New South American V-Strom (#5)

When I travel I frequently check out international rider sites.  While reading The Hubb I ran across a future for-sale ad posted by an Aussie adventure rider.  He had purchased a '09 V-Strom new in Michigan, ridden all 48 lower states, then driven up to Alaska where he began driving the Pan American highway.  He had just finished the ride to Fin del Mundo (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) and was heading north to Buenos Aires.

The bike was well appointed, had quite a few (49,000) "highway miles" but was priced right; I couldn't resist and we agreed on terms via email before he reached the city.  The miles don't scare be as these things are more reliable than the energizer bunny and the big BMW adventure bikes - they've been around long enough that some are starting to turn 100,000 miles without issues.
I just had knee surgery so I won't be able to ride much this trip.

V-Strom #4

I just picked up my 4th v-strom; a black '08 DL650 with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. The BMW was sexy and sleek and a total pain to ride - too tall and it has no provision for a proper windshield which was unbearable for any duration at speed.

Strom4 came with, and I've already bolted on, some Hepco Becker crash bars and engine bash guard. I've already ordered a Madstad windshield, luggage, and barbacks... A few more goodies and I just might have to head south (or north, or east) - The open road is calling...

Chau Mr. Moto

Mr. Moto found a new rider today and is heading north to Mexico via... everywhere. 
Roman loaded up and is heading out soon; it should be a great adventure.
Bon Voyage!

The Last Frontier?

Took the early buquebus accross the river to Colonia, Uruaguay and then headed up river via Dolores and Mercedes before a final crossing into Argentina at Gualeguaychu. 

My goal was to confuse the Aduana into letting me into the country again with the moto; it worked. 

I've another 8 month extension but alas the moto is sold so the entire trip was just to facilitate the sale in BsAs vs Uraguay.   

Met amigos for lunch in Gualeguaychu and then rode the few hours back into the Buenos Aires. 

Sold the V-Strom in South America

A sad day.

It's been a great bike, and I really would love to keep it, but the Argentine government won't renew my temporary import documents again (bastards) after 20+ border entries.  They've got this law...

I posted ads on international rider sites and a russian adventure rider bought it.  Arranging that transaction was interesting.  
I'll be in Argentina in early December to hand over the keys and collect a few rubles/pesos/bongos and then she's back to the open road, destination Mexico.

I wish him only the best luck and many happy adventures!
Le deseo sólo la mejor suerte y muchas aventuras felices!
Я желаю ему только лучший удачи и много счастливы приключений!

San Antonio de Areco, Argentina

Headed south for a quick trip to take care of some business. 
It's winter here but the day was nice so I called Walter, who was free, and we rode out of town to a new destination.  Wound up 130 km north-west of Buenos Aires in a little town called San Antonio de Areco for a late lunch in the plaza. 
We did a slow cruise home through evening rush hour traffic as the sun was setting and a cold front was trying to drop some patagonian rain. 

cafe in the plaza

Yesterday I installed new JT Sprockets front and back and had the oil changed (less than a thousand miles but it has been 6 months - it's cheap insurance... odo kicked over 35,000)