Ducati Monster Forum

   Probably my stupidest idea ever, but I just can't shake the desire. I don't own the right bike for it, I don't know the language enough for it, I don't look inconspicuous enough for it, but I don't think I'll be able to scratch that itch without doing it. Wanted to do it last year but chickened out. Now that it's midsummer again, it's on my mind again because I'd want to leave by October to beat the nasty weather up here. I'd love to document that trip on this forum. All the way up to where you never hear from me again, last post somewhere in Cartel-ville, Chiapas.  [laugh]. Maybe it's a midlife crisis sorta thing, trying to recreate or even one-up the international trip I took in a Chevette when I was 18 and it's stupid but I'm about to be married with a shitload of bills and a house, and this may be my last chance to do it. I should probably join the ADVrider forums and ask around, I'm sure those cats would be all about a trip like this. The most important thing to do aside from getting a better grasp of Spanish would be using a different bike, but dammit I really want to use my Duc.

This guy went to the Arctic Circle on a Duc.
 http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58981.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58981.0)

He toured a lot of places.

This has more to do with bikes than not...

off to General.  [thumbsup]

Only to Costa Rica? Make it one more country . . . Panama and come visit me ;D

I support this effort whole heartedly

[thumbsup]

I've got nothing to add besides that I'm in Akron and it's great to see someone want to ride so widely.

 [clap] [thumbsup] [Dolph]

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup] Can't wait to read the story.

As for joining the Advrider forum ... well... enter at your own risk  ;D Those ride reports really poison my mind  ;D ;D make me dream of riding to far away places [Dolph]

Buck,
   Cheers from a former CLE west-sider (Elyria-Amherst). 

As encouragement, there was an enormously popular ride report on ADV written by a gentleman ('Antihero') who rode his new Ducati Panigale from LA to the east coast and back...so you can do this trip on your bike! 

I travel to Costa Rica fairly frequently.  It's packed with ex-pat 'Mericans, and most folks there speak English.

Ride safe,
--Slipstream

Thanks SS!

I've been meaning to check out ADVrider some more. Seems like this sort of thing is what that site is all about.

Really the only thing that gives me white knuckles is the border crossings and dealings with authority. That's what I could use a really good primer on.

Do it dude after what i've just done
906 miles in 24 hours  on a 600 monster i dont thing there  is a right bike Undoubtedly a gs1300 adventure would have been much comfier but waay too easy.
all in over  3 days riding i did 1900 miles. 250 the first day 906 ish the second and the rest on the 3rd and over the whole weekend i had about 12 hours sleep

Most folks use a dual sport for this kind of trip for obvious reasons, roads can sometimes only vaguely resemble a road we're used to up here. I don't think it's impossible by any means tho to do it on my bike, I just need to plan and route carefully so that I stay on reasonably maintained concrete the entire way. It's not as if there's anything I would consider truly 3rd world between here and there. Underdeveloped yes but not 3rd world. A seasoned adventurer might scoff but to me, just cannonballing directly there with my eyes fixed directly in front of me will still be a constant adrenaline rush being that I've never done anything like this.

+1

Looking forward to daily updates

:)

I'm gonna do it. The most conservative method possible; Pan Am Hwy and an increased budget so I can be indoors more nights than not. Kind of pedestrian for a lot of the folks on ADV and Horizons Unlimited so I'll document here on the good ol' DMF. Already cleared it with the wifey.

I'm reading that dude Antihero's trip report and I'm getting really inspired by his minimalist setup. Tailbag, backpack, done. I'm probably going to bring my soft saddlebags as well though.

IMHO, backpacks are teh suck on a moto.
They drive me crazy.
Put the cargo on the pack animal.

Dunno when you plan to go, but it's pretty hot and humid and rainy from now 'til ~November along your general route.

For example:
http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/costa-rica/ (http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/costa-rica/)

Shows ~23 days with rain every month, and >10 inches of rain a month, now 'til end October.
Not so bad in a car if you're moteling it.
But if you're on a moto and camping, not so good.
I did many a late summer family trip in Mexico as a youngster.
Really sucks when all your gear is wet, and it's so humid that it won't dry out.

Want proof? Ask me . .  ;D

Hrrrrrm. Glad you pointed that out. Riding in the rain just plain sucks. One option would be to cheat a little and haul my bike to San Antonio in my van, leave it with family I have there and start the trip @ the border. That way I could easily wait out the rainy season. I just don't want to be saddled with winter weather riding gear that I won't need once I'm south of Arkansas. Eh I'll figure out the logistics somehow I'd rather start at my own front door.

