BajaNomad

Motorcycle Broken down in Baja on route to South America - need a ride to San Diego for repairs - UPDATED

DENNIS - 10-9-2013 at 12:17 PM

Good luck, Allan. Wish I was over there to help you out.
Hang tight........someone around SF will see this.

willardguy - 10-9-2013 at 12:21 PM

headed to south america without a spare big end bearing in the fanny pack!:lol: better it happen here than there eh? :o

shari - 10-9-2013 at 01:27 PM

Bajagypsy is heading north but not for another couple weeks...and they are towing a trailer with quads..if nothing else comes up

rts551 - 10-9-2013 at 01:33 PM

just came north with a pick=up and trailer last week. sorry.

tripledigitken - 10-9-2013 at 01:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
just came north with a pick=up and trailer last week. sorry.


Ralph,

How was the section south of Coco's?

Ken

DENNIS - 10-9-2013 at 01:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
just came north with a pick=up and trailer last week. sorry.

Very helpful, Ralph. :lol:

Jes kiddin'....jokein' 'n joshin wicha. :lol:

rts551 - 10-9-2013 at 02:11 PM

At least I had the pick-up and trailer , Dennis. ppplllluuttttt



Ken....The section between Coco's and HWY 1 was washboard and washout.

ride share

akshadow - 10-9-2013 at 02:12 PM

you might try San Felipe Ride share facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanfeliperideshare/
Quote:
Originally posted by amberry141
Hello Everyone,

My name is Allan Berry and I am from Vancouver in Canada. A few weeks ago I set out on a trip to the end of South America on my enduro. Unfortunately, the bottom end bearing on the connecting rode has gone out in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. The bike is a 2012 which I bought new, and the manufacture has stated that they will stand by their product even though it is a few months out of warranty. The big challenge I am having is getting the bike back to San Diego so that it san be fixed. None of the Mexican drivers that I spoken to can cross the border. If anyone is heading north to San Diego in a pickup truck or is towing a trailer and would give me a ride. The help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would be more than happy to cover all of the fuel costs and meals along the way. For reference, San Felipe is about a 4 hour drive from San Diego.

I can be reached at:

catia_designer@hotmail.com or my wife in Vancouver can be called at 604-537-0504.

BajaGeoff - 10-9-2013 at 03:52 PM

Check in at Pete's Camp this weekend. They are doing their annual Poker Run and hundreds of people come down from the states to attend and take part on bikes, buggies, trucks etc. I bet there would be plenty of folks willing to help you get back to San Diego....

walters886 - 10-9-2013 at 04:27 PM

Allen, One thing that the Baja experience has taught me is most everyone develops their unique kind of resourcefulness. By that I mean alternative ways to solve a problem - Baja style. For example, rather than haul the bike NOB, why not have the dealer ship you an engine or parts SOB? Much more likely for folks traveling SOB to have space to haul an engine/parts. Some advantages and disadvantages for sure. But if you had a replacement engine/parts I'm sure you or one of a thousand capable Baja mechanics could wrench on it and you'd be on your way. Just my two centavos on your plight. Good luck. ws

[Edited on 10-9-2013 by walters886]

willardguy - 10-9-2013 at 04:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by walters886
Allen, One thing that the Baja experience has taught me is most everyone develops their unique kind of resourcefulness. By that I mean alternative ways to solve a problem - Baja style. For example, rather than haul the bike NOB, why not have the dealer ship you an engine or parts SOB? Much more likely for folks traveling SOB to have space to haul an engine/parts. Some advantages and disadvantages for sure. But if you had a replacement engine/parts I'm sure you or one of a thousand capable Baja mechanics could wrench on it and you'd be on your way. Just my two centavos on your plight. Good luck. ws

[Edited on 10-9-2013 by walters886]
good point but how many of those thousand capable mechanics would you trust splitting the case's on your new motorcycle, especially when the manufacturer is willing to pick up the tab under warranty? I'd go north!:yes:

BajaBlanca - 10-10-2013 at 06:32 AM

I also think if you work on the bike south of the border it might void any warranty?

mtgoat666 - 10-10-2013 at 07:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by walters886
Allen, One thing that the Baja experience has taught me is most everyone develops their unique kind of resourcefulness. By that I mean alternative ways to solve a problem - Baja style. For example, rather than haul the bike NOB, why not have the dealer ship you an engine or parts SOB? Much more likely for folks traveling SOB to have space to haul an engine/parts. Some advantages and disadvantages for sure. But if you had a replacement engine/parts I'm sure you or one of a thousand capable Baja mechanics could wrench on it and you'd be on your way. Just my two centavos on your plight. Good luck. ws

[Edited on 10-9-2013 by walters886]
good point but how many of those thousand capable mechanics would you trust splitting the case's on your new motorcycle, especially when the manufacturer is willing to pick up the tab under warranty? I'd go north!:yes:


The guy says he is on way to south America. He needs to get used to doing own repairs or local mechanics.

