Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Should I change plans???? May-Jul Mexico/Central America/South America Should I change plans???? May-Jul Mexico/Central America/South America
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 6
Should I change plans???? May-Jul Mexico/Central America/South America
Hello all,

I am new to adventure riding and starting to find out the hard way about things before i even get on the road. First, I just reviewed some of the weather advice on Mexico, Central, and South America during these months and they just look rainy and miserable. Has anyone had any different expieriences? Number two: Does anyone know of a way to lower the seat height on a 2005 KLR 650. I'm 5'9" and I'm on my tippy toes!!!!!!! I think I shouldn't have bought it but the price was unbelievable. I know....I'm such an idiot.

Bryan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
First, you are talking about a huge region, and rainy seasons vary quite a bit locally. My experience with Latin America in general during the rainy season is that you wake up to fog and drizzle, by 9 am it burns off and is sunny. It clouds up in the afternoon, and may start raining by 3 or 4. You can't hit the good weather everywhere, just go, it will work out.

BTW, I am 5'10" and have not lowered my KLR, nor am I tempted to. Spend some time getting used to it before you start modding it.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Benton Harbor, MI
Posts: 6
Bryan,
I am 5'11" and also have a KLR. There are several Lowering kits available to lower your bike, but note that it does change the way your bike rides and handles.( the suspension is very soft) My advice is to ride a while and see if you really need to make the changes.
Suzy
Last edited by sssuzy; 12 Mar 2011 at 21:30. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Mar 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Langley, B.C. Canada
Posts: 47
Hello Bryan,

I am little shorter than you and I ride a 2008 KLR. When I first tried it for size at the dealership my first thought was that this is way too tall for me, so I had it lowered before I took delivery. This meant I needed to buy a shortened kickstand, as I soon discovered when I went to the gas station and the stock kickstand would not fully extend. After a few months of riding I had the bike returned to its original height and found I now had no problem with the height. Also bear in mind that when you load it up for your trip, with the suspension adjusted, the bike will sit lower. My feet are nearly flat on the ground when I have all my gear on. I could not imagine what it would be like if it was still lowered.

Mike
Last edited by MikeyMoto; 15 Mar 2011 at 03:16. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Mar 2011
Bush Pilot's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmorales View Post
. I know....I'm such an idiot.

Bryan
Not really, KLR's are plenty sensible machines.
There's a ton you can do to alter that ride height if you choose to.
I got used to mine
I'm 5'10" and when the bike is unloaded I'm on my tippy toes too. But when the bike is loaded up pretty much flat foot.

Unloaded the bike feels so light it's not really and issue.
At stop lights you just let the bike lean slightly to one side so you can flat foot it on that side. No biggie, the bike does handle better on the stock tall setting.
I really like that sitting tall in the saddle feeling. You can see over the roofs of most cars.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
Weather
You'll be going through Mexico and Central America during the rainy season. Like AndyT said, you can still ride during these months. The rains are mostly predictable. Remember, that area is HUGE. Elevation and latitude will play a major factor in the weather.

KLR Height
Ride your bike at home as much as you can. Get accustomed to it. Unless you plan on doing some gnarly off-roading you'll be fine. If you're concerned about the lowering links for the KLR perhaps try a lowered Corbin seat. It's lowered in the front so you can slide forward when stopping and reach your feet to the ground.

Most importantly, have fun!
__________________
Motorcycle Mexico - The easiest way to prepare for your first ride south of the border.
USA to TDF Blog
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Apr 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Santa Barbara, Ca.
Posts: 3
Lowering Bike
I would hesitate lowering a bike if you're going to be riding through Mexico. The topes (speed bumps, sleeping policeman) are real killers.

Try lowering the seat and/or add thicker soles to your shoes.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Apr 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Diego
Posts: 77
Try Wilbers
I own a GS1200 and after adding a Russell seat was on my toes also. After lots of research I bought a set of Wilbers shocks from Ted at the Beemer Shop and lowered the bike 3/4". Made a big difference and the Wilbers are made for my weight/bike and riding style So much better than the stock shocks. I ride a lot in Mexico and don't have any problems with clearance. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mexico central and south america january 09 seanone Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 3 Nov 2008 17:55
GPS for Mexico, Central and South America guruzer TRAVEL Hints and Tips 10 8 Oct 2007 19:57
Central america plans.... georgeh Central America and Mexico 6 14 Nov 2005 23:42
Mexico, Central, South America, Aug 05-March06 seattlepaul Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 31 Jul 2005 00:39
Mexico-Central/South America 2004 Sig Taylor Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 13 Aug 2003 05:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top