Aren't there a lot of micro climates that are affected entirely different a long that route within a narrow range?

It can be 100F and then rain and 65F . . all within 100kms ... humidity plays a big part, in some parts of Central America, is 'dry' and others you just can't breathe because it so humid .  . altitude or how near you are to the Ocean . . . the closer, at times=dry or wet . . . depending from where the wind is blowing

Those family trips I did were about a half dozen down baja, the mainland, even once as far as Palenque, almost to Guatemala.

Perhaps my memory of the nice days is a bit overshadowed by many days hot and humid, almost every mid-afternoon rain.

Stop and see the ruins in Palenque, they're fantastic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palenque (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palenque)

that's my day to day . . .

Oh I will for sure...visited Chichen Itza for the first time last winter and it was one of the most awesome sights of my life.

Got my financial affairs set enough to do this; only thing left standing in my way is having a solid plan ahead of time as to how I will cross the borders of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. I have a friend in San Jose CR that may be able to help out. It's getting cold here and I will not deal with an OH winter this year, no sir...

talk to MadKingPepe, as I think he is selling a perfectly fine vehicle for this endeavour...a BMW F650....he just got an older KTM 990 Adventure to replace it and would like to reclaim the room in his garage space...

That would be a fantastic moto for this trip...I'd really like to accomplish it on what I already have though. I'm considering what I want to own and be riding once I'm in San Jose CR as much as what I want to ride there, if that makes sense. I really want to spend the winter in CR on my Monster.

One thing I'll be modifying at this point in the year is having a buddy truck me to the border rather than starting the trip in OH.

should change the tittle to Cleveland to Panama   ;D

fixed


 [laugh]

just in case you want to reconsider...

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40309.msg1204083#msg1204083 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40309.msg1204083#msg1204083)

Hey Buck,  Good luck.  I was down there for a few weeks last November.  Great place.  They actually allow quads to be ridden on the freeway in CR.  If you can call the Pan Am a freeway [roll]

My thoughts are that the Monster will get old quick.  There is an absolute lack of dealers down there to get even any basic repair supplies.  Pack anything you may need as parts will be weeks away and 100% more expensive due to the import duties.  Personally I would ride Honda or Yamaha dula sport as you can find parts down there for those.

Be very aware of your safety.  Some places can get down right dangerous.  All in all a great place though.  Good luck!

You just need to make sure to plan your route properly. Even the border crossing of the US and Mexico might be dangerous if you pick the wrong place. Beyond that I would say +1 to taking a Honda dually.

Yes, something like that F650 would be very cool but if I start down that road even a little bit I will have 5 digits of $$$$$ sunk into a new bike before I know it. Maybe on a subsequent intercontinental ride I will approach it differently, but I'm going to be so nervous and intense once I enter Matamoros that I'll have no desire to leave the Pan Am till I get to my final destination.

I thought San Jose CR had/has a Ducati dealership?  ???

I'm mainly wondering...during a 3000 mile journey on questionably maintained roads...what parts of a 13 year old air cooled Italian twin are guaranteed to give me trouble at the worst possible time....

wheels bearings, seals, R&R, fork seals, oil cooler ( from debris if it is left unprotected)

and BTW, for the record, I am jst making the suggestion as I would if you asked me which tool to use for a "fill in the blank".....you suggest using the right tool best capable of handling the job most successfully...not to say it can't be done with other things, but at what cost and how easily?

Just when you think the roads are in bad in Costa Rica don't forget you have to go through Nicaragua to get to them.  The roads in Nic make the roads in CR look like super highways.  Were it me I would load the piss out of a Honda 650 Dual Sport and head out!  Pick that bike up for 2k and it will go far more places than the Duc will.  Not to mention everyone has Honda parts down there.  It's part of why you don;t park your bike out of sight lol.

No Duc Buck and you will have a better trip.

I would cry if I were ever a No Duc Buck.

I can't fault your logic Barney but I guess if I had to explain it, I'd say that achieving this journey on my Monster is just as important to me as the journey itself. I need to see the bike I built in Cleveland OH sitting against the backdrop of a Central American jungle. I can't love a $2000 Craigslist Honda CRF they way I adore my Duc. And the Duc is what I wanna be kickin' it around San Jose all winter on. I wanna be the tatuajed gringo on the crazy Frankenmonster.

The trip itself is a weird masochistic need to test myself. I doubt I'll enjoy it the way I ought to, because being there is what I'm really looking forward to, and I'm gonna be scared shitless the whole way. Yet I'm sort of looking forward to that sensation of fear at the same time. I wonder if that's similar to the logic people who cut themselves employ, lol

 [thumbsup]  I want to see the blog!