Hauling bike nob sounds like a lot of work and wasted time. He should consider repairing it locally and get on with trip.

One option nobody mentioned. He can easily hire local to haul it to border, then he can push bike across border and then get another ride. This can be done yesterday, while waiting for ride may take week plus.

willardguy - 10-10-2013 at 09:47 AM

The guy says he is on way to south America. He needs to get used to doing own repairs or local mechanics.

im gonna take a stab and assume you have never split a case and pushed a crankshaft out of a bearing! special tools are required here, a screwdriver and a mojave hammer isnt gonna get you on your way:rolleyes:

[Edited on 10-10-2013 by willardguy]

motoged - 10-10-2013 at 10:19 AM

Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666


[Edited on 10-9-2013 by walters886]
good point but how many of those thousand capable mechanics would you trust splitting the case's on your new motorcycle, especially when the manufacturer is willing to pick up the tab under warranty? I'd go north!:yes:


One option nobody mentioned. He can easily hire local to haul it to border, then he can push bike across border and then get another ride. This can be done yesterday, while waiting for ride may take week plus.


Getting it done the correct (warranty) way in USA is the best aidea as he is so close to border....I would also agree with the "push across border" idea.

Once back on the road, he can get used to local mechanics. As he is riding an enduro to South America (most of these riders get to La Paz and have had enough :biggrin:) he has lots of time to get used to such hassles. Wait until he gets to the Honduras border and getting across the Darien....then he will be well-seasoned as to what's what.:saint:

Alan,
Best of luck on your journey !

P.S. What bike are you riding

bajadogs - 10-10-2013 at 11:14 AM

I totally agree motoged. It would probably be more difficult to get the proper parts for the repair transported to SF than to get the bike to a dealer NOB. Allan will have plenty of opportunities dealing with local mechanics. At this point one step back may be 2 steps forward.

Good luck man!


Edit - Sorry, I missed the updated info.

I hope you keep us all updated on your journey.

[Edited on 10-10-2013 by bajadogs]

BajaRat - 10-10-2013 at 11:30 AM

That's not a quick or easy fix, get it done under warranty.This would not be a repair I'd want less than the dealer to deal with. Your just getting your timing right Allen :biggrin:
No worries, enjoy the adventure, I've always wanted to make that trip.
Post pics of the trip along the way, love to follow along :cool:

Ateo - 10-10-2013 at 11:32 AM

Allan has gone quiet. =)

mtgoat666 - 10-10-2013 at 11:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
The guy says he is on way to south America. He needs to get used to doing own repairs or local mechanics.

im gonna take a stab and assume you have never split a case and pushed a crankshaft out of a bearing! special tools are required here, a screwdriver and a mojave hammer isnt gonna get you on your way:rolleyes:

[Edited on 10-10-2013 by willardguy]


no, but i am sure non-dealer mechanics do it all the time :cool:

i wonder what brand bike it is,... disconcerting to have main crank bearings fail at only one year old!

motoged - 10-10-2013 at 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
no, but i am sure non-dealer mechanics do it all the time :cool:

i wonder what brand bike it is,... disconcerting to have main crank bearings fail at only one year old!


Use the warranty offer. I don't doubt a good Mexican mechanic could do it, it just voids the warranty and waiting for parts in SF could take more time than even pushing the bike all the way to Calexico :biggrin:

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 02:02 PM

first post tells you its a KTM. and no, its not an easy fix. Cases split and special tools required to deal with the crank. (if that is all it is). My Mexican motorcycle Mechanic (not just a mechanic) had to send our crank from Ensenada to the USA to be rebuilt. Push the bike across.

willardguy - 10-10-2013 at 02:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
first post tells you its a KTM. and no, its not an easy fix. Cases split and special tools required to deal with the crank. (if that is all it is). My Mexican motorcycle Mechanic (not just a mechanic) had to send our crank from Ensenada to the USA to be rebuilt. Push the bike across.
allan just edited in that its a KTM, piece of cake for mtgoat's mechanics!:lol:

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 02:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
first post tells you its a KTM. and no, its not an easy fix. Cases split and special tools required to deal with the crank. (if that is all it is). My Mexican motorcycle Mechanic (not just a mechanic) had to send our crank from Ensenada to the USA to be rebuilt. Push the bike across.
allan just edited in that its a KTM, piece of cake for mtgoat's mechanics!:lol:


Obviously a motorcycle expert.

msteve1014 - 10-10-2013 at 03:26 PM

and he is saying that it is the big end of the rod, the crank needs to be split after the cases get split..... it's a big job.

