I like your choice of bikes. I have been told that the KLR is great for one up with your baggage but not a bike for two up. I ride through the mountains here in Kyrgyzstan all the time two up. My wife and I enjoy taking a trip and going where the cars cannot go. Now were not anywhere near 1100 lbs, but once I changed the rear shock we have not had any trouble with the bike. Parts are hard to find but you would be amazed at how easy it is to get something that will work till you can order the parts.

I can give you some insight on your quest. You wanted to know why we need all the horrible things like war and poverty. In the Bible the book of James and chapter four you will find a good start for you answer. Verse one is a very good start. “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lust that war in your member?” It is the old nature of man, it is sin, it is greed, and the desire to obtain at the cost of anything or anyone.

We have an orphanage here in Kyrgyzstan and this is the same reason the majority of our children are here. Many of them have parents but the parents are too busy trying to take care of self they have no time, no desire, nothing for the children. It sounds like you two have big hearts. I pray they don’t get broke or harden. I wish you a wonderful and safe trip. Meet many people and share good times. Keep us all posted and if you get to Kyrgyzstan look me up.

Mac

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Every day with the Lord is an ADVENTURE

Hello Alex,

14,000 kms into my South American trip. Started in Vancouver and presently in Ecuador. I am riding a 2008 KLR650 carrying 42 kilos of luggage, including the weight of the panniers, and 60 kilos of me. The one thing I wish I had done was to install a stronger shock. The stock shock is doing its job, but it is soft. All throughout your trip into CA and SA you will encounter, as Sara stated, topes. Lots of them. Not to mention some very bumpy roads. With the weight you are carrying it would be wise to get the shock replaced in the US before entering Mexico. Anyway, you have heard it all before. Consider carrying some spare wheel bearings as well. They won’t add too much more to your weight . I wish you both all the best in your travels. It will be an amazing journey.

Regards, Mike.

Congratulation on your decision , I did over 80000 miles with my KLR and if you do maintain it they can last for a very long time , check what others already indicate and carry extra wheel bearing , with the weight that you carry they may fail more often. After travelling arround the worl my advice will be for you to see if all that you carry is really necessary and if not sale it or give it away , carry extra part like sprokets but chain can be found everywhere, brake pads are another stories. I like the fact that you do take your time , many traveller go way to fast and do not take enough time to enjoy thier trip . If you have a list of what you carry put it up for us to see .
Have fun no matter what

Good luck with the ride of a lifetime or maybe it will be your whole life!

I could help you with the photos and video as I have a small video editing suite at home home _ Apple Final Cut Pro so I can do some editing if you want and sorting your phots into albums and slideshows. You will have to find a way to email them to me or drop them into a FTP site.

Let me know.

Good luck

Hendlekaf
Please let me know what i have to do to get to 80,000mile on a klr. I have so many questions. What non mainenance work did you have to do? Any big problems or expensive replacement parts? Did you get the doohickey fix? What
Oil did you use? How often did you adjust the valves? What air
Filter did you use? What kind or riding did you do (off road or highway mostly)?
I could go of forever please just try and help me
get my bike that far too. Its amazing you got
A klr that far and it makes me feel good about this trip. I thought i would have to replace the motor at 45,000 miles.


Roadtrekker

For the pictures I have posted 3000 pictures on facebook out of the 9000 pictures I have taken. I would love it if I could have only 100 out of those 3000 as the best of the best but its alot of work. The facebook page is below.

www.Facebook.com/theperfectworld2012

As for the movies I am currently edditing 19 videos from the first half year of the trip. I have about 5 so far on youtube under 2012theperfectworld. I am not very good at cutting them (most are too long like 16 minutes) and they need music. If you can help me make shorter movies or put them all together as one short clip that would really help me out. Below I have a link to the longest video. You should be able to find the rest from there.

20 Trip around the world San Diego to Ocitilla wells and back Dec 1-9 2012.MOV - YouTube