As with most of the readers on this board, I have been aching to do an RTW. I finally realized that I am too financially conservative to quit my job and do the trip right. I have decided to do it in pieces.

Some Background:
I have seen all of the US, including Alaska, all provinces of Canada and Baja Mexico. As a member of the Ironbutt Association I have done some serious long miles in short times. I have taken my Harley Electra Glide into some truly oddball places for Harleys. I have always felt that any bike can go anywhere, given enough time and determination. I currently ride about 40,000miles a year. One of my bikes has 250,000 miles on it currently. Probably the one I would take if I go to Mexico.

Trip Selection:
I have 5 weeks of vacation time that I have to use up before the end of the year. I can probably get a month off if I beg and plead. If something happened on the road to delay me I would probably not loose my job if I came back late, just loss of money which I can live with. My dilema is where to go. Wherever it is the expense needs to be somewhat under control, therefore, organized tours are probably out. I can spend a lot but I want bang for the buck, if you know what I mean. I have narrowed it down (for the time being) to the following options.

1) ride from home (New Hampshire, USA) one of my own bikes into mexico and see as much as possible there.

2) Shipping my bike to either Europe or Australia and seeing the sights there. Possibly selling my bike if legal and reasonable.

3) Go to Europe or Australia and rent a bike.

4) buy a KLR650, set it up for hard touring and go to Mexico or maybe even farther south.

If you had these options, what would you do? If you have made similar choices, what do you suggest? Any major pitfalls I need to look out for?

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Bob L.