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 04:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
and he is saying that it is the big end of the rod, the crank needs to be split after the cases get split..... it's a big job.


yes sir! but I doubt the goat knows what a split crank is. Sounds like it is a RFS motor

tripledigitken - 10-10-2013 at 04:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
and he is saying that it is the big end of the rod, the crank needs to be split after the cases get split..... it's a big job.


yes sir! but I doubt the goat knows what a split crank is. Sounds like it is a RFS motor


Goat has spent the last 7 years blasting offroad cyclists, now he's advising how to a repair on one. Love it.

mtgoat666 - 10-10-2013 at 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
and he is saying that it is the big end of the rod, the crank needs to be split after the cases get split..... it's a big job.


yes sir! but I doubt the goat knows what a split crank is. Sounds like it is a RFS motor


Goat has spent the last 7 years blasting offroad cyclists, now he's advising how to a repair on one. Love it.


i used to ride motorcycles, until i gained some common sense. had a yamaha 250 dirt bike, had a honda cb 500 twin (street) bike, and a vespa scooter. did most repairs myself. i suppose new fangled bikes are harder to work on than the 1970s and early 80s vintage bikes i had.

i now only ride mtn bikes. and you are right, i the older/smarter me thinks offroad motorcycles are destructive, and thinks street bikes are just insane in a world of texting and cell phone yacking car drivers

motoged - 10-10-2013 at 04:47 PM

Great detective work....

Now, what model KTM?

My bet would be either a new 500 EXC or a 690 (but no such complaints about the 690's....yet)....

KTM's love Baja:


450 EXC:










690 R:

DT Bushpilot's:




Mine:

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 05:08 PM

we have owned and raced a 525 xc quad since 2008. The 500 xc exc (RFS motor) would be a good bet given the problem but for such a long ride I'm betting the 690 which I believe (not sure) has an entirely different design.

Our big end rod bearing went at about 50 hours so we rebuilt and went with a Carrillo rod and bearing. no more problems.


[img][/img]


[img][/img]

[Edited on 10-11-2013 by rts551]

dtbushpilot - 10-10-2013 at 05:21 PM

Has anyone else noticed that amberry has let us go on pontificating without him?

willardguy - 10-10-2013 at 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
Has anyone else noticed that amberry has let us go on pontificating without him?
he pushed his bike over to big boy's to watch the bears and the giants!:lol:

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 05:40 PM

He has a ride North.

Goat - Why would you give advice to someone on a subject you admittedly have little knowledge of. Don't worry, you have company. Its a disease that allows people to provide road conditions from a one time 10 year old trip.:lol:

Curt63 - 10-10-2013 at 06:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
we have owned and raced a 525 xc quad since 2008. The 500 xc exc (RFS motor) would be a good bet given the problem but for such a long ride I'm betting the 690 which I believe (not sure) has an entirely different design.

Our big end rod bearing went at about 50 hours so we rebuilt and went with a Carrillo rod and bearing. no more problems.
_________________________

Gringuito Loko!

__________________________
[img][/img]


[img][/img]

[Edited on 10-11-2013 by rts551]

amberry141 - 10-10-2013 at 07:16 PM

Sorry for going quiet but just got back to San Diego and the bike is in for repairs. Thanks for all your comments and support. I will try to post once I get back on the road.

Allan

DENNIS - 10-10-2013 at 07:36 PM

Right on, Allan. Keep on truckin'. Keep us posted.


By the way....how did you get north? Did I miss that part?

amberry141 - 10-10-2013 at 07:52 PM

Thanks Dennis, I managed to secure a ride to San Diego by subsidizing a tire run.

Ateo - 10-10-2013 at 07:54 PM

Glad to hear you're getting stuff fixed and making progress.

rts551 - 10-10-2013 at 08:17 PM

Hope the repairs go quickly

READY TO RACE!

DENNIS - 10-10-2013 at 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by amberry141
Thanks Dennis, I managed to secure a ride to San Diego by subsidizing a tire run.



Gotta do whacha gotta do. Good luck on your journey.

BajaRat - 10-12-2013 at 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by amberry141
Thanks Dennis, I managed to secure a ride to San Diego by subsidizing a tire run.



Now that's the Baja we love, keep us posted on the trip Allen :cool:

apogee - 10-16-2013 at 05:31 PM

San Felipe is walking distance from San Diego with a very high volume of people with sand toys that go to ride the dunes out there..Something is peculiar about this whole scenario.

willardguy - 10-16-2013 at 05:42 PM

:wow:

rts551 - 10-16-2013 at 05:48 PM

:tumble: