I'm on my way home. There's a long bus ride to the border then to Bangkok. Then there's a long series of flights, so I'll be moving for 40-some hours. I'll send out another post once I get home, which should be Saturday afternoon at your GMT - 5.00. Thanks for reading.

Adam (and any other motorcycle people who are lurking), look into the Honda Africa Twin, or the Suzuki DR 800 or DR 350. I think the two bigger ones don't get imported into the US, but the DR 350 with a bigger tank, saddle bags and a better seat might be sweet for South America. There were times the last few days when going through rough dirt and rocks or through sand, when I was glad to have a light-weight bike. It would be great to go on a trip with you. The DR 350 is supposed to be a rock-solid engine. It needs more research.

I'll see you all soon.

Jason

PS. I am in no way superstitious, but if you are never name a motorcycle "La Poderosa." Yesterday, I lost all electrical on it and had to roll-start it to get back from nowhere. An old rice farmer helped push. They had bypassed the main fuse with some strands of wire which of course came loose.