 People didn't think that a Pani could go coast to coast either.....................

DO IT ON THE DUC!

You probably find the roads aren't that bad, especially if you don't go too far off track. There is a good crew of ducati riders in Mexico City, so that may be your last chance for ducati parts. What i would do, if your on good terms with one of your local dealers tell them your plan and ask to put you priority 1 when you call for parts shipped, and ask to change the label to avoid customs taxes. If not call Jeff at monster parts and ask him.

If you have an open mind and are not on a strict deadline, when you break down that's when the adventure begins! Roll with it, trust your instincts and enjoy your stay when your awaiting parts. Might be just one of the most memorable parts of your trip when a complete stranger helps you out in a foreign country when you don't speak the language. Happened to me when i broke down in Vietnam, kid stopped to help me and was able to get me going again.

One thing about third world countries, they are resourceful. if they don't have your part, they'll make it, and it will cost you less than what you paid for dinner and a beer tonight.

There's some sound advice around here about doing this trip on an appropriate DS bike (I'd take a DR650).....

But... I do totally get this...
You'll be fine on whatever you ride and if it means something to you to do it on your Duc.... then...   [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Some good advice there from DTM.

Good luck.

There is a good ride report  by a guy called CaveBiker on AdvRider on just such a trip...he and his girlfriend on a Harley Sportster....lots of info and pictures.

I will do a trip similar someday.  Just have to get past the next couple of years.  I just got approval to begin building an aircraft carrier so I am a bit busy for a few.

well at least you can stay on my couch here in Guatemala! welcome! I have tools and everything you need for a maintenance so come and stop by! ;)  [Dolph]

make sure you bring bearings, ceramic pads and good new tires, central america is A SHIT for roads, and please be careful, delinquency it's pretty F_cked up nowadays! DON'T ride at night in MX, or here, Honduras, Nicaragua, if you enter the border MX-GUA call me 502-54478800 and I´ll do the trip and escort you around, until you leave the country again... and PLEASE if you sea a Cop car, here they have pickups NEVER EVER EEEEEEVEEEER STOP at their will, just make it full gas, they will never catch you, they haven't catch me jaajajjaj a and if you have to stop  call me! i´ll deal with them jajajjaja good luck and hope to see you here soon! if you have iphone let's iMessage! bring wet gear, here it´s winter season and it's raining hard!

Thanks CM!! I very well may be taking you up on border crossing assistance!

I'm not sure how I feel about your advice to run from the cops though, lol...

Dude, I totally envy your ability to do this.
Sounds like a great adventure is waiting for you.  [thumbsup]
Though I can't seem to get the "Two Wheels Through Terror" thoughts out of my head.  :-X

North Mexico is still dangerous. Highway car jackings and assaults at gun point are not too uncommon. I recommend you do a little research on when to travel through this region. Some recommend very early morning hours, 0500-0800.
I have no first hand experience so take that for what it's worth.

Also recommend you decide your route through this region early. The toll roads are known for being somewhat safer than the public highway. It can get a bit pricey travelling down these toll roads but if safety is your #1 concern then that's the way to go.

The PanAmerican Highway starts in San Antonio. If you travel through these parts let me know.  I'll treat you to some good TexMex and a cold  [beer].

Safe travels.  [bacon]

Buck, what CM ment was cops use pick up trucks not cars and that's why you must "outrun" them, in Panama, they use, chinese made 250cc and 650cc made bikes, some have Suzuki GS500, some have newer Suzuki VStrom 650 others have KTM 990[usually VIP escorts], some drive Nissan Sentras[old B13], Ford Fusion, Ford F150, Nissan Frontier Diesel pick ups, Suzuki DR650 2up with submachine guns[passenger], bikes and cars are white and the other ones are yellow, both CAN stop and fine you . . . looking at your time table, I am still looking for a way to at least be able to greet you at our border, new dealership is gonna be in full swing by then and you're gonna arrive in the best season, 'summer'[no rain for us] and if you do arrive by carnival, lots of  [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [shot] [shot] [shot] [shot] [shot] [shot] [shot] [shot] and I would not recommend too much traveling since lots of drunken assholes on the roads . . .

Buck, you ever do this?

 [popcorn]

Nope. :( my bike crapped out shortly after this great idea. Then I decided I was gonna shoot for Mexico City as a less intense journey with fewer border hassles. But now I'm planning on even safer trip from San Diego down the Baja coast to Cabo. I'm not afraid for my safety but I am afraid of losing my bike. I'll definitely have a cool trip to report this winter because I'm getting out of OH before it gets miserably cold but it won't be nearly as radical as I'd originally aspired to. Why, do you speak Spanish and wanna come? That would boost my confidence immeasurably :)

My spanish is enough to get me to a bathroom or hospital, but that's about it.

Reason I asked was because I have a similar trip in the back of my mind, but I would plan to go through S. America, too.  Joined ADV like you, but not really active, just creeping and gathering info.  If I did it, it would be 2 years from now---"if" being the key word since, as you can attest, these trips are often abandoned as life gets in the way.

I did buy some camping gear and saddle bags this year specifically with the plan of using for moto travel.  Used once very successfully.  Small and light, so if you're in the market I can recommend a few things.  I hope to get one more moto-camping trip in this fall...

Re: Baja...I'm sure you've done/will do your research, but just know that the stretch basically from Ensenada to Cabo is barren.  Aside from the obvious fact that a breakdown may leave you stranded, this has two other consequences:

1) gas stations are very far apart (200+ miles I think)---make sure you've done the math and have the proper extra container(s) with enough petro to get you from one station to the next.

2)  truckers drive like madmen because it's boring and barren; they are on trucker "uppers" to stay awake and barreling down the highway.  Stay alert.

Good to know, because I didn't.  I do know that Baja is one of the most hassle free parts of Mexico for gringo to experience because of the lack of requirements for a visa or vehicle registration/fee. And south of Tijuana (although I go there every year and have been dozens of times) there is very little if any cartel activity. Plus the federales are in the business of keeping tourists reasonably safe there, and are reasonably less corrupt. Although sometimes the ability to pay "la mordita" to get on your way can have it's own benefits. ..

Really tho Baja is last on my list even though I'll do it first to gain confidence. Mexico City is #2 because of the relatively fast shot from Laredo and because it's one of the great international cities. Central America really is my #1 calling. Funny/cool story about a guy I know in San Jose Costa Rica; a high school acquaintance who everyone thought would end up dead or in prison. I catch up with him just a few years ago on Facebook. ..15 years ago he bought a one way flight to CR to get away from a drug dealing rap where he was facing 10 years. Met a beautiful girl and she became pregnant with his kid. Couple years later he decides to come home and face the music, straighten out his life. Does 2 years, gets out, enrolls in college. Does one semester in school and as soon as he gets his loan check he takes off back to CR. Fast forward to today; he has a beautiful family, hot wife 3 kids and is self employed as an offshore sports bookie. Nice house with a pool and a full legal resident of beautiful CR. Super smart, thoughtful, articulate dude. A guy we all pegged as good as dead. I just think that's a cool story. He obviously speaks fluent Spanish these days. He had found me a really sweet furnished apartment and was gonna arrange to meet me in Belize before the trip fell through.

Yeah, Baja is definitely the safer way.  I got pretty scared recently when I read this:

http://ktla.com/2014/07/18/remains-found-in-plastic-bags-in-mexico-iidd-as-missing-american/ (http://ktla.com/2014/07/18/remains-found-in-plastic-bags-in-mexico-iidd-as-missing-american/)

Sad story.  Basically what I was/am hoping to do, which was a reality check for me.  I had assumed Mexico was bad near the border (e.g. Juarez), but after that it was okay with maybe some rough spots to avoid.  After reading the article I went onto US State Department website for travel advisories.  Not good.  Pretty much every state in Mexico (except a few) say "US Gov't advises you defer non-essential travel".  I mapped it and you really can't avoid going through the travel advisory states:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html)

I tend to ignore fear-mongering, but here it looks like Mexico really is dangerous for someone traveling alone on a bike with US plates.  A buddy suggested I go via Baja and then ferry it over to SW Mexico.  Could be an option.  But I have time to plan or skip it all.  Or abort and just ride through Canada.  ;D

I would never down play the dangers in Mexico but I would take the U.S State advisories with a grain of salt. They Issue blanket global travel warnings at the drop of a hat, as in; TAKE COVER, DON'T go *anywhere*! If a single American is a victim of violence anywhere abroad they issue an advisory for it. Friggin Paris makes the list several times a year. Common sense goes a long way...don't try to buy drugs, walk around in shit neighborhoods alone flashing cash...basically don't do anything you wouldn't do in North Detroit or East Chicago.

I realize that in under developed countries there are very real dangers to be wary of but I also think the dangers are way exaggerated.  I have several friends and acquaintances in Mexico and Central/South America doing activist work and they are perfectly safe. That being said...the intimidation factor is exacerbated when you're in a completely alien culture and you don't speak